County Armagh ~ Northern Ireland

County Armagh, known as Contae Ard Mhacha in Irish Gaelic is one of the six traditional counties in the province of Northern Ireland or Ulster. The county has one of the longest recorded history in all of Ireland and it seems to have been the home land of many of the heroes of Irish myth and legend. There are archaeological remains showing that in prehistoric times it was the hunting ground of Mesolithic hunters and centuries later was cultivated by Neolithic man. Ancient religious sites are common as are impressive burial mounds. The county is home to the impressive historical monument of Navan Fort. This was a collection of buildings built around a huge wooden structure that appears to have had a ritual purpose. The structure was burnt and its ashes covered with turf, forming a mound that can still be seen. The area is also the site of Emain Macha - the main court of the old Celtic kings of Ulster, especially King Conchobor mac Nessa who with his Red Branch Knights is the local equivalent of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The legendary hero Cu Chulainn is said to have lived here and to have fought his great enemy Queen Maeve nearby. The county's chief town is the City of Armagh and is arguably the oldest town in the country. It boasts a magnificent cathedral on the site of where Ireland's Patron Saint Patrick established a church in the 5th century, and has long been held as the Christian Capital of Ireland.

In later periods the County was the site of a camp for German prisoners of war between 1939 and 1945. During the period of the so called 'troubles' between Irish Nationalists and the British Government, the area near to the border with Eire was heavily militarised. The region was predominantly pro-republican and saw much of the violence and tragedy of those turbulent times.

Geography

The County of Armagh lies to the South East of Ulster and shares county boundaries with the other Northern Irish Counties of Down and Tyrone and across the border with the Republic of Ireland's Counties Louth and Monaghan. The great Lough Neagh lies to the north of the County. The county has a number of impressive mountains, but predominantly consists of fertile lowlands and lakes. Although Armagh is the administrative capital, the town of Lurgan to the north is the major population centre.

Industry

Thanks to its incredibly fertile, peat rich soil; County Armagh benefits from a strong agricultural industry. Apple production is extensive and the region is sometimes called the Orchard of Ireland. There are a number of small,light industrial sites in and around the larger towns, although today, the service industry is a major form of employment. Now that the worst of the sectarian violence seems to be over, there are signs that tourism is becoming a major factor in the area's economy, with visitors again travelling to visit and enjoy the attractive countryside and experience the history of this fine county.

Cities, towns and villages within County Armagh