- The Hole in the Wall (Armagh City): Located on Market Street, this historic pub dates back to 1615 and was originally a jail. It hosts the longest continuous bar counter in Ireland and is known for its cozy, low-ceilinged interior with thick beams and an open fire. Its rich history, friendly ghost named Wilfy, and resident mascot, Casper the parrot, add unique charm. It was voted the best pub in the region, offering a lively atmosphere with live music and a wide selection of drinks. Expect a warm, historic ambiance with excellent Guinness, quality food, and a welcoming crowd. The pub is ideal for those seeking an authentic Irish experience with a touch of the supernatural.
- Red Neds (Armagh City): Situated on Ogle Street, this 104-year-old pub is renowned for its traditional yet modern vibe, offering one of the best pints of Guinness in Armagh and an extensive drink collection, including 20 Irish whiskeys. Known for its cleanliness, live music every Friday and Saturday, and six flat-screen TVs showing sports. Its reputation for a spotless environment and top-notch service makes it a local favorite. Visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere, great food (like lamb shanks and ribs), and a clean, welcoming setting perfect for sports fans or those seeking traditional music.
- Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant (Armagh City): A family-run traditional pub on Irish Street, Keegan’s offers a cozy dark wood interior, home-cooked food, and a wide range of drinks at competitive prices. Its affordable bar snack menu and warm, family-oriented atmosphere make it a go-to spot for locals. The pub emphasizes local flavor and Irish hospitality. A relaxed setting with tasty, budget-friendly meals and live music. Ideal for a casual meal or drink with friendly service.
- McConville’s (Portadown): Located on Mandeville Street since the 1800s, this pub retains original snugs, etched windows, and a high-ornamented ceiling. It’s known for its Titanic-themed wooden bar design. The preserved snugs with working bell-push buttons for service and historical features like a gas mantle and ornate cigar lighter make it a CAMRA Heritage Pub. Its connection to Titanic craftsmanship is a unique draw. A step back in time with a traditional pub experience, complete with frosted glass windows, a beer garden, and hearty pub food. Perfect for history buffs and those seeking authentic charm.
- Digby’s Bar and Restaurant (Killylea): An award-winning gastropub on Killylea’s tree-lined main street, Digby’s started as a pub and greengrocer in 1910 and remains family-run, offering locally sourced cuisine. Its countryside setting and focus on high-quality, local ingredients make it a standout for food lovers. The gastropub combines traditional pub vibes with refined dining. A cozy, welcoming atmosphere with excellent food, from hearty pub classics to more sophisticated dishes. Ideal for a relaxed meal in a picturesque village.
- Basil Sheils Bar & Restaurant (Keady): Situated near the Callan River, this gastropub is a leading dining spot in County Armagh, known for its relaxing countryside setting and quality food and drinks. Its reputation as a top restaurant in the county, with a focus on beautiful dishes and a serene riverside location, sets it apart. A tranquil dining experience with high-quality meals and drinks, perfect for those seeking a countryside escape with excellent cuisine.
- Bennetts (Portadown): A popular pub and gastropub on Mandeville Street, Bennetts offers a variety of beers, quality wines, great food, and cocktails, along with live entertainment and pool tables. Its versatility, with a terraced garden, VIP area, and diverse entertainment options, makes it a lively destination. The pub’s casual yet vibrant atmosphere is a draw. A fun, social experience with good food, drinks, and entertainment, suitable for groups or those looking for a lively night out.
- Toby Jug (Armagh City): A dog-friendly pub known for its excellent Guinness, friendly service, and cozy beer garden with heaters. It’s part of Armagh’s blues scene, hosting renowned artists. Its pet-friendly policy, award-winning service, and connection to the local music scene, particularly during blues events, make it unique. A welcoming, relaxed pub with great pints, good food, and a vibrant atmosphere during music events. Perfect for pet owners and music lovers.
- O’Toole’s Bar and Restaurant (Ballymacnab): A country bar and restaurant in Ballymacnab, O’Toole’s offers excellent food and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great venue for special occasions. Its rural setting and reputation for quality food at great value (e.g., three courses for £10 on certain nights) make it a hidden gem. A clean, welcoming venue with hearty meals and a community feel, ideal for a relaxed dining experience in the countryside.
- The Beehive (Lurgan): Located on William Street, this pub is known for its friendly vibe, good drinks, and competitive atmosphere compared to nearby establishments. Its reputation as a top pub in Lurgan, with a focus on a lively yet welcoming environment, makes it a local favorite. A classic pub experience with good drinks and a social atmosphere, perfect for a casual night out in Lurgan.
- McKenna’s Bar (Armagh City): Situated on Lower English Street, McKenna’s is a traditional pub with a friendly vibe, known for its quality drinks and welcoming staff. The bar’s reputation for excellent service, particularly from staff like “John with the glasses,” and its classic pub atmosphere make it notable. A cozy, traditional pub experience with good drinks and friendly locals, ideal for a laid-back evening.
- The Station Bar (Armagh City): Located on Railway Street, this pub is known for its quiet ambiance during the day and lively music nights, particularly during events like blues weekends. Its historical charm and role as a music venue, combined with affordable drinks (e.g., £3 pints), make it a unique spot. A relaxed daytime visit or a lively evening with live music, offering a traditional pub setting with a focus on affordability.
- The Corner House Bar (Lurgan): A traditional pub in Lurgan, praised for its great beers, Sunday lunch, and welcoming owner, Charlie, who ensures a hospitable experience. Its authentic, no-frills pub atmosphere and excellent Sunday roasts make it a local favorite for traditional pub grub. A warm, traditional pub experience with hearty food and a community vibe, perfect for a Sunday lunch or casual drink.
- Turners Bar at Charlemont Arms Hotel (Armagh City): A brasserie/wine bar within the Charlemont Arms Hotel, Turners offers high-quality, locally sourced food in a historic setting with Armagh marble floors and Belfast sinks. Its unique decor, combining traditional elements like brick fireplaces with a modern dining experience, makes it a standout gastropub. A refined yet cozy dining experience with seasonal menus, extensive wine lists, and excellent service, ideal for a special meal.
- O’Hanlon’s Bar (The Bridge Bar) (Mullaghbane): Located in Mullaghbane, this 400-year-old pub, also known as The Bridge Bar, has been run by 17 generations of the same family. It’s part of the “Famous Pubs Trail” and features traditional music. Its ancient history, riverside setting, and family legacy, along with local memorabilia, make it a cultural gem. A deeply traditional experience with live music, great craic, and a historic ambiance, perfect for those seeking an authentic Irish pub
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County Armagh:
Ireland’s County Armagh is steeped in history and natural beauty, with the Navan Fort, an ancient ceremonial site, offering archaeological intrigue. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium provide stargazing opportunities, while the city’s two cathedrals reflect its ecclesiastical heritage. Other attractions include the nearby Slieve Gullion Forest Park with its hiking trails and panoramic views. Armagh is Ireland’s fifth smallest county by size (1,253 square km) and tenth largest by population (194,394). Population peaked at 232,393 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,815, in 1937. In terms of hospitality, Armagh is Ireland’s 26th most visited tourist county with around 57,000 international visitors per year.
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