Located at 81 Killylea Road, just 2 miles west of Armagh City, County Armagh, the Navan Centre & Fort is a premier archaeological and cultural attraction, interpreting the ancient ceremonial site of Navan Fort (Emain Macha), the legendary capital of Ulster and seat of the Kings of Ulster. Steeped in over 2,000 years of history and mythology, this site is linked to the Ulster Cycle, the goddess Macha, and the hero Cú Chulainn.
Managed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, it is a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award winner and Armagh’s top attraction, offering an immersive blend of history, mythology, and interactive experiences.
Visitor Centre:
- Exhibition Space: A recently updated, interactive exhibit uncovers Navan Fort’s story as a pagan ceremonial site dating to 95 BC. Highlights include a 2,000-year-old timber piece from the great temple, artifacts from nearby sites like Loughnashade and King’s Stables, and a timeline linking the fort to Saint Patrick’s establishment of Armagh as Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital. Multilingual audio-visual shows (English, French, Spanish, and more via the centre’s app) delve into the Ulster Cycle’s tales of Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights.
- Ancient Grounds Coffee Shop: Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, offering breakfast (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) and lunch (12:00 PM–3:00 PM) with locally sourced dishes, homemade scones, and a cozy atmosphere with views of the historic landscape.
- Gift Shop: Stocks books on Irish mythology, local crafts, and souvenirs, praised for its variety.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, clean toilets, and a mini-theatre for audio-visual presentations. The centre is fully accessible, with adaptable services for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including sensory guides.
- Living History Experience (April–September): Visitors can immerse themselves in Iron Age life at a reconstructed Celtic settlement, where costumed re-enactors (e.g., “warrior” Fergus) demonstrate daily tasks like cooking, weaving, and weapon preparation. Interactive activities include sword-swinging lessons, dressing in period costumes, and applying war paint, engaging visitors of all ages (particularly children aged 3–14). Reviews highlight the performers’ authenticity and enthusiasm, with one guide noted for ending a tour with a mini-keyboard serenade atop Navan Fort.
- The experience lasts about 1.5 hours and is highly interactive, drawing visitors into the world of the Red Branch Knights.
- Guided Tours to Navan Fort: Guided tours (1–1.5 hours) lead visitors along a path to Navan Fort, a large circular earthwork (250m diameter) on a drumlin, featuring a 6m-high mound and a ring barrow. Guides like Megan, Rosaleen, Aoife, Fiona, or Connell explain the fort’s ceremonial significance, its construction (a huge roundhouse filled with stones, burned, and covered with earth), and nearby sites like Haughey’s Fort and Loughnashade. Tours offer stunning sunset views and historical insights, with some allowing time to explore the grassy hilltops independently.
- The fort’s woodland walk at the base is wheelchair-accessible, but the fort’s grassy slopes are not suitable for those with mobility issues or unaccompanied children under 16.
Outdoor Exploration:
- The site’s 3km (2-mile) setting in the scenic Armagh countryside offers serene walks with views of the drumlin landscape. Nearby sites like King’s Stables (a man-made pool) and Loughnashade (a natural lake with Iron Age artifacts) enrich the experience, though they require additional walking.
- Accessibility and Practicalities: 3.2km west of Armagh City on the A28 (Killylea/Caledon direction), accessible by car (free parking) or the 73 bus from Armagh. A lay-by on Navan Fort Road provides direct fort access.
- Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (last entry 3:00 PM). Pre-booking is essential via www.navancentre.com or +44 (0)28 3752 9644.
- Pricing: £12.50/adult, £8.50/child (5–17), £10.50/student/senior, £37/family (2 adults, up to 3 children).
- The visitor centre and woodland walk are fully accessible, with sensory accommodations for ASD visitors. The fort’s slopes require moderate fitness.
Visitor Feedback:
- With 391 Tripadvisor reviews and a Travellers’ Choice Award (2023), the centre is praised as “incredible” and “engaging,” with standout staff (Megan, Rosaleen, Connell) lauded for their passion and knowledge. Visitors highlight the interactive Celtic village, beautiful centre, and informative tours, though some wish for longer hours. Families note its appeal for children, with activities keeping even young kids (e.g., 3-year-olds) entertained for 1.5 hours.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with Armagh’s Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, or Gosford Forest Park for a full day. The centre’s proximity to Armagh (10-minute drive) makes it ideal for combining with the city’s Georgian heritage.
New developments:
- Launched in May 2025, the coffee shop introduced a refreshed summer menu with locally sourced breakfast and lunch options (10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday), augmenting the dining experience with new dishes and the signature homemade scones.
- New living history demonstrations or storytelling sessions in the Celtic village, tied to seasonal festivals like Samhain or Lughnasadh, given the site’s pagan roots.
- Additional archaeology-focused talks or hands-on activities (e.g., pottery or weaving workshops), leveraging the centre’s updated exhibition space. Check www.navancentre.com or @NavanCentreFort on Facebook for schedules.
- Enhanced Accessibility Features: Following 2024 feedback, the centre is likely expanding its ASD-friendly services, adding more sensory guides or quiet hours to ensure inclusivity, aligning with its AccessAble listing.
Practicalities:
- Planning Tips: Book tours in advance, especially for the living history experience (April–September). Wear sturdy shoes for the fort’s grassy slopes and bring a jacket for outdoor tours. Allow 2–3 hours for a full visit, including the centre, village, and fort. Combine with Armagh’s cultural sites for a rich historical day out. Ideal for families, what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, and mythology enthusiasts, Navan Centre & Fort blends education with immersive fun. The 2025 menu and events make it a vibrant stop in Armagh’s Orchard County.
- For the latest updates, visit via www.navancentre.com
