The No 5 Vicars’ Hill, located at Vicars’ Hill, Armagh, BT61 7ED, is a unique and intimate museum housed in a Grade A listed Georgian building, originally built in 1772 by Archbishop Richard Robinson as the Diocesan Registry for the Church of Ireland. Managed by the Armagh Robinson Library, this attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into Armagh’s rich history and ecclesiastical heritage.
No 5 Vicars’ Hill is a small but richly curated museum, celebrated for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and diverse collections. Despite its modest exterior, the building opens into two striking octagonal rooms with vaulted ceilings, creating a unique and intimate setting. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:
Historical Architecture:
- Unique Design: Built in 1772, the museum retains its original features, including a small hallway leading to two octagonal rooms with vaulted ceilings, which once served as secure storage for Church of Ireland and civil records. The building’s unassuming facade belies its interior, making it a hidden gem.
- Restoration: Restored by the Armagh Robinson Library in 2011, the building is impeccably maintained, with reviewers praising the sensitive restoration that honors its historical significance. Visitors often note the architectural charm, with one describing it as a “magic little museum” and “totally unique.”
Exhibitions and Collections:
- Diverse Artifacts: The museum displays a selection of the Armagh Robinson Library’s collections, including:
- Ancient Coins and Medals: Roman and medieval coins, including rare casts from the Paris mint (c. 1690) and James Tassie’s ‘gems’ from the 1770s, reproducing classical figures in sulphur paste, collected by figures like Catherine the Great.
- Archaeological Artifacts: Neolithic stone tools, Bronze Age weapons, and early Christian artifacts, such as Irish hand bells.
- Fine Art and Prints: Eighteenth-century fine art, including Hogarth’s satirical engravings from the library’s internationally significant print collection.
- Historical Maps and Documents: Old maps of Armagh from 1600 onwards, providing insight into the city’s settlement patterns, and a timeline of religious leaders from Saint Patrick to the present Archbishop, noting key events like the Viking arrival.
- 3D Model: A three-dimensional model of Armagh City from the early 19th century offers a bird’s-eye view of its historical layout.
- Church Records: While the original diocesan records are no longer stored here, examples are displayed, and staff can guide visitors on accessing the archives at the Armagh Robinson Library for deeper research.
Interactive and Family-Friendly Features:
- Touch Screens: Interactive touch screens allow visitors to explore the collections in greater depth, catering to those seeking a detailed experience.
- Children’s Activities: Younger visitors can engage with activity sheets to write their names in Ogham (the earliest form of Irish script), handle replica coins, complete quizzes, create rubbings of medals and ancient bronze objects, or assemble jigsaws of old prints. These activities make the museum appealing to families.
- Museum Trail: A trail designed for children keeps them engaged while exploring the exhibits.
Guided Tours and Staff Interaction:
- Knowledgeable Guides: Visitors consistently praise the friendly and informative staff, particularly curator Stephen Day, who offers personaliised tours. Reviews highlight his ability to tailor tours to visitors’ interests, from quick overviews to in-depth historical discussions, often sharing engaging stories, including a “scary story” that delights guests.
- Personaliised The small size of the museum allows for intimate tours, with guides providing context about Armagh’s development and Archbishop Robinson’s contributions. Visitors appreciate the staff’s warmth and willingness to assist, with one noting a guide’s help in coordinating a visit to the nearby Armagh Robinson Library.
Visitor Amenities:
- Admission: Entry is free, though donations are welcomed (suggested £2 for adults, £1 for seniors, free for children/students). A small gift shop offers affordable souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and rulers, with reviewers noting generous gestures like receiving an extra magnet.
- The museum is accessible, with full details available on AccessAble. It is located opposite Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and 200 meters from the Armagh Robinson Library, making it easy to include in a walking tour of Armagh’s historic sites.
- The museum operates Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, with visits by prior appointment only. Visitors must email to pre-book, ensuring a tailored experience.
- Nearby Amenities: The adjacent 4 Vicars café and restaurant offers excellent scones, teas, and meals, providing a convenient spot to relax after a visit.
- Intimate and Informative: Described as a “jewel in the crown of the city,” the museum is praised for packing a wealth of history into a compact space. Visitors often spend longer than planned (some staying most of an afternoon) due to the engaging exhibits and guides.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: Located opposite Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, visitors can combine their trip with a visit to the cathedral’s crypt (accessible via the cathedral’s gift shop at no extra charge) or the Armagh Robinson Library, just 200 meters away. Armagh’s compact size and lack of tourist crowds make it ideal for a relaxed historical exploration.
- TripAdvisor Ratings: With 26 reviews ranking it No. 9 of 31 attractions in Armagh, 100% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend the experience, citing its informative displays, unique building, and friendly staff.
Exhibition Updates:
- The museum periodically refreshes its displays with items from the Armagh Robinson Library’s collections., new temporary exhibits or rotations of artifacts (e.g., additional prints, coins, or early Christian items) are being considered to keep the experience fresh, though no specific announcements are available.
- The library’s ongoing digitization efforts could lead to enhanced touch-screen content, allowing deeper exploration of the collections or new interactive features for visitors.
Continued Community Engagement:
- The museum’s commitment to education and accessibility may result in new activity sheets, workshops, or guided tour themes, building on its reputation for engaging all age groups. For example, additional interactive activities for children or specialized talks on Archbishop Robinson’s legacy could be introduced.
- The museum’s pre-booking requirement suggests a focus on personaliised experiences, which will be further emphasized with tailored tours or small-group events tied to regional festivals.
Complementary Attractions:
- Visitors can pair their visit with new or enhanced regional attractions, such as:
- Navan Centre and Fort: Offering interactive Celtic history workshops and storytelling, a contender for World Heritage Site status.
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Featuring immersive astronomical experiences and an outdoor Astropark with scale models of the Solar System.
- Dan Winter’s Cottage: Showcasing traditional linen weaving, adding to Armagh’s heritage offerings.
- These developments enhance Armagh’s appeal as a cultural destination, likely benefiting No 5 Vicars’ Hill by attracting more visitors to the area.
Recommendations for Visitors
- Pre-Book Your Visit: Contact the museum via email (available on www.armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk) to schedule your visit, as it is open by appointment only.
- Combine with Nearby Sites: Plan a day in Armagh by visiting Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral (request a crypt tour at the gift shop), the Armagh Robinson Library (200 meters away), or other nearby attractions like the Armagh County Museum or Navan Fort.
- Allow Time: Expect to spend 1–2 hours, as the engaging guides and interactive displays often lead to longer visits than anticipated.
- Bring Children: The museum’s activity sheets and hands-on exhibits make it ideal for families, with opportunities to learn Ogham or handle coin replicas.
- Enjoy Local Dining: Visit 4 Vicars next door for tea, scones, or a meal to complement your experience.
No 5 Vicars’ Hill offers a and intimate exploration of Armagh’s history, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building with unique octagonal rooms. Visitors can expect a rich collection of artifacts, from ancient coins to early Christian items, interactive touch screens, and engaging guided tours by knowledgeable staff like Stephen Day. With free admission, family-friendly activities, and a central location opposite Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, No 5 Vicars’ Hill is a recommended visit for history enthusiasts and families alike, offering a personalised and uncrowded experience in Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital. For the latest updates, www.armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk
