Local Area
Venture into the town
Portadown
A busy town located in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town sits on the River Bann in the north of the county, about 24 miles southwest of Belfast.
Although Portadown can trace its origins to the early 17th century Plantation of Ulster, it was not until the Victorian era and the arrival of the railway that it became a major town. It earned the nickname ‘Hub of the North‘ due to it being a major railway junction; where the Great Northern Railway’s line diverged for Belfast, Dublin, Armagh and Derry/Londonderry.
In the 19th and 20th centuries Portadown was also a major centre for the production of textiles, mainly linen.
Today it is thriving, boosting many shops, restaurants and cafe’s. With excellent train and bus links, it makes it a great base to explore County Armagh.
Things To Do
County Armagh (named after its county town, Armagh) is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and one of six counties that form Northern Ireland. County Armagh is known as the Orchard County because of its many apple orchards. The county is part of the historic province of Ulster.
Additional Information
County Armagh is made up of several towns and villages, all with unique offerings.
Lurgan Park
Northern Ireland’s largest urban park, the second largest public park in Ireland after Phoenix Park in Dublin. Enjoyed by as many as 2000 people every day. The beautifully landscaped parkland contains a number of well maintained paths which provide excellent walking and running grounds.
The demesne was bought by the Lurgan Real Property Company in the 1840s, which cut down most of the timber from the great Avenue planted during the Jacobean war, and gave it to the residents of Lurgan. The demesne was later sold to Lurgan Borough Council in 1893 for the princely sum of £2,000 and it was opened as a Public Park in July 1909 by Lord Aberdeen.
Tannaghmore Gardens
Experience old Irish gate, tree and sculpture trails. Rare Breeds Farm which includes Irish Moiled and Dexter cattle, Galway and Jacob Sheep, Saddleback, Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot pigs. Large selection of ornamental fowl and waterfowl. Barn museum with agricultural exhibits.
Tannaghmore is also home to the Kissing Gate. Legend has it that couples who kiss over the gate will get married within a year. Couples who have their wish fulfilled often return to pose for wedding photographs.
Picnic area, barbecue and large children’s play area**. Wheelchair accessible.