Armagh County Museum

Armagh County Museum We are a community museum telling the story of County Armagh. Admission to the museum is FREE We are FREE and open 6 days a week.

ARMAGH COUNTY MUSEUM
We are a community museum telling the story of County Armagh. Mon - Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm


Email: [email protected]


DESCRIPTION

Collections:
We are the oldest County Museum in Ireland, officially opened in 1937. The museum holds a broad collection of objects, art and archival material that chronicle the story of the people who have lived and worked i

n County Armagh throughout the centuries. From the mists of prehistory there are archaeological artefacts dating to the Neolithic period over 4,000 years ago but also objects associated with the nearby ancient capital of Ulster, Navan Fort. There are relics of Armagh's medieval past too including the important collection of Viking silver known as the Tynan Hoard. From the more recent past there are displays that range from intricate corn crafts and delicate examples of lace-making to relics from the golden age of rail travel. The museum holds an important art collection with works by many well-known artists including Jonathan Fisher, Thomas Creswick, Richard Livesay, Stephen Slaughter, Martin Cregan, George Russell (AE), William Conor, John Luke, James Humbert Craig, Charles Lamb, James Sleator, Tom Carr, TP Flanagan and JB Vallely. The museum’s costume collection is one of the best in any regional museum in Ireland with examples ranging in date from the early 18th century right up to the present day. County Armagh’s natural history is also on display with many taxidermy specimens of the local wildlife and bird species. Exhibitions and Events:
A programme of temporary exhibitions and events is organised throughout the year including the always popular free family craft days at Halloween, Christmas and Easter. The reference library and archive is in constant demand from genealogists and researchers alike and is regularly used from people of all ages. So whether you simply want to catch a glimpse of Armagh’s past or study it in depth, Armagh County Museum is an essential ingredient to any visit to Armagh city. LOCATION:
The museum is situated in what was originally a Georgian school-house, alongside Armagh’s famous tree lined Mall. Our address is
Armagh County Museum
The Mall East
Armagh
BT60 9BE


DIRECTIONS
From Belfast - exit the M1 at junction 11. Follow the signs through Portadown for Armagh. From Dublin - follow signs for Newry, then Armagh. On entering Armagh City, you will find the Museum located approximately half-way along the Mall East, between the old gaol and the courthouse. Armagh bus terminal is located about 5 minutes walk from the Museum, near the courthouse. Armagh County Museum is located approximately half-way along the Mall East, between the old gaol and the courthouse, and can be approached by car. There is free parking along the Mall, though this tends to be taken-up from early in the morning during the week from Monday to Friday. A disabled parking space is available opposite the Museum. Paid parking is also available close-by.

Wild Ireland – Survived/vanished/departedThis exhibition showcases a selection of works by renowned wildlife painter Jul...
26/05/2026

Wild Ireland – Survived/vanished/departed

This exhibition showcases a selection of works by renowned wildlife painter Julian Friers. Originally featured in a major Ulster Museum exhibition of more than 50 paintings, these pieces celebrate Ireland’s flora and fauna – past, present and imagined future.

Displayed alongside specimens from the Museum’s natural history collection and highlights from the Ulster Museum, this is an exhibition not to be missed.

The exhibition is on display until 31st August, admission is free and normal opening hours apply.

Museum inspired book launched - A place for TreasuresWhat a fabulous time we had with Saints & Scholars nursery school! ...
26/05/2026

Museum inspired book launched - A place for Treasures

What a fabulous time we had with Saints & Scholars nursery school! They assisted with the development of our brand new book for under 5s. Together with author Kelsey Carroll and Illustrator Becky Stewart this beautiful book has been written and illustrated to create a wonderful story to inspire our youngest visitors to roam the museum, spark imaginations and connect the treasures of the past with the stories they carry into the present and beyond!

We launched this book recently with the help of Deputy Lord Mayor Jessica Johnston . Children and parents had a great time!

This project was funded by the Northern Ireland Museums Council.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen - LAST CHANCE to see this exh...
04/05/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen - LAST CHANCE to see this exhibtion!

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Simas

I’ve always loved elves and vampires in fiction and across different media. Their ethereal energy, their beauty, the pointed ears, and long hair. Growing up, I wanted to look like them and embody their stoic presence, and that image eventually became a mask I used to shield myself from the judgment of the outside world. While my physical appearance still feels like an important part of my life, I also see myself as ambitious, artistic, kind, a goofy, and a free spirit who is striving to make a mark on the world.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
03/05/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Sarah
My new year's resolution for 2025 was to be more hedonistic, pursue pleasure and do whatever brought my silly, frivolous little heart joy.
On the day these photos and sketches were done, I was, as I am most days, full of joy. The sun was shining, I'd just had a cold pint of cider in the beer garden with my two favourite people in the world. I was wearing vibrant, joyful colours that evoked a sense of playfulness in me. In this particular moment, life was sublime.

When you dress the way I do it's very important to avoid giving too much thought to how others perceive you. For me, trying to look 'normal' is the thief of joy and my joy is so very precious to me. I find the more I lean in to my wacky style, the more joy it brings to me and to others. Passers-by, often comment on my style, one woman recently described me as a riot of colour, which pleased me to no end.

When you are a full-figured woman, as I am, you are bombarded with this notion that you must hide yourself, wear slimming clothes, shrink yourself and take up less space and certainly don't stand out from the crowd. I decided long ago to fervently reject this notion of shrinkage that is thrust upon us at a young age. I present myself the way I do primarily because playing dress-up brings me joy, but I also do it as an act of defiance. I will be big and bold and vibrant and silly, and I will have fun doing so.
The one word I keep mentioning throughout my ramblings here, is joy. So I suppose that's the answer to your question.

How do I see myself? Joyful.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
01/05/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Nichola:

I am defiance in the face of trauma. I refuse to let my experiences define me, and instead, I find joy and compassion. My work aims to connect rather than divide. I chose my colour palette to lovingly embrace the dark parts of us. I am all the cracks within me joined together with gold.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
28/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Cyril

How do you see yourself?

Life has been a challenging experience. I would appear to fall within the same group of people such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Bill Gates, Eamon de Valera, Lewis Carroll, Van Gogh – a man of intense emotion, Ludwig Wittgenstein who was an example of these symptoms.

Retrospectively looking back at their personalities they're all thought to fall in the realm of the diagnostic criteria of psychiatry known as Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Anxiety is a main symptom, interpersonal difficulty, lack of empathy, dislike a change of routine, a keen sense of right and wrong, inability to sustain eye contact, very good memory, and a degree of eccentricity all through life.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

How do you think others see you? Most people find me an interesting little fellow to have a chat with.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
26/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Rab Vader

I'm gonna do this arse about tit, (like I do most things in my life)
How the world sees me...

I expect most people see me as that cool dude…
(The Leopard King...BUT I wasn't always this guy). I've always been a "Snappy Dresser" some might even say a Dandy in my later years…In my formative years I was a Rude Boy, a Skinhead, a Scooter Boy, a Dreadlocked Gutter Punk/Hardcore Metalhead with a dog on a piece of string, a Latex bound Sub/Dom working in a s*x club in NYC before being fired for spanking a female client too hard and leaving red hand marks on her cutie-patoootie!

Then back to a casual skin before evolving into the apparition you see before you...with fabulous dress sense who walks around town like he owns the place, most of the guards in Dublin city know me by sight at this stage, as do most of the bouncers in many of the capitals late night drinking haunts, some welcome me with open arms and some run me out before I can even get to the top of the queue. I have a unique gift for rubbing people up the wrong way, I DON'T do it on purpose it's just a gift I guess!

Most of the homeless, rough sleepers, beggars in the inner city know me as a guy who gives you a sandwich or a coffee if I can spare it...

How I see myself is a different kettle of fish completely!

Outside of being the best dressed homeless man in Dublin, I’m sad and lonely really, no real friends, hundreds of acquaintances, people I know from the bars and clubs, no family, my family is the people I drink with in the pubs and taverns in what ever city I'm living in at that time...

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
24/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature DJ

It was a pleasure to be a part of this project. I think the image and the art represent the true duality of my character and how I present myself to the world. Black is my comfort zone. It’s clean, professional and has an edge to it. As a makeup artist it’s my first choice when selecting what to wear. This combined with the juxtaposition of the warm surroundings and spring tulips shows a softer side to my personality. I love connecting with people and helping their true beauty ‘bloom’ through what I do.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
23/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us

Today we feature Eoghan

Who are we when others look at us?

Probably a bit scary to grannies!
People tend to clock pretty quickly that I’m into music. To alternative folk, I probably seem inviting or familiar - but to more “normal” people, I can come across as intimidating or weird.
Some people might cross the street rather than say hello.
Those on the outside see the surface; those similar feel drawn in.

Who are we when we tell our own story?

A musician.
A country boy.

A tattoo fan - but ultimately, not that scary!
I'm more than a haircut, more than my music taste and more than the ink in my skin.

I probably come across as confident or even up my own backside because of how I present myself, but I'm actually a pretty shy and vulnerable fella outside of those who know me! Haha

I’m a family man: a son, a grandson, a brother, and a loyal friend.
I might look strange to some, but I’m no different from anyone else once you get to know me!

Who are we when we tell others’ stories?

When I tell others’ stories, I carry the lessons I’ve learned from being judged and misunderstood for being/looking “weird.”

I try to approach people with empathy, seeing them for who they are rather than how they appear. Beneath the surface, despite our differences or appearances, we’re all human.

At the end of the day, it’s what’s inside that truly counts, being sound matters more than your outfit - cheesy, but true!

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
21/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Eabha:

I want to embody something raw and confrontational. I admire how Bowie viewed being an artist, the core motivation of art being to understand your place in the world. He truly lived as an artist in every sense, and his sound and image were both so important and inspiring. I see sound, image and fashion as distinct, but crucial components to being an artist. Creativity in any form is the singular most important thing to me, whether it’s how I dress or a song I write.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seenAn exhibition combining photog...
19/04/2026

Perceptions - Lens and line in the space between how we want to appear and how we are seen

An exhibition combining photography, drawing and voice, caught in a moment in time depicting how we can see a person using different methods. Each as valuable, all ask the same question: who are we when others look at us?

Today we feature Paul

I’ve never seen myself other than a hairdresser, ever…maybe a dad or a husband but even then I’m still first and foremost a hairdresser, I’m privileged to be one and believe that’s what people see but of course if they don’t know me then maybe they see a man who is confident content happy in his skin assured of who is and how he looks but that does not tell the full story: clothes are an armour, a protective layer, as we get older they form the outer visual impression that we want to represent of ourselves, we hope that people see that or maybe we don’t really care.

It’s taking pride in individuality, a defiant stand for diversity…or maybe it’s just showing off. For me it’s a punk aesthetic, I hope that’s what people see…two fingers to the establishment and conformity...Or just simple vanity! I see myself as a hairdresser, a father, a husband. Nothing more nothing less.

Drop into the Museum to explore these images and stories further.
Normal opening hours apply and admission is free.

Address

The Mall East
Armagh
BT619BE

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+44 28 3752 3070

Website

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