This is a relatively new, expanding museum and heritage centre with a 140-seater restaurant and…read moreroof terrace with great views across the city. Their restaurant was opening on the evening that we were there. The museum's namesake was an Irish Republican who despite a lack of contemporary evidence of his actual involvement in the United Irishmen rebellion, became a major figure in nationalist - republican martyrology in his late teens. We were given a tour and we were fascinated by it as in the space of 50 footsteps with tact and diplomacy we travelled through a snapshot of a few hundreds of years of the north's history with a mainly nationalist/republican tinge. The journey was informative, sometimes funny and sometimes sad but and intended not remotely offensive. There is a part that includes the unionist pro British aspect but I must shout out that this place and similar only give a light overview of a deeply complex, sometimes contradictory tapestry of a history that continues to unravel in a very small place of little importance on a world scale. What struck me most was how human the experience was made - almost personal. They spent time telling stories of individuals who sometimes played a minor part others played huge roles. I sensed that while this place records and shows our past the reality is that its custodians are moulding this place as a living, growing symbol of our collective future and I formed the view that it and we are in safe hands. If it teaches us just to think about living with each other in a peace - albeit an imperfect one - without 'what aboutery' trumping everything and diminishing the desire to coat - trail then the investment in it will be repaid in spades. After all we are such stuff as dreams are made.

I grew up in Armagh but can never recall visiting The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum previously…read more Although I've now been living away from Armagh for over 20 years I do occasionally return to visit friends and family and thus today took the opportunity to call into this museum to see it. The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is small and covers two floors. I was extremely impressed with the standard of display which covers the history of five regiments. It was fascinating looking at the different uniforms, medals and memorabilia. There are a lot of display cases showcasing artefacts and all displays have detailed explanatory text and information. An extremely interesting museum and I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Armagh. Even though it's a small museum there's lots to take in, read and look at so you could spend a full hour or more here. Also contains research facilities, a gift shop and toilets. Entry is free however The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a registered charity so welcomes donations.

Moira Demesne is easily one of the most stunning places to go for a walk in these parts. It's…read moreabsolutely huge, has a great variety of flowers and trees and is very well kept. Well, apart from the toilets that is. After my dander round Moira, I figured it might be an idea to go explore the Demesne to see if I could find toilets. It had been an absolute age since I was last there, but I was fairly sure I remembered seeing loos there before. Sure enough, a short walk up the front path and there were the toilets beside the children's playground. I must admit, I was ever so slightly relieved. Not for long mind you... I have never come across a more disgusting, run down sets of toilets in my life. Not only were the actual toilets themselves absolutely filthy, but they didn't have any loo roll, there weren't any mirrors and one of the toilet doors was broken. Excellent, just excellent. I couldn't believe that such a beautiful park had the most horrible toilets. What a disgrace. If the rest of Moira Demesne wasn't so lovely I'd be going for two stars, but as long as you don't need the loo, you'd be blissfully ignorant of its downside. Three is generous enough I reckon.

Beautiful park...def one for talking the doggies for a walk...the kiddies too lol!…read moreThere's plenty for the kids to do in the playground..it's clean and well maintained too There's amenities like toilets and ice cream vans etc which is ideal The park has the usual outdoor gym equipment, located around the perimeter walk There's a few pitches in the middle and a good path for a dander, with streams, trees and plenty of muck for wet day splashing with wellies lol!

It has been years since I visited Armagh County Museum so I thought I would return today (Friday…read more01/04/2016). Located on the beautiful green Mall surrounded by Georgian buildings, it's a tiny museum so an hour is enough time to explore. Entrance is free and it's open every day except Sunday. Being a county museum you'll not find dinosaur bones or such here, however there's an interesting display of historical artefacts relating to Armagh. A very small museum but still fascinating and worth a visit. Definitely has an old fashioned feel which is like stepping back in time when you walk in. The layout is traditional with all items displayed in antiquated wood and glass cases. There's a rich selection including clothing, taxidermy, paintings, pottery, ancient and modern historical artefacts, linen making and craft equipment, archeological and fossil specimens. A particular highlight for me personally was seeing The Old Callan Bridge painting by John Luke and animal sketches by contemporary Armagh Artist Orlaith Cullinane. I also loved the vintage dresses, spinning wheel and Singer sewing machine. A cute, homely little museum, perfect to while away some time on a rainy afternoon.

Island Arts Centre is a well equipped, modern venue that runs an impressive programme of theatre…read moreshows, exhibitions, concerts and community arts activities. I've been there to watch a community youth drama production in the small studio theatre, and recently saw an excellent exhibition of student art. There is always plenty going on there in terms of classes and performances, doing a really good job of both serving the community around Lisburn with arts activities while at the same time drawing in some top notch professional productions. Inside the centre is incredibly well appointed and laid out while the outdoor surroundings are interesting for the canal and lock just outside which from which on a good day you could also enjoy a walk up the Lagan Valley.

Been to a few gigs here and think it's great venue. Good sized car park, well stocked bar and…read morecentrally located. It's a very intimate venue, great for gigs and plays. The only negative i can think of is that the bar area could do with more seats and you can't bring drinks into the auditorium.

I know of the existence of The AmmA Centre which is located in Market House, above Armagh City…read moreLibrary, but have never used it, so here's a bit of info from their website about them: "The AmmA Centre is a multimedia creative learning centre in the Education Authority (Southern Region), Northern Ireland. It is a centre where digital technology alongside traditional media can be used creatively by organisations and individuals from schools, the youth sector and the community. The facility provides opportunities for individuals and groups to learn skills in: Digital video editing and camera techniques Digital Story Telling Animation Multi-media design Music composition and sound recording Through the creation of video productions, musical soundtracks, animated films and web pages, new pathways to learning will evolve and thereby enhance and enrich the educational experiences for any individual involved in the process. The development of skills, creativity and networks has the potential to contribute to individuals' future education choices, training and employment prospect. Facilities Schools, youth and community groups can avail of the facilities provided by the centre. These can range from booking of rooms for various uses to hiring of the state of the art recording studio. For further details please contact us." WEBSITE: http://www.ammacentre.org Sounds good to me! However I can vouch for the building the AmmA Centre is housed in as being a beautiful, square, Georgian style building dating from 1815 (the building itself is called Market House). On Armagh Georgian Day each year (normally late November/ early December) there's a light show projected onto the building which is fabulous and very entertaining. Worth a visit just to admire the building.

Brilliant theatre and arts venue located in the centre of Armagh. Lovely modern building and a…read moregreat range of events at the Market Place. I've been to see plays and music events in it and many visual art exhibitions. A wonderful place which also has a cafe/ restaurant and bar.

The small intimate theatre and the staff working there are lovely. For this alone it would be four…read morestar. If the toilets were kept clean it would be five star. We had a really great night of comic entertainment with two comedians, including Al Porter. He was quick fire, really quick witted and camp. However, it was the extortionate prices and poor service at the theatre bar that are very, very far from funny and took the smile off my face. That's the reason for one star. I had a Brewdog IPA beer at £3.90 for 330mls which equates to £6.71 a pint. Yes please read this again: £6.71 for a pint of beer. Also I bought a Jameson whiskey and a 330ml bottle of coke: they had the tiny coke bottles giving a miserable 200ml serving, this is a rip off too. The whiskey & coke was a stonking £7.85. This is late night and daylight robbery. I mean I wouldn't pay these rip off prices in an airport. I noticed too as I queued at the bar that the young barman was serving people who weren't even bothering to queue. While I observed this I didn't speak however a man beside me, who had been standing at the bar for ages, when the young barman served two young guys who were standing behind him, just let rip. Quite right. He was polite but he nailed the staff misconduct. He asked for a manager to be told there wasn't one with some half baked excuse. I must have been waiting a solid 10 minutes to be served when this man spoke up. I guess if the man hadn't complained I likely would have waited even longer. As it was the young barman had moved away to serve two young girls right at the far end of the bar, passing waiting customers, including me, to do so. It's a SABENA moment at the bar here - such a bloody experience never again.

Good venue for civil ceremonies and functions! I personally use it for access to the Lagan toe…read morepath, as parking is right beside the path itself and its free! Very little I can say about the actually venue as I have only been in t once but as for my use it is very good:)

I recently attended a wedding reception at Island Arts Centre and it's a beautiful, modern,…read moreextremely well designed building for such functions. Architecturally it consists of curved walls and circular rooms. Large glass windows let natural light in and allow a view of the green landscape. Pleasant, helpful staff and a delicious buffet with scrumptious veggie options of veg pizza, sandwiches and a lush garlic and herb dip. There was plenty for all the meat eaters as well. Admittedly not a large selection of wines but we had a quality Prosecco and Sauvignon Blanc and thus the wannabe wine snob within me was more than happy. I'm giving this spot 4 stars because I think it's such a great venue and I had an enjoyable time at the wedding. I believe the whole building is referred to as Lagan Valley Island however they don't just offer event facilities - as per their website "Lagan Valley Island has many functions; It is headquarters of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the facility is also a unique mix of civic, business and arts facilities - home to council offices, the Island Arts Centre, Council Chambers, a purpose built Conference Centre, Theatre, and stunning wedding facilities". I fully intend to return to see a play or a visual arts exhibition. If I can fault this place in any way - it would just be that it's perhaps a little tricky to get to if you don't drive.