County Armagh is the smallest of the six counties that form Northern Ireland and is commonly known as the Orchard County thanks to its fertile plains in which apples thrive. It is borded to the east by County Down, and to the north-west by County Tyrone.

The county is one of the most picturesque in Northern Ireland, from the vast open waters of Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest lake, to the spectacular scenery of Gosford Forest Park. The spectacular scenery is perhaps viewed from Slieve Gullion, an extinct volcano with a crater lake. Hillwalkers who conquer its summit will be rewarded with magnificant views of nine of Ireland's counties.

Rich in history, County Armagh is home to some of the most famous monuments in the country. Navan Fort, just outside the city of Armagh, was one of the greatest defensive fortifications in the whole island of Ireland Navan was formerly the ancient capital of Ulster, and the Royal seat of the kings of the province. Further afield, scattered across the countryside are numerous ancient passage tombs and cairns. The countryside of County Armagh is a true to joy to explore, full of delightful surprises.

The city of Armagh, also the county town, occupies a central role in not just the history of Northern Ireland, but of the island as a whole. When Christianity spread to Ireland in the mid-5th century, Saint Patrick declared Armagh the island's "ecclesiastical capital". Armagh was held in such high regard that Saint Patrick instructed that only those educated in Armagh could spread the word of the gospel. The site of Saint Patrick's original church is now occupied by the impressive Armagh Cathedral, a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the city. Armagh is replete with examples of fine architecture, and is a city ripe for exploration.

County Armagh continued to play a key role in British and Irish society and political life during the 20th century. The region was long a stronghold of support for the IRA. At the height of the troubles the south of Armagh was one of the most militarised regions of Western Europe. British troops garrisoned in the county at the time awarded it the rather dubious epithet "Bandit Country." The strife within its borders attracted significant international new coverage, making County Armagh one of the most well-known places in Northern Ireland.

1998 saw a momentous step towards peace with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity. County Armagh, like the rest of Northern Ireland, has been quick to take full advantage of the possibilities, rapidly transforming in to one of Northern Ireland's premier tourist destinations. It is a favourite location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, while the elegant Georgian beauty of Armagh City, with its long and illustrious history, attracts visitors in their numbers.