The ancient City of Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and has many graceful buildings. The city was the birthplace of the distinguished 18th century architect Francis Johnston who built many of Georgian Dublin's landmarks. Encouraged by Archbishop Robinson and other wealthy patrons Johnston endowed Armagh with its Georgian Mall, the classical Courthouse, Archbishop's Palace and Chapel, the Observatory and Royal School.

The spiritual Capital of Ireland for 1500 years, and the seat of both Protestant and Catholic archbishops. Saint Patrick built his stone church on the hill where the Anglican cathedral now stands as early as 444 AD. On the opposite hill stands the twin-spired Catholic cathedral.

The public library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson and houses a copy of Gulliver's Travels corrected in Swift's own hand. Robinson also built the now famous Observatory at Armagh. The Mall, once the City's racecourse, is lined by elegant Georgian houses and leafy trees. Its architectural rehabilitation during the 18th and 19th centuries has given the city a unique character.