Location

Tandragee Gate Lodge is a fantastic base for exploring the "Orchard County."

Gosford Forest Park

Right on Your Doorstep (Markethill)

Gosford Forest Park Located literally on the edge of the village, this is the area's "crown jewel."

• What to see: Over 240 hectares of woodland, a magnificent herd of Red Deer, and the exterior of the stunning Gosford Castle (famous as a Game of Thrones filming location).
• Activities: 16km of multi-use trails for walking and cycling, a dedicated pump track for mountain bikers, and "All Out Trekking" for inclusive access.
• For Kids: The "Little Giants" adventure play trail is world-class, featuring five massive wooden play structures.

Armagh City

Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and packed with history.

• Armagh Observatory & Planetarium: An iconic site where you can see the oldest working telescope in the UK or catch a high-tech star show in the digital dome.
• Navan Centre & Fort: One of Ireland's most important archaeological sites. It’s the legendary home of the Kings of Ulster and offers great "living history" tours.
• The Two Cathedrals: Both are dedicated to St. Patrick. The Church of Ireland Cathedral (medieval foundations) and the Roman Catholic Cathedral (stunning neo-Gothic mosaics) sit on opposite hills.
• Armagh County Museum: The oldest county museum in Ireland, located on the beautiful tree-lined Mall—perfect for a scenic walk.

Family Fun & Unique Tours

• Tayto Castle (15 mins): Located in Tandragee, you can tour the factory of Ireland’s most famous crisp brand, housed inside a real 500-year-old castle. (Booking in advance is essential).
• Long Meadow Farm (15 mins): Experience the "Orchard County" properly with a cider-tasting tour or a walk through the apple trees.Long Meadow Farm (15 mins): Experience the "Orchard County" properly with a cider-tasting tour or a walk through the apple trees.
• Game of Thrones Studio Tour (30 mins): Located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. A must-see for fans, featuring original sets, costumes, and props.
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park (25 mins): Home to the "Giant’s Lair" story trail and a stunning scenic drive with views over the Ring of Gullion.

Newry And Mourne

Newry is just a 15-20 minute drive from Markethill and acts as a gateway between the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion. It offers a mix of urban shopping and stunning coastal and mountain scenery.

• Bagenal’s Castle & Newry Museum: A 16th-century fortified house and 19th-century warehouse that now houses the city's museum. It's a great place to understand the history of the "Gap of the North."
• Newry Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Colman) A stunning example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. The interior is famous for its intricate mosaic work and beautiful stained glass.

Newry & Mourne Nature & Scenic Views

• Kilbroney Park & Rostrevor Forest
  Ten minutes past Newry, this park offers some of the best views in Ireland.  The Cloughmore Stone: A massive 50-ton glacial erratic boulder perched on the mountainside. Legend says it was thrown there by the giant Finn McCool. Narnia Connections: C.S. Lewis reportedly spent time here, and the "Fairy Glen" in Rostrevor is said to have inspired his vision of Narnia.
• Carlingford Lough Greenway
  This is a recently completed, world-class walking and cycling path that links Newry to the medieval village of Carlingford.
  The Route: It follows the Newry Ship Canal and the shoreline of the lough.
• Flagstaff Viewpoint:
  For the best "effort-to-reward" view, drive up to Flagstaff. You’ll get a panoramic look at Newry, the Mourne Mountains, and Carlingford Lough all at once.

Local Markethill Recommendations

• The Buttery Bar & Restaurant: Hearty, traditional Irish pub food and a great atmosphere.
• Alexanders of Markethill: A charming spot for afternoon tea, cakes, and light lunches.
• The Courtrooms Restaurant: Bistro-style dining in a historic building.
• The Blended Bean: This cafe's delicious food, including tasty scones and pancakes.
• Carricklane Coffee House: Fresh, tasty bites served alongside your favourite coffee.
• Armagh Agricultural Show (Gosford Forect Park -June), one of the biggest and oldest traditional country shows in the region!