Navan Centre and Fort
The Navan Centre is provides visitors with the tale and interpretation of one of Armagh and Irelands most important historical monuments, Navan Fort or known in ancient times as Emain Macha. The fort was known as the throne to the kings of Ulster and also as the ancient capital of the region. With Irish legends such as Cu chulainn being associated with the fort and fascinating archaeological discoveries having been made on the site, Navan Fort is definitely a place for visitors who have an eager historical interest.
Dating from the Iron Age, the fort consists of two large circular mounds within an even larger circular earthwork. It is thought, because of its location and design, the fort was constructed more for ceremonial usage rather than defence. Built by Queen Macha it is believed to have been the royal home in Ulster for almost 700 years, and equalled only by Tara in County Meath in the south of Ireland, it was a celebrated royal and religious capital in Ireland. The abandonment of the Fort came when St Patrick arrived in Armagh and built his first church which was to be the start of a new leg of history attached to Armagh. The Navan Centre, just reopened in July 2009, invites visitors to take a tour on the different stages throughout the story of the fort and surrounding area, which include myths, archaeology and history. Children will especially benefit from visiting the centre as they can experience an Iron Age dwelling with costumed guides who explain how people survived in the ancient times. The Navan Centre complex also offers visitors to view an artificial pool from the Bronze Age named the Kings Stables, a site where a human skull and animal bones were found indicating that it was a place of ritual offering to the Gods of the time. Visitors can also see Haughey’s Fort, which is believed to have housed someone of high ranking all those years ago.
Mesmerising with its mythical tales, informative guides and nestled in the hilly countryside of Armagh, the Navan Fort and Centre is definitely a place for all the family to visit. If visiting the county of Armagh, then it would be a disappointment to miss one of the oldest and most important places in the whole of Irish History.