History of Armagh
Armagh’s history as a focal point for nobility and holiness in Ireland stretches back nearly 4,000 years. It is renowned for being the sovereign throneland of the Irish High Kings, and was the chosen ground of St. Patrick as a base for Christendom in Ireland.
Historical specialists concur that the city of Armagh (Accommodation, Armagh, Ireland) is one of the most ancient in Ireland. Strategically placed 2 miles to the west of Armagh (Holiday Apartments, Armagh, Ireland) city, Navan Fort holds a great deal of historical and spiritual significance in the county. It was constructed in the name of Queen Macha, and was the headquarters to the High Kings for approximately 800 years before being ritualistically immolated. It is most likely that St. Patrick chose to build his first church near the site of Fort Navan to utilize the spirituality and faith affiliated with the area by the locals. The present day Anglican Cathedral is built where St. Patricks original stone church once stood. The legendary hero, Brian Boru, who fortified himself in Navan Fort, is buried in the graveyard of the cathedral. Along with Christianity, St. Patrick was also responsible for perpetuating formal higher learning in Armagh. His exploits in Armagh paved the way for the founding of colleges, libraries, and schools, thus earning Ireland a reputation as an Isle of saints and scholars. Although Armagh was besieged and raided numerous times throughout history by the Vikings, the Anglo-Normans, and by local Irish clans, it remained a center for education and enlightenment.
