Armagh, also known as Ard Mhacha in Irish, is a city located in Northern Ireland and serves as the county town of County Armagh. This historic city holds a significant place in Irish history and culture and is renowned for its religious, cultural, and architectural heritage.

Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland: Armagh is often referred to as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland because it serves as the seat of the Archbishops of Armagh, who are the Primates of All Ireland for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland. This religious significance dates back to ancient times when Armagh was associated with the conversion of Ireland to Christianity, with Saint Patrick founding his main church in the city in the year 445.

Ancient History: Armagh has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Nearby Navan Fort (Eamhain Mhacha) was once a pagan ceremonial site and a royal capital of Gaelic Ireland. The circular shape of the fort matches the modern street layout of Armagh, and it was named after the goddess Macha, giving rise to the city's name, which evolved from Ardmagh to Armagh.

Medieval Era: By the 7th century, Armagh had become the most important religious center in the northern part of Ireland, with a church, monastery, and monastic school. The Book of Armagh, dating to the early 9th century, contains some of the oldest surviving specimens of Old Irish. Armagh was also associated with the Uí Néill High Kings and experienced Viking raids during this period.

Early Modern Era: During the Tudor conquest of Ireland in the 16th century, Armagh saw conflict and destruction due to its strategic location between English-controlled territory and O'Neill heartland. It changed hands multiple times during the wars. After the Nine Years' War, Armagh came under English dominance, and the Protestant Church of Ireland took control of the cathedral. The Plantation of Ulster brought Protestant settlers from Britain to Armagh.

Modern Era: Armagh has a long history as an educational center, earning it the nickname "the city of saints and scholars." The city is home to institutions like the Royal School, St. Patrick's College, and the Armagh Observatory. Queen's University of Belfast also briefly operated an outreach center in Armagh in the 1990s.

City Status: Armagh was granted city status in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II, along with Lord Mayoralty status in 2012. It has a relatively small population, with 16,310 people as of the 2021 Census. Armagh's city status was historically recognized, lost, and later restored, with the award in 1994 marking the 1,550th anniversary of the traditional date of Armagh's foundation by Saint Patrick.

Notable Buildings: Armagh is known for its architectural heritage, including two cathedrals named after Saint Patrick (Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic), Georgian architecture, and historical sites like the former women's prison, Armagh Gaol. The city is also home to the Armagh Observatory, Armagh Planetarium, and Armagh Public Library, known for its rich collection of 17th- and 18th-century books in English, including Dean Jonathan Swift's personal copy of the first edition of "Gulliver's Travels."

Additionally, Armagh County Museum, dating back to 1833, is the oldest county museum in Ireland, showcasing the city's cultural heritage and history.

Armagh's deep historical roots, religious significance, and architectural treasures make it a city of great cultural and historical importance in Northern Ireland.