The Mall

The Mall, to the east of the town centre, was a venue for horse racing, cock fighting and bull baiting until the 18th century, when Archbishop Robinson decided that it was all a tad vulgar for a city of learning, and transformed it into an elegant Georgian park.

At its northern end stands Armagh Courthouse, rebuilt after being destroyed by a huge IRA bomb blast in 1993. It originally dates from 1809, designed by local man Francis Johnston, who later became one of Ireland's most famous architects. At the southern end, directly opposite the courthouse, is the forbidding Armagh Gaol. Built in 1780 to the design of Thomas Cooley, it remained in use until 1988; there are plans to redevelop it into a hotel, shopping mall and heritage centre.

The east side of the park is lined with handsome Georgian terraces including Charlemont Place, another creation of Francis Johnston.