Old Friary & Other Landmarks

Beside the entrance of the Park there is what’s left of an old monastery/friary and a well found at the far end of the rugby pitch, these were built by Franciscan monks in 1264 and dedicated to St Bridget. Close to the ruins is a Victorian building which has also once been used by the government. Also beside the ruins is gallows hill which was used for public executions until the building of the Armagh city gaol, built by Archbishop Robinson in 1809, as he objected to them performing executions in his grounds. Today’s entrance into the grounds was not the original entry, which was further up to the north east connected to what is now the Golf Club. The original entrance gave a more impressive view of the Palace as it was obscured by the hill until you crossed a small decorative stone bridge which still stands at the bottom of the hill.

Personally, I feel towns and cities need free public places like this, as it opens opportunities for people to exercise, socialise, is great for the image of a town/city and allows nature into a congested area.