A haul of remarkable finds of ancient Armagh, which have been excavated over the years at Navan Fort as well as the nearby sites of Loughnashade, Haughey’s Fort and the King’s Stables, are on display in a new exhibition at the Navan Centre.
Having been ranked as the number one visitor attraction in Armagh on Tripadvisor last year, the new exhibition features an impressive collection of rare artefacts found at past and recent archaeological digs including one that took place last summer led by Dr Paddy Gleeson of Queen’s University Belfast.
They include a replica of the Loughnashade trumpet in the Celtic La Tène style which was found in the natural lake in 1798, an example of the Navan brooch pin from the Iron Age, the cup and ring stone and the unusual discovery of a Barbary ape skull.
The new exhibition is guaranteed to enrich the visitor experience for those who come along to delve into the rich cultural significance of the area and explore the ancient site with its abundance of impressive ceremonial structures and tales of myth, legend, history, and archaeology.
Invited to officially open the exhibition, Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley, thanked the team at Navan Centre for making the complex more appealing with the new exhibition and ensuring there is ongoing interest in the site.
“Navan Centre and Fort is a must-visit for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Ireland’s fascinating folklore. After exploring the exhibition, visitors can join a guided tour and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, uncovering the mysteries of this landscape.
Costumed performers bring history to life, offering hands-on demonstrations of ancient traditions, such as weaving and cooking at the Iron Age settlement, while guided tours lead you through the archaeological features, from ancient burial and ritual sites to the great wooden temple at Navan Fort.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of mythology, or simply curious about the mysteries of the past, Navan Centre and Fort promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
With the site recently being added to the Tentative List for World Heritage Status in a collective bid with the Royal Sites of Ireland, it is certainly an exciting time for Navan Centre and Fort.”
Navan Centre and Fort is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am until 5pm. Refreshments are available at the onsite coffee shop, Ancient Grounds. Tours take place three times daily, with Meet the Warriors family-oriented living history tours at weekends and then daily in July and August.
For information on the tours and events taking place at Navan Centre and Fort, visit navancentre.com.
