Crossmaglen brings together local history, archaeological heritage and walking trails. At its heart is Cardinal O’Fiaich Square, alongside the listed Ball Alley, Annaghmare Court Tomb and two distinct trails. Traditional music, along with the area’s renowned cuisine and ales, adds to its cultural appeal. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding what interests you most, then matching market dates and your preferred accommodation to your travel dates.
Cardinal O’Fiaich Square and the Market
Cardinal O’Fiaich Square is the centre of Crossmaglen. It is named after a local priest who later became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The name links a local landmark with the career of this figure. A varied market is held in the Square on the first and third Friday of each month. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the specific date before travelling.
Ball Alley and Annaghmare Court Tomb
Ball Alley, a listed ball-playing ground dating from 1920 to 1939, is on Alley Road. Its designation as a ball-playing ground and its precisely defined construction period give the site a distinctive historical profile. Ball Alley is therefore a clearly identified point of interest for anyone interested in local architectural history. Annaghmare Court Tomb is on Annaghmare Road in Crossmaglen and is one of the best-preserved examples of its type. In contrast with Ball Alley, the focus here is on an archaeological site and its state of preservation. Together, the two sites offer different ways to explore Crossmaglen’s cultural heritage.
Trails and Cultural Highlights
There are two distinct trails for those interested in walking. Near Crossmaglen, the eight-mile Poets’ Trail starts at Creggan Church and passes through the townlands of Glassdrummond and Mounthill. Its starting point, length and named townlands give the route a specific geographical setting. Crossmaglen also has the Crossmaglen and Creggan Heritage Trail. The Poets’ Trail can be identified by its length and stated route; the Crossmaglen and Creggan Heritage Trail is another option in the town, explicitly designated as a heritage trail.
Crossmaglen is known for traditional music; good food and ales are also part of the town’s character. Together with its historic sites, these offer a cultural focus that caters to musical and culinary interests as well as archaeological and architectural heritage.
Plan Your Hotel Search Around Your Interests
If you are looking for a hotel in Crossmaglen, plan your trip around the interests you would like to shape your stay: the Square and Ball Alley represent local history, Annaghmare Court Tomb offers archaeological heritage, and the Poets’ Trail adds a route in the surrounding area. These landmarks offer different highlights and should not be combined into a fixed day itinerary without planning your own trip. When choosing a hotel, check the accommodation features that matter to you and availability directly in the individual listing.
AONB and Geopark Contact Address
The AONB and Geopark team’s contact address is Crossmaglen Community Centre, O’Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA. If you would like to use the team’s visitor services, check the relevant arrangements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Kilkeel, Warrenpoint, Newry, Hilltown.
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