Navan Fort is an ancient site you can explore for nothing. Darkley Forest has woodland trails at no cost — both easy to fit into a family day.
Armagh city adds a lot to the mix — two free St Patrick's Cathedrals, the Armagh County Museum, soft play at Little Kingdom, and the open grounds of the Palace Demesne. A good area for families who enjoy history and fresh air.
The best days out near Darkley
Darkley Forest
Navan Fort (Emain Macha)
Navan Centre & Fort
Tassagh Viaduct
Little Kingdom
Palace Stables Heritage Centre
Palace Demesne (Armagh)
Crossmore Goats
No 5 Vicars' Hill
Armagh St Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
Armagh St Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
Armagh Robinson Library
The Sensory Xperience
Cathedral Road Recreation Centre
The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre
St Patrick's Trian Visitor Complex
County Armagh Golf Club
Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive
The Mall (Armagh)
Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
Armagh County Museum
Spires Retail Park
Gulliver's Soft Play (Orchard Leisure Centre)
Orchard Leisure Centre
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium
Tynan Village High Crosses
Keady Recreation Centre & Keady Glen Play Park
Lock House Escape (Armagh)
Caledon Village Walking Tour
orchard organics
Benburb Valley Park & Castle
Lurgaboy Adventure Centre
Richhill Recreation Centre
Loughgall Country Park Play Park
Dyan Mill Farm
Loughgall Country Park & Manor
Loughgall Country Park & Golf Course
Little Explorers Play Park, Gosford
Gosford Forest Park & Castle
Gosford Forest Park Adventure Trail
Lodge Equine Stables
Woodlab Distillery (Symphonia Spirits)
Gosford Karting
What's on near Darkley
- 2AugWelcome to the Summer of Play at The ArgoryThe Argory
- 2AugMake, Play & CreateThe Argory
- 2AugFitness Freddy comes to The ArgoryThe Argory
- 2AugBoat trips in partnership with Blackwater Community BargeThe Argory
- 5AugMonthly Storytime and Craft Session — Lurgan LibraryLurgan Library
- 5AugRhythm and Rhyme — Bessbrook LibraryBessbrook Library
Days out in Darkley — your questions
What are the best days out in Darkley?
Start with Navan Fort (Emain Macha) for a free walk around an ancient site, then visit the Navan Centre & Fort to dig into the history. Darkley Forest is a great free walk closer to home. Armagh city is nearby and adds the Palace Demesne, the Armagh County Museum, and more.
What free things are there to do in Darkley?
More than you might expect. Darkley Forest is free to explore. Navan Fort (Emain Macha) costs nothing to visit. In Armagh, both St Patrick's Cathedrals are free, as are the Armagh County Museum, the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, Palace Demesne, and The Mall.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Darkley?
Little Kingdom and The Sensory Xperience both offer soft play for younger children. The Armagh County Museum and the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum are free and well worth a browse. If you want to keep active, the Cathedral Road Recreation Centre has a pool and leisure facilities.
What's good for young children near Darkley?
Little Kingdom and The Sensory Xperience are dedicated soft play centres ideal for young children. Dyan Mill Farm is a local farm experience that young children love. On sunny days, Palace Demesne in Armagh gives children plenty of open space to explore for free.