THE CITY OF ARMAGH Population 10,070 in 1881.  No person of taste, who had travelled much, would consider it exaggeration to give the City of Armagh a leading place among the most delightfully situated inland towns of the United Kingdom.  A cluster of hills, rising gently out of a beautiful valley, form the site upon which striking architectural effects have been produced.  Three of the hills are crowned by imposing Church edifices, including the ancient and modern Cathedrals of St. Patrick, and the Church of St. Mark.  A fourth hill bears upon its summit an Observatory, the green domes of which contrast most agreeably with the neighbouring towers and spires.  The Royal School occupies the fifth hill, the military barracks the sixth, the Catholic Convent the seventh, and the eighth is divided between the Union Workhouse and Sheil's Institution for persons of reduced income.  The hill upon which the ancient Cathedral stands originally formed the centre of the chief quarter of the city, and is still so regarded.  It is encircled by streets and places, and a large part of one side is embraced in the Market Square.

The thoroughfares of greatest importance, from the business point of view, have the narrowness that is so suggestive of sociability and good feeling between the occupants of the houses at both sides.

In the fittings of the shops, and in the general arrangement of merchandise, effect are produced that indicate artistic instinct and good sense.

Armagh is a thriving city.  As a market for farm produce, considering the population, it is one of the best in Ulster.  Manufacturing and other industries give extensive employment, and numerous advantages are derived from being the capital of the County.  The Assizes are held twice a year; its gaol receives prisoners from all the towns and villages, and from Cavan, Monaghan and portions of Down and Fermanagh.  It is also a regimental district and militia head-quarters, and has the County Lunatic Asylum and County Infirmary.

The religious, educational and other attractions make Armagh a favorite place of residence for cultivated people, and the salubrity of the climate has caused the return to its hospitality of many of the families of ex-military men and ex-civil servants who had been stationed there for short or long periods while in active service.  To accommodate the demand for private dwellings, several of the wealthier merchants have expended a large amount of money in bricks and mortar.  A great part of the high ground has been devoted to this purpose, and in recent years entire streets have been added to encourage the settlement of families of the kind mentioned.  The only low ground almost entirely monopolized by private houses is generally known as The Mall, although the various sections of it have separate names.  The Mall proper is really the city park, a well-planted and handsomely enclosed green vale of eight acres.  It is surrounded by a broad foot-way, well shaded and amply provided with seats.  All classes of the inhabitants freely use this breathing space, and it is a perfect paradise for children.

Armagh is well provided with places for recreation.  Within a short distance of The Mall, a foot-path runs along the bank of a winding stream, through a wooded region known as The Folly.  By the kindness of Mr. Dobbin, this is open to the public every day in the year but one.  The roads and lanes leading in every direction from the city bring into view scenic charms of the most varied character.

Armagh is a railway junction.  It has direct communication with Newry, and connects with the Great Northern main line at Goraghwood, and by another route at Portadown.  Dublin is 89¼ miles from Armagh, Belfast 35½ miles, Newry 21 miles, Goraghwood 17½ miles, Portadown 10¼ miles, and Lurgan 15½ miles.