It’s scoffed at time and time again… Armagh a city? Pah!
Let it be said that we have an historical wealth here that would be the envy of those living in cities of a more cosmopolitan ilk. Armagh is also perhaps an oxymoronic city – in that it’s inhabitants are mostly of an agricultural background or, at the very least, have agricultural links.
Perhaps Armagh is a city in principal – owing to not one but two magnificent cathedrals – but imagine if we had even just a taste of the Metropolis?
Armagh I took a brief look across the city this week to reimagine some of our most iconic – but sadly vacant – buildings to get a sense of the city we could have in an ideal world…
The Northern Bar
Formerly owned by the Hughes family, the city’s famous Northern Bar has lain empty since March 2019 when a significant fire devastated the premises.
Almost flat iron in shape, the listed building stands out as one of Armagh’s most iconic landmarks – and its shell contains a whole host of fond memories to boot.
Let’s imagine for a moment, the building’s exterior coated in a deep maroon. It’s notable hanging lanterns resprayed to their former bronze glory, lit up against the night sky.
Step inside to a lively Jazz-themed cocktail bar; booths line either side of the main bar area; palm trees strategically placed in between for privacy.
Glass shelves behind the bar area showcase the wide array of colourful spirits on offer and – off to the side – a piano and small stage occupy the corner where enigmatic local musicians take the opportunity to entertain patrons throughout the evening.
No draft beer here. This is a place for a relaxing and sophisticated evening with friends.
An Instagram-able setting for your best friend’s hen party without worrying about the train times to and from Belfast.
A night out for those of a vintage that have developed a distaste for Gen Z pop culture and long for the days of the soothing, mellow jazz tones of days since passed.
Seven Houses
While a few of the Seven Houses have been redeveloped in recent years – and word on the street that a few more are soon to follow suit – there is still time to think about what these high-ceilinged Georgian rooms might occupy.
And why not create a building full of themed escape rooms? Each replete with an abundance of puzzles to complete in order to make your getaway.
Envision a Green Lady of Vicar’s Hill storyline – follow a tale of infanticide, insanity, suicide and murder while working your way through room after room of curious clues and hidden red herrings!
An exciting attraction for townspeople and tourists alike.
Former First Trust Bank
The former First Trust Bank building, on the corner of Lower English Street and Abbey Street, is a recognisable building for its ornate red brick and masonry clad frontage.
It has been home to several businesses since its time as a bank including Maison Estate Agents and Style Me Boutique. But not since its time as a bank has the entire building occupied a sole, single tenant.
While its many rooms sprawling across three storeys would undoubtedly make it an ideal space for offices or apartments… we had something a little more fun in mind!
Think of this beautiful building as a centre of experience!
Each room would offer a ‘taster day’ for those wanting to keep their hands busy.
On the ground floor, perhaps you could book in to a pottery class… and one kiln-fired you can take your handmade wares home as a memento. In another room… a cookery class making handmade sushi or pizzas for those who fancy moving beyond the realms of spuds, meat and gravy.
Maybe even a beer brewing experience? Or you could try your hand at sewing, knitting, crocheting?
St Brigid’s
The substantial space that was once the former home of St Brigid’s Secondary School on the Killylea Road has lain dormant now for almost a decade.
And while it is soon to be a temporary space for the staff and pupils of St Malachy’s Primary, while they await construction of their exciting new-build premises, there is plenty that this building could offer the people of Armagh in the long term.
This might be our favourite reimagining… for what if the site of St Brigid’s became a new, multi-level family entertainment centre?
Not unlike those we see in Craigavon with Airtastic or in Coleraine at the Jet Centre, Armagh could have its very own bowling alley, indoor play centre, mini-golf, lazer tag, amusements and axe-throwing centre all under one roof!
There is ample space for parking, plenty of green space for the mini-golf area and with some 48,000 sq ft to work with all of our wildest, recreational dreams could come to fruition!
Flanagans’ Butchers
Since this beloved butcher closed their doors in November 2023 the sizeable unit on the corner of Scotch Street and Barrack Street has been unoccupied.
And it wouldn’t take days to think of a suitable use for the former meat merchant’s.
How about a deli bar? Salads, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, toasties, paninis and all manner of cold cuts, cheeses and slaws.
There is space in the centre of the ground floor for seating while still offering ample room for fridges and countertops.
To give customers a true taste of Armagh, wooden shelves could adorn the walls filled with tasty bottled sauces and locally-supplied artisan condiments.
