Unique, a first-of-its-kind and a complete game-changer – that’s how an exciting masterplan is being described for a new tourist attraction in Armagh.
And, when we say ‘in’ Armagh, perhaps it’s the wrong word.
To be more specific, a better pin-pointer of location would be ‘under’ Armagh.
It has long been rumoured that the ancient city of Armagh was built on a network of tunnels.
And a recent ‘scoping’ exercise at Armagh Gaol unlocked evidence that the rumour is in actual fact more than just an urban myth.
For teams preparing the former women’s prison ahead of a stakeholders visit at the end of February discovered, hidden under a concrete flagstone in the rear yard, a 50 feet deep chasm. The stone had been displaced and partially collapsed as a result of the atrocious and relentless weather conditions either side of Storm Chandra in January.
Upon further inspection, health and safety teams accessed the hole and discovered, at its base, it was actually the entrance to a tunnel.
Further inspection, using advanced imaging technology, revealed that the passageway proceeded the length of the Mall, emerging to the rear of Armagh Courthouse.
It had widely been believed but never proven – until now – the existence of a tunnel through which prisoners sentenced to death would be led to the Gaol and their place of public execution.
But the imaging exercise offered more bang for its buck, as it also threw up a further exciting discovery.
Constructed five feet further below the first tunnel was evidence of another.
And, tracing the length of the route back to source, it was found to provide safe passage between the crypt beneath the Cathedral Church of St Patrick – built in 445AD – and the foundations of the more ‘modern’ Royal School Armagh on College Hill, which was founded in 1608.
Realising that the discovery presented an unprecedented opportunity, ABC Council took a decision – in confidential business at its February monthly meeting – to further explore the potential of such a find.
Armagh I has been passed a copy of the subsequent report which has been prepared – with the assistance and advice of health and safety teams – on what is envisaged next – with a view to opening the tunnels up to the public!
Drawings indicate proposals which could see the walls of the tunnels strengthened and reinforced, with Armagh marble employed to lay a path along their route.
Where the two pass – midway underneath the Mall – an access would be created to allow those exploring the tunnel between school and cathedral to enter, via a series of steps leading up, that between prison and court.
A mechanical lift would also be installed for those with mobility issues.
The upper tunnel would also be extended slightly and ‘branched’ off, where it is intended to excavate and ‘hollow out’ an expansive underground chamber.
This, it is fully hoped if practical and deemed safe, would be constructed, fitted out and opened to the public as the first ever underground restaurant and bar, accessed by way of tunnel, anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
Early drawings indicate that the new ‘watering hole’ would be in a circular formation. There would be a ‘round’ central bar, with seating running the whole way around it and serving staff accessing via a hatch.
At one side of the chamber, there would be tables and chairs, with snug-like booths, and an elevated stage to allow for ‘live’ bands and entertainment. To the other is located a restaurant with seating for up to 50 diners, and kitchen and prep area to the rear. Toilet provision is also included.
A council source told Armagh I : “There is no map or any source anywhere showing where, or indeed if, underground tunnels in Armagh existed. But it had long been widely believed there were.
“A few years ago there were tunnels discovered and excavated around the bus depot at Railway Street which added weight to that belief.
“So imagine the excitement at the Gaol back in February – at least we had something to thank our appalling weather for!
“We never in our wildest dreams thought that the chance to do something like this would come along – all thanks to a sunken flagstone.
“Other areas like to boast of their ‘unique’ attractions, like a tree-top walk, but this is taking things to a whole new level!
“Some of the council team have already met with the operators at Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. There’s a tunnel there that leads under the road to the Courthouse on the other side, although it has not been safe to travel the full length along it for many years.
“But it allowed them the opportunity to bounce around ideas and seek advice on what we could do here in Armagh.
“This is a concept idea at this stage but with the right drive, enthusiasm and determination – and everyone really is behind it – this could be a one-of-a-kind and a real game-changer in terms of tourism.
“Of course there will be a lot of work to be done – ensuring that the tunnels are suitably reinforced and, at various locations where there has been some collapse, restoring it. The safety of the public will be paramount and everything will be done to ensure the tunnels – and the restaurant and bar – are fully constructed, fitted and 100% passed and approved ’safe’ before anyone is allowed to enter.
“The Cavern Club on Mathew Street in Liverpool is world famous, not just as the birthplace of the Beatles but its deep structure. Set many levels below the street, you really have the feeling you truly are underground when there.
“Well all we can say is, ‘Liverpool, we’ll see your Cavern and raise you!’
“You’ll never experience anything quite like what we are planning for Armagh!”
For now, full reports, detailing timeframes for technical assessments and the initial drawings for underground development, are expected to go before a special meeting of ABC Council this Wednesday, April 1.
It will take the form of a site visit to Armagh Gaol, as well as viewing the other tunnel-mouth locations, and is scheduled to get underway at 10am.
Armagh I will bring you further details of what is transpiring and agreed later on this morning or early afternoon.
