Situated within walking distance of the city centre, for over two hundred years the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh. The Demesne, comprising some 300 acres, is the creation of Archbishop Richard Robinson. The Palace was the residence of the Archbishops of the Church of Ireland from 1770 to 1975.
There is also a restaurant and coffee shop within the grounds called the Moody Boar.
The Park is open freely all year round.
Until the time of Primate Robinson, the archbishops of Armagh were not provided with a place of residence in keeping with the revenues of the office.
During less peaceful times, when nothing was left of either city or churches, a precedent was formed for living elsewhere in the diocese, and for a considerable space the Primates had palaces at Drogheda and Termonfeckin, County Louth. During St Patrick’s time, the Primatial residence was situated on a part of the hill crowned by the Cathedral. Bishopscourt, in Mullinure, north-northeast of the city, was a residence, and it is recorded that there were rooms for the Archbishop in the Culdee Priory.
When Dr Robinson was appointed Primate, the residence was in English Street. Ninety-one numerous plantations then started in the splendid demesne, adding greatly to the beauty of the scenery surrounding the city.
The cache is a 120mm x 50mm sized tablock box and when placed contained log book, pen/pencil. There are several parking areas within the park and a newly refurbished playground.