A Morning on the Hill: Star-Bites’ Memorable Day Trip to Armagh
On Wednesday, November 20th, the Star-Bites team—including our staff, volunteers, and service-users—embarked on a delightful and enriching day trip to Armagh. Nestled on one of the most historic hills in Ireland, our visit took us to two iconic landmarks: the majestic Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral and the impressive Robinson Library. It was a day full of learning, exploration, and connection, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make this experience unforgettable.
Walking through time, together. Our Star Bites members enjoy learning histories.
A Journey Through History at Armagh Cathedral
Our adventure began with a warm welcome from Leigh, a knowledgeable tour guide who led us through the Armagh Cathedral. Steeped in history, this ancient site has been a place of worship for centuries. According to tradition, St. Patrick himself founded the church on the hill in the year 445, giving rise to the city’s name, Ard Mhacha, or “The Height of Mhacha.” The cathedral we see today was designed by Archbishop O’Scanlain in 1268, and it’s a masterpiece of medieval architecture. As we wandered through the cathedral’s stunning interiors, Leigh shared fascinating insights about the beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings that date back to the Pre-Christian period, and the 13th-century crypt. A particularly remarkable highlight was learning about the cathedral’s silverware, which dates back to 1796—a true testament to the cathedral’s long and storied past.
Exploring the Oldest Public Library in Northern Ireland
Pairs of cotton gloves, hands-on with history at Robinson Library.
After our enriching cathedral tour, we made our way next door to the Robinson Library, where we were greeted by Carol, the lead librarian. Carol’s passion for the library’s history was contagious, and she guided us through the fascinating collection housed within its walls. The Armagh Robinson Library, founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, is the oldest public library in Northern Ireland, and it’s filled with rare treasures. The library’s collection originally included Archbishop Robinson’s personal library, which was made up of works on theology, philosophy, literature, history, and more.
Each of us was given a pair of cotton gloves to protect the delicate 18th and 19th-century books on display. This thoughtful gesture allowed us to carefully browse through volumes that are hundreds of years old, and we couldn’t help but marvel at the knowledge and stories these books held. The library is not only a historical gem but also a place of ongoing learning, and we were thrilled to be a part of that for the day.
A wonderful bite to eat and the chance to discuss all we’ve seen, heard & learned. What a day for Star Bites Café!
A Warm Welcome at The Gathering Rooms Café
After a morning of history and culture, we took a short walk to The Gathering Rooms Café, where we were greeted by Support Worker Amy and Programme Participant Eve. Both went out of their way to make us feel at home, offering us hot teas and coffees as we waited for our delicious lunch. The Gathering Rooms is more than just a café; it’s a special project that provides young people with autism the opportunity to gain transferable work and social skills. The café is part of a larger initiative, which includes The Eating Rooms and The Print Room—training programs that help young people develop their potential in a supportive environment.
As we sipped our drinks and enjoyed our meal, we reflected on what a truly memorable day it had been—full of learning, connection, and appreciation for the history of Armagh.
A Heartfelt Thank You
At Star-Bites, we are always looking for opportunities to explore, learn, and grow together. This trip to Armagh was made all the more special by the wonderful people who guided us through each location and the warmth we experienced throughout the day. A huge thank you to all those who made this day possible—from the knowledgeable guides at the Cathedral and Robinson Library to the kind staff at The Gathering Rooms. Your efforts helped create an experience we will cherish for years to come.
We look forward to more adventures like this, as we continue to create meaningful connections and memories together. Until next time, we’ll keep exploring the world around us—one step at a time!
Yours, Joanne Caraher