Armagh Drumlins Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Extensive area of rolling drumlins overlooked by the Carrigatuke
• Hills to the south and crossed by numerous, small winding river valleys.Improved pasture separated by bushy hedgerows and tree belts.
• Numerous scattered dwellings and farms connected by network of winding, hedge-lined roads.
• Wooded historic estate and park landscapes.
• Open views across landscape from higher points; intimate enclosed landscapes between hills.
• Significant archaeological sites.

Landscape Description

The Armagh Drumlins cover an extensive area of rolling north - south orientated drumlins. They are overlooked by the Carrigatuke Hills to the south and fall towards the Loughgall Orchard Belt and fringes of Lough Neagh to the north. The area is drained by numerous small winding streams, frequently tributaries of the Callan River. Occasional loughs and sedgy mosses occupy the hollows between drumlins. The landform becomes progressively lower and the drumlins more pronounced to the north. Land use is dominated by improved pastures, which are separated by overgrown hedgerows and tree belts. Mature hedgerow ash trees are common.

There are a number of wooded historic estates, which are associated with stone walls and stands of mature trees. The largest estate in the area is at Mullaghbane. There are numerous scattered dwellings and farms, connected by a network of winding, hedged roads. Large farm barns and ruined stone cottages are common features. The city of Armagh, with its tall spires, is a focus for local roads and views. The area also includes smaller settlements such as Keady and Richhill. New development is prominent on ridge-lines around the outskirts of Armagh. Archaeological features such as Navan Fort , on the outskirts of Armagh, are of national significance. There are open views across the landscape from higher points, whist the landscapes between the hills are intimate and enclosed.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The most sensitive areas of this landscape are the settings of the numerous important archaeological sites. These are concentrated to the south and west of Armagh and include Navan Fort. Local skylines and drumlin summits are also relatively sensitive, particularly when they are the sites of ancient raths. River and stream valleys, loughs and mosses are sensitive to changes in water quality and water table, the latter being easily affected by development.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The management and continual planting of hedgerows and hedgerow trees will conserve the structure and diversity of the drumlin landscape and avoid the necessity for wire fences.
• The landscape setting of archaeological sites must be a priority for conservation and landscape management action.
• The continued management of estate landscapes, through replanting trees and avenues, thinning and coppicing as necessary, would benefit their long term conservation as important features in the landscape.
• Loughs, mosses and river valleys are important components of the landscape which should be conserved, avoiding damage through changing land uses and enhanced by waterside planting. The network of small streams serves as linked corridors of ecological and landscape value.
• It would be appropriate to promote the development of recreational routeways along river valleys and linking into the towns.
• Management of roadside verges, by mowing after seeding and avoiding the use of herbicides would improve their visual and ecological value.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• New development can be integrated into the landscape if it is sited on the mid-slopes of drumlins, or close to the break of slope.
• Existing hedgerows should be retained or replaced in and around building sites to maintain a continuous landscape pattern and help integrate the edges of new development into the landscape.
• Scattered development in the countryside can be accommodated if located sympathetically between trees and hills and if constructed of traditional materials, either stone or white painted pebbledash, with grey roofs.
• There are opportunities for the restoration and reuse of traditional older buildings.