Lisnagade

A grassy mound tucked into the countryside near Markethill doesn't sound like much, but Lisnagade is where real archaeology happens - the kind you can stand on and feel the weight of centuries. It's an Iron Age hill fort, and what you're looking at is the defensive earthwork that once ringed a settlement. The concentric banks are still visible if you know what you're looking for, though the site has weathered two thousand years without ceremony or interpretation boards.

This is squarely for the archaeology-minded or anyone walking the lanes around Markethill who fancies a proper detour. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming - there's no visitor centre, no playground, just a field and some history you need to bring your own knowledge to appreciate. That said, if you're staying at Tepee Valley Campsite just down the road, it's easily walkable and costs nothing.

Allow fifteen minutes to have a look around and take in the earthworks. The best time is late spring through early autumn when the grass is manageable and you can actually trace the fort's outline. Winter can be muddy and overgrown. It works well as part of a wider exploring day around the Armagh area - close enough to other sites without being a major detour. Bring decent boots and manage expectations: this is archaeology in the raw, not a manicured attraction. If you're the type who gets excited by Iron Age settlement patterns, you'll find it worthwhile. If you're after something more polished, keep driving.