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Armagh City Hotel

Located at the heart of the "orchard county" of Armagh, this hotel is a sister establishment to the Dunadry Inn, Co. Antrim and Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast (see entries). While its uncompromisingly blocky design and modern materials may surprise those who had hoped for an hotel that would have empathy with the traditional style of Ireland's historic ecclesiastical capital, it has brought welcome facilities to the area, including Northern Ireland's largest hotel conference facility.

An events entrance with its own parking area separates delegates from other guests and has an impressive foyer, with separate check-in facilities. The main hotel entrance may seem disappointing by comparison - a cafeteria style 'Deli' and informal dining area located in the foyer give a poor impression on arrival - but the bar and more formal restaurant areas are at the back of the hotel, looking out onto pleasant landscaped gardens.

Clean-lined contemporary bedrooms are practical - and well-equipped for business guests, with air conditioning, ISDN lines, safe and TV with video as well as the usual phones, tea/coffee making facilities and trouser press.

Conference/banqueting (1,200/700); business centre, secretarial services, broadband wi/fi. Rooms 82 (10 executive, 30 no smoking, 4 for disabled). B&B from £52 pps; single €89; children welcome (under 10s free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). Leisure centre with swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi. *Special breaks offered - details on application. Closed 24-26 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Switch.

Directions:

From Dublin take A28 to Armagh City, when the police station is in sight, follow the road round to the left to the hotel. From Belfast take M1 to Junction 11, then M12 on to A3 , hotel is situated just before Palace Stables .