Present Situation [1835]

• The city, which is large, handsome, and well built, is delightfully situated on the declivity of a lofty eminence, round the western base of which the river Callan  winds in its progress to the Blackwater.  It is chiefly indebted for its present high state of improvement to the attention bestowed on it by several primates since the Reformation, especially by Primate Boulter, and, still more so, by Primate Robinson, all of whom have made it their place of residence. 
• The approaches on every side embrace interesting objects. On the east are the rural village and post town of Richhill, and the demesne of Castle-Dillon, in which the late proprietor erected an obelisk on a lofty hill in memory of the volunteers of Ireland.  The western approach exhibits the demesnes of Caledon, Glasslough, Woodpark, Elm Park, and Knappagh; those from Dungannon and Loughgall pass through a rich and well wooded country; that from the south, descending through the fertile, well- cultivated, and busy vale of the Callan, the banks of which are adorned with several seats and extensive plantations, interspersed with numerous bleach greens and mills, is extremely pleasing; and that from the Southeast, though less attractive, is marked by the classical feature of Hamilton's Bawn, immortalised by the sarcastic pen of Swift.

• Many of the streets converge towards the cathedral, the most central point and the most conspicuous object in the city, and are connected by cross streets winding around the declivity; they have flagged pathways, are Macadamised, and are lighted with oil gas from works erected in Callan street, by a joint stock company, in the year 1827, but will shortly  be lighted with coal gas, the gasometer for which is now in progress of erection; and since 1833 have been also cleansed and watched under the provisions of the general act of the 9th of Geo.  IV., cap. 82, by which a cess is applotted and levied on the inhabitants. 
  
• A copious supply of fresh water has been procured under the authority of two general acts passed in 1789 and 1794 supply of good water is brought from a small lake or basin .  Metal pipes have been carried through all the main streets, by which a plentiful nearly midway between Armagh and Hamilton's Bawn, in consideration of a small rate on each house; and fountains have also been erected in different parts of the town occupied by the poorer class of the inhabitants.  The city is Plentifully supplied with turf, and coal of good quality is brought from the Drumglass and Coal Island collieries,  11 miles distant. 
  
• A public walk, called the Mall, has been formed by subscription, out of ground granted on lease to the corporation, originally in 1797, by the primate, being a part of the town commons, which were vested in the latter for useful purposes by an act of the13th and 14th of Geo. III. : the enclosed area, on the eastern side of which are many superior houses, comprehends nearly eight acres, kept in excellent condition.    In addition to this, the primate's demesne is open to respectable persons; and his laudable example has been followed by two opulent citizens, who have thrown open their grounds in the vicinity for the recreation of the inhabitants