Police checkpoints were set up 20 miles away from Armagh before this morning's Maundy service at St Patrick's Cathedral by the Queen today, her final engagement in Northern Ireland today.
Airport-style security filtered hundreds of guests, media and their processions through the nearby Drumadd army barracks in preparation for the finale to the three-day visit by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Guests were ferried by bus from the barracks to the Anglican cathedral, where workers spent days preparing for the historic occasion.
Outside, police with sniffer dogs checked premises and around the city teams of officers searched roadsides for suspicious devices and checked vehicles.
The service at the Church of Ireland cathedral will be cross-community and joining Archbishop Alan Harper will be Catholic Primate Cardinal Sean Brady and other church leaders.
The Queen will distribute Maundy money as a symbol of the giving of alms and Christ's washing of the apostles' feet on Holy Thursday.
This is the first time the Queen has carried out the ceremony outside England and Wales.
A total of 164 pensioners - 82 men and 82 women, reflecting the Queen's age of 82 - will receive £5.50 in a red purse and 82 pence in a white purse.
The specially-minted money is highly sought after by collectors and receivers are chosen after consultation with the local community.
A police spokeswoman said: "Friary Road has been closed following the discovery of two suspicious objects.
"Army technical officers have been tasked and are currently at the scene." Dissident republicans have been active in Northern Ireland in recent months and have attempted to shoot two policemen.