Step back into the elegance of the 18th century at the Armagh Georgian Festival, which is set to take place from Nov. 26-29 in the historic city of Armagh.
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Across four days, the city’s historic streets and Georgian landmarks will provide the setting for costumed characters, immersive living history, live music and festive entertainment.
At this annual event you can explore the Festive Artisan Market, which will bring together more than 100 market stalls across The Mall and the city center, discover the stories behind Georgian Armagh, and enjoy the spectacular Georgian Light Show.
If you’re visiting Northern Ireland for a day or you plan to stick around for this popular festive weekend, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
Festival Highlights
Festive Artisan Market: Start your Christmas shopping at the many artisan stalls that will be set up across the city center.
Georgian Light Show: Experience Armagh’s heritage through light, music and special effects at the Market House.
Georgian Banquet: Enjoy an immersive evening of dining, live music and Georgian storytelling on Nov. 27th.
The Not So Gorgeous Georgian Walking Tour: Discover the less genteel side of Georgian society on an interactive walking tour scheduled for Nov. 27-28.
Archbishop’s Palace Tours: Explore one of Armagh’s most significant Georgian landmarks. Tours will take place between Nov. 28th and 29th.
From Courtship to Courting: A Georgian Love Story: Hear the Arco String Quartet blend classical and contemporary music at this Nov. 29th event.
Armagh’s impressive Georgian architecture is always a highlight of the festival.
Richard Robinson, who served as Archbishop of Armagh in the mid-1700s, is credited with the design of many of the city’s finest buildings.
A walking tour describes his influence on the city, with tours of the Archbishop’s Palace, mentioned above.
Here is a look at some of the oher scheduled events taking place during the Armagh Georgian Festival.
A Georgian Christmas Celebration – Armagh City Choir Production, Nov. 27
The Armagh City Choir will perform Christmas carols inside the city’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Georgian Ghost Tour, Nov. 27-28
Visitors are encouraged to take a “ghoulish evening walking tour” that includes spine-chilling stories about some of Armagh City’s ghosts.
Georgian Christmas Afternoon Tea, Nov. 28
The Georgian Christmas afternoon tea experience at the Armagh City Hotel will get participants in the holiday spirit, with delectable treats and aromatic mulled wine on the menu, among other goodies.
The price is £35 per adult and £15 for children under 12.
Gorgeous Georgian, Nov. 28
Watch a model being transformed into a beautiful Georgian lady.
Learn about her style of dress, the makeup such ladies wore, as well as a demonstration of the language of the fan.
Silhouette Cuter, Nov. 28
Portrait silhouettes or “shades” were all the rage in fashionable Georgian society and were also popular as mementos that were given away.
This Armagh Georgian Festival workshop is for those who are interested in seeing how these portrait silhouettes were cut. FREE.
Festival Passes Available
If you’d like to enjoy several experiences, you can avail of festival passes, including the Little Georgians Family Pass, designed for two adults and two children, or the Georgian Society Weekend Pass, combining culture, history and entertainment.
Planning Your Visit
The festival takes place throughout Armagh city center, with opportunities to combine the celebrations with local dining and an overnight stay.
Some events are free, while others require tickets. Advance booking is recommended for ticketed experiences, which have limited availability. Events are subject to change.
