A popular heritage festival in Armagh City will celebrate its unique Georgian history in December with a series of tours, talks, theater and musical performances, and a dazzling light show, as well as a host of costumed characters adding to the festive atmosphere.
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The annual celebration, known as the Armagh Georgian Festival, will take place between Nov. 28th and Dec. 1st.
Georgian Day on Nov. 30th is the highlight of the Armagh Georgian Festival, taking visitors back in time, with the clip clop of horses’ hooves along the city's Mall, the smell of roasting chestnuts and mulled spices wafting from the many food and craft stalls in the city center and musicians playing on the streets.
Georgian characters will be mulling about too, including actors representing the landed gentry, as well as urchins and gin-soaked ladies.
Armagh’s impressive Georgian architecture is also 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 and the chance for visitors to visit the renowned Robinson Library to view its many treasures.
Here is a look at some of the scheduled events that are taking place during the Armagh Georgian Festival.
Georgian Light Show: It's a Holly Jolly Christmas, Nov. 29-30
This special light show will transform the Market House, a beautiful Georgian building in the city center. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5th.
Everyone must have a ticket in hand to attend this event.
Georgian Ghost Tour, Nov. 29-30
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. 30
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 £29.50 per adult and £15 for children under 12.
Gorgeous Georgian, Nov. 30
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. 30
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.
Other festival events can be found on the Visit Armagh website.
What’s to Love About Armagh
Armagh is considered the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland with strong ties to Saint Patrick. In addition, the city has two cathedrals dedicated to the patron saint.
It is also a key stop along Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrims Walk.
Beyond the city, visitors can explore an ancient landscape at the Navan Centre & Fort, which is among the island of Ireland's most famous and important archaeological sites.