Armagh Georgian Weekend

About

Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.

Georgian Day on Saturday 26th November is the highlight of the festival – a day rich in atmosphere where you can hear the clip clop of the horses' hooves along the Mall, listen to musicians around the streets and smell the roasting chestnuts and mulled spices as you wander among the array of craft and food stalls throughout the bustling city centre and on the picturesque setting of The Mall. Make sure to look out for the Georgian characters – the Gentry, the urchins and the gin soaked ladies as they wind their way past the Georgian lampshades and promenade through the city streets and the Mall. You will be able to take a peek at Santa as he works away in his workshop getting ready for Christmas. The tree lined Mall will be alive with activity including Horse and Carriage Rides, Stalls, Children's entertainment, with the ever popular Carousel, Music and Hot Chestnuts.

The day begins at Noon on the Mall where you can take in the splendour of the Georgian architecture as the Gentry arrive into the city transported by horse and carriages. The Day will conclude with the spectacle of the Georgian light shows which transform the Market House, a beautiful Georgian, building into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects and other surprises!

The Hill of Armagh will play its role in welcoming visitors for Georgian Day as the Robinson Library and No 5 Vicars' Hill, the former Registry, are open to the public welcoming visitors to step back in time. See inside the Library, which was built in 1771 as a public library and is the oldest library in Northern Ireland, and the 1772 Registry, which holds precious documents and records and where you can learn about Wax Sealing. Or you can book at tour of the Armagh Observatory, a stunning Georgian building with a continuous history of astronomical research from its beginnings in 1790 to the present day. All these buildings were part of Archbishop Robinson's legacy to Armagh.

There are ticketed events throughout the festival including "Coming Home for Christmas" our light shows on Friday and Saturday, a Tea Party at the Palace, Walking Tours, events in Milford House and Mock Trials and tours in Armagh Courthouse.

Georgian Festival Armagh promises to be a weekend which brings the city's Georgian history and stories to life, where you can uncover some of our city's hidden gems and take part in a range of activities and experiences which are not only enjoyable, but interpret and explain our city's Georgian roots.

Please note events take place from Thursday - Sunday. Many events require a ticket which must be booked in advance online. Please see website for full details, including tickets and pricing.