Join an exciting and enchanting celebration of the long tradition of the apple in Armagh.
Meet the word-famous Armagh Rhymers on their home ground and enter the ancient, magical and mysterious world of mummers. Join them on a journey through Armagh City’s hidden urban orchard involving masks and music, merriment and mirth.
Your experience will begin with an introduction to The Armagh Rhymers and the roots of mumming across Europe. It will take you to a locked door and the orchard where we celebrate the seasons of apple growing in local stories, music, and ritual.
You can catch these spectacular participative performances at three times in the year:
- Wassail, in January, is the ritual awakening of the apple trees from their winter sleep in preparation for growth and fruitfulness.
- Blossomtime, in May, focusses on new growth, new promise and the web of life.
- Harvest, in September/October, celebrates the nurturing land, harvest gathered and feast time.