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 18^th Century. The Georgian Festival will run from Thursday 28th November until Sunday 1st December 2024.

Georgian Day on Saturday 30^th 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, and listen to musicians around the streets. You’ll enjoy the smell of 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 through the city streets and Mall.  The tree-lined Mall will be alive with activity including Horse and Carriage Rides, Stalls, Children’s entertainment, with the ever popular Carousel, festive music and Hot Chestnuts.

The day starts at 12noon where you can browse the amazing Christmas markets across the City Centre and the Mall and at Noon enjoy the spectacle of the Georgian Gentry arriving on the Mall for the day ahead, transported by horse and carriages.

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.  The Library, which was built in 1771 as a public library and is the oldest library in Northern Ireland, and the 1772 Registry, holds precious documents and records where you can learn about Wax Sealing.  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 “It’s A Holly Jolly Christmas”, our light shows on Friday and Saturday, a Highway Mans Banquet, Walking Tours, Mock Trials in Armagh Courthouse plus a Candlelit Concert in the Archbishop’s Chapel.

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 that during these events, photographers and videographers may be present and will capture images that may be used on social media, online and for other publicity purposes. If you would prefer that your images was not used for such purposes, please speak directly to staff.