Armagh City’s iconic Georgian Weekend celebrates its rich history and heritage from Thursday 25 November
A major weekend-long celebration of Armagh’s rich Georgian history and heritage returns on Thursday November 25, marking the official start of the Christmas countdown.
In the race to be UK City of Culture for 2025, Armagh City is an increasingly popular destination for local, national and international visitors who are attracted by its deep history, rich heritage, outstanding food and drink and an exciting year-round calendar of events.
First launched in 2004 and officially one of Northern Ireland’s most authentic and inspiring events, the award-winning annual Georgian programme of tours, markets, street theatre, food and fun has also become one of the UK and Ireland’s most popular.
Marking 17 years since it was founded, this year’s Armagh’s Georgian Weekend makes the very most of Cathedral City’s expansive tree-lined historic Georgian Mall and city streets, where captivating day-and-night guided tours will take visitors on a spellbinding journey back to the 1770s and early 1800s.
Flanked by characters in costumes of this regal time around every corner amid the decadent smells of mulled apple juice, cider, mince pies and hot chestnuts, this year’s festival also promises even more artisan food, drink and crafts and exceptional drop in and bookable special events.
A gourmet Georgian food tour takes place on Saturday 25 November where guests can exclusively dine from a menu freshly prepared by standout local Food Heartland chefs Gareth Reid and Barry Smyth in the Archbishop’s Palace and County Museum as part of a unique culinary walk through the city.
Horse and carriage rides and the famous Georgian Light Show will be as popular as ever, while legendary telescope tours and digital dome shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, gilding workshops and silhouette cutting means there’s plenty right across the city to keep everyone entertained.
For meeting friends, family and acquaintances old and new, there’s a tasty feast of sumptuous Georgian afternoon teas for all ages, with treats and onsite live music and theatre in Milford House and Armagh City Hotel for every age.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr, said:
“Steeped in history, heritage, myth and legend, Armagh City’s glorious Georgian heritage is on full display every day, and this year we’re delighted to celebrate its past and its present with a unique and exciting series of unique, captivating events that are a feast for the senses. This important and iconic Cathedral City, deep in the heart of the Orchard County, is firmly on the rise and I encourage everyone to enjoy our special place at this special time.”
For those keen to make a full day of it on Saturday in The Mall, the Charlemont Hotel has created a very special Georgian picnic box packed with dishes and drinks to keep you going outside.
Supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, this year’s Georgian Weekend runs from Thursday 25 November until Sunday 28 November, with events taking place throughout the day and in the evenings.
