The historic city of Armagh celebrates its Georgian heritage in an award-winning festival full of spectacle and immersive fun.
The annual Georgian Festival (27–30 November) transforms Armagh into a late eighteenth-century city with costumed characters roving its historic streets, and tours, talks, theatre, music and foodie events delving into all aspects of Georgian life.
Armagh is Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital and its Georgian architecture and heritage owes its existence to Archbishop Robinson who, on taking up his position in 1765, commissioned many public buildings and spaces that gave the city its architectural elegance.
The festival’s guided walking tours explore the city’s historic buildings, discover its Georgian art, unearth its ghosts and savour its gourmet food. Meanwhile, the Not so Gorgeous Georgians tour reveals the less appealing underbelly of Georgian society.
For an authentic Georgian culinary experience, you can book the Highwayman’s Banquet in the imposing Archbishop’s Palace and tuck into a gourmet feast while listening to tales and tunes about notorious highwaymen and rapparees. Or enjoy an evening at the opera, where the music and costumes reflect the elegance of the Georgian era.
Spirited mock trials at the courthouse give a taste of Georgian justice and offer the unique chance to join the jury and have your say. And at the County Museum you can meet Georgian characters, find out about fashions and etiquette and even dress up in Georgian finery for a keepsake photo.
Armagh’s historic tree-lined Mall will be the hub of the artisan market featuring some 100 stalls hosted by traders in traditional costume selling food, gifts and crafts. You can also tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage, observe the skills of a portrait silhouette cutter and eavesdrop on Georgian ladies or businessmen at living history events. And on the Friday and Saturday evenings, Christmas light shows will illuminate the Market House with festive images.
With so much happening it might be hard to make the most of the weekend. To help, the organisers have suggested itineraries for families, couples and art and culture lovers.
Festival-goers who want to stay right in the heart of the action should consider booking into Armagh City Hotel. The hotel is offering special packages over one and two nights that include tickets to some festival highlights. Or why not continue the immersion with a stay in Charlemont House, a Georgian style boutique hotel with old world charm, which is just a 15-minute drive from Armagh city.
If you want to combine a visit to the festival with a luxurious spa retreat in a castle hotel, Killeavy Castle Estate in Newry fits the bill. The four-star hotel is set in a secluded country estate in the stunning Slieve Gullion area.
And after the festival ends, there is plenty more to do and see in Armagh. The city has a host of museums, a planetarium and two magnificent cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick, while beyond there is an ancient landscape to explore including the fascinating Navan Centre & Fort, one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites.
