Armagh is set to return to the elegance of the 18th century, as the city’s annual Georgian Festival returns from Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 November 2026. Featuring costumed characters, festive markets and immersive historical experiences, the four-day festival will revisit a bygone era, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of Georgian Armagh to life. Drawing visitors from across Ireland and beyond, the festival has become one of the island’s most distinctive heritage and festive events.
Visitors are invited to turn back the clock more than 250 years and immerse themselves in the city as it once was. Through a range of living history experiences and interactive performances, the festival offers a first-hand glimpse into the customs, characters and quirks of Georgian society.
Georgian Festival
Alongside the living history experiences, the festival will feature live music, performances, family activities and festive entertainment across some of the city’s most iconic Georgian settings. It provides the ideal excuse for an early festive getaway, combining heritage, culture, festive shopping and exceptional local food and drink in one of Ireland’s most historic cities. With events running across four days, visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it and experience Armagh at its most vibrant and atmospheric.
The festival will also kick-start the Christmas season with the return of the ever-popular Festive Artisan Market, bringing together more than 100 market stalls across The Mall and City Centre. Armagh City Choir will also deliver a Georgian Christmas Carol service within the grandeur of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on November 27, and the acclaimed Georgian light show is also set to make its return to Market House.
Among this year’s headline events is the Georgian Banquet, an immersive evening of food, entertainment and Georgian hospitality. Highlights also include ‘From Courtship to Courting: A Georgian Love Story’, featuring the acclaimed Arco String Quartet in the candlelit surroundings of the Archbishop’s Palace, alongside the ever-popular Georgian Mock Trials.
Additional experiences include guided tours of the historic Archbishop’s Palace, an evening Behind Bars experience at Armagh Gaol, handbell ringing workshops and traditional horse and carriage rides through the city.
Aoife Cleland, who is portraying one of this year’s living history characters said, “Armagh Georgian Festival has been part of my life since primary school, and it’s still my favourite event of the year. There is nowhere quite like Armagh during festival weekend. Historic buildings become stages, streets come alive with characters from another era, and the city is filled with music, storytelling, food and festive cheer.
“Bringing a Georgian character to life is always something special. Once you step into costume, you become part of that experience, bringing to life the stories of the people who helped shape the Armagh we know today – from its buildings and customs to its food, fashion and traditions.”
Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said, “Since launching in 2004, the Georgian Festival has become a much-loved staple of the region’s calendar. With its unique mix of history, atmosphere and family-friendly fun, it has established a special place among festive events across the UK and Ireland. Each year, it brings the story of Georgian Armagh to life for visitors from near and far, while showcasing the vibrant city we are today.
“While the festival offers a fascinating window into our past, it is also a celebration of the people, talent and creativity that make Armagh what it is today. From our performers and costume designers to our tour guides, craftspeople and award-winning local producers, there is a real sense of community pride in bringing the festival to life. I would encourage everyone to come along, step back in time and discover the stories behind our streets and buildings, while enjoying the talent, hospitality and creativity, that makes our city such a special place.”
New for 2026, Festival Passes offer visitors a great-value way to enjoy more of the celebrations. The Georgian Society Weekend Pass combines some of the festival’s most sought-after experiences in one adult ticket, while the Little Georgians Family Pass provides affordable access to a range of family-friendly attractions and activities.
