Armagh will step back more than 250 years this November when the city’s annual Georgian Festival returns for four days of living history, festive entertainment and heritage events.
The festival will run from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 29 November 2026. Organisers say the programme will bring the sights, sounds and characters of Georgian Armagh to life through costumed characters, interactive performances, festive markets and immersive historical experiences.
The event has become one of the island’s distinctive heritage and festive gatherings, drawing visitors from across Ireland and beyond. It will combine history and culture with festive shopping, local food and drink, and activities designed for families and visitors planning an early Christmas break.
More than 100 stalls across Armagh
A major part of the weekend will be the return of the Festive Artisan Market. More than 100 market stalls will be spread across The Mall and City Centre, giving visitors the opportunity to browse festive goods while experiencing the atmosphere of historic Armagh.
The programme will also include live music, performances, family activities and festive entertainment in some of the city’s Georgian settings. Visitors are being encouraged to make a weekend of the festival, with events taking place across all four days.
Armagh City Choir will perform a Georgian Christmas Carol service at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on 27 November. Market House will again host the Georgian light show, another of the festival’s headline attractions.
Banquet, mock trials and historic tours
The Georgian Banquet will offer an immersive evening of food, entertainment and Georgian hospitality. Another featured event, From Courtship to Courting: A Georgian Love Story, will include the Arco String Quartet in the candlelit surroundings of the Archbishop’s Palace.
The programme will also bring back the Georgian Mock Trials. Other experiences will 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.
Living-history experiences will give visitors a first-hand glimpse of Georgian customs, characters and society. Costumed performers will help tell the stories of the people connected with Armagh’s buildings, traditions, food and fashion.
“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.”
That is according to Aoife Cleland, who is portraying one of this year’s living-history characters. She said taking on a Georgian role was a way to bring the stories of the people who helped shape modern Armagh to life.
Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said the festival had become a much-loved part of the regional calendar since it launched in 2004.
“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.”
She also described the event as a celebration of the people and creative work behind it, including performers, costume designers, tour guides, craftspeople and local producers.
New festival passes for 2026
New for 2026, Festival Passes will provide visitors with a way to attend more of the celebrations through combined ticket options.
The Georgian Society Weekend Pass will bring together some of the festival’s most sought-after experiences in one adult ticket. The Little Georgians Family Pass will provide access to a selection of family-friendly attractions and activities at an affordable price.
Many scheduled events will be free, but some will be ticketed and places will be limited. Advance booking is advised. Full programme details and booking information are available at visitarmagh.com/georgianfestival.
