Festivals in Armagh Summer 2025: Fun for All!

Did you know that Armagh is all set for a massive event in Summer 2025¹? There will be over 40 free gigs at 16 venues over one weekend. This year, the city’s line-up is packed to please everyone. It will include a mix of activities and events for both locals and visitors.

Its history shines through with the 82-mile Pilgrim Walk from Armagh to Downpatrick². Enchanting Celtic festivals also fill the summer with joy. Armagh invites all to join the fun.

In 2025, Armagh is a top spot in Northern Ireland with lots to see. Check out the Tandragee 100 motorcycle race, famous as the ‘mini-TT’ among riders². Don’t miss the Food & Cider Festival spotlighting the Armagh Bramley Apple.

Key Takeaways

• Armagh Summer in the City 2025 features over 40 free gigs across 16 venues¹.
• The Pilgrim Walk spans 82 miles through scenic landscapes from Armagh to Downpatrick².
• The Food & Cider Festival will showcase the famous Armagh Bramley Apple².
• The Tandragee 100 motorcycle race is a highlight, attracting top-class competitors².
• Immerse in Celtic heritage with the Wickerman Gathering at Navan Fort².

Introduction to Armagh’s Summer Festivals

Armagh City is getting ready for a series of Irish cultural festivals. These will make this summer special with lots of lively activities. This year’s events promise to be truly memorable. With more than 30 organisations, performers, and venues taking part, these festivals will show off the city’s rich history and traditions³.

The “Armagh Fusion Festival” stands out and will run over three weekends from February 4th to February 20th³. It will feature performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. This commitment to top-notch events started nearly 20 years ago with festivals like Armagh Food & Cider Fest, Home of St. Patrick Fest, and Georgian Festival³.

The excitement grows with the opening of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. It offers a huge 110,000-square-foot interactive tour of the Westeros world³. Additionally, Armagh aims to be the UK City of Culture for 2025. It’s in the running among eight other cities³.

Summer in the City Programme

The Summer in the City programme in Armagh is full of excitement. It’s great for both locals and visitors. It runs from Saturday 20th July to Sunday 8th September. This will be a time for everyone to enjoy family-friendly summer activities in Armagh.

Activities for All Ages

Get ready for athletic events, cooking shows, and amazing magic. These activities are fun for everyone. On Saturday 3rd August, come see the best artists at the Art on The Rails exhibition from 10:30 am to 5 pm⁴. For the little ones, there’s a “Grow your own Veg” workshop on Saturday 7th September from 12pm to 4pm. After that, join the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Cathedral Gardens from 2pm to 2:40 pm⁴.

Schedule and Locations

Fun takes place at Market Square, McCrum’s Court, and outside the Market Place Theatre from 12pm to 4pm on Saturdays⁴. Don’t miss the 44 gigs at 16 different venues during the 7 Hills Blues Fest. This event runs from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2025⁴¹. Also, the Food and Cider event is four days of tasting. It happens from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September, showcasing local food and drink⁴.

From 11am to 4pm, live music will fill the city. This exciting programme makes the family-friendly summer activities in Armagh hard to miss. It’s a great event for everyone.

Armagh’s Historic Sites and Celebrations

Step back in time to Armagh’s rich past during the city’s summer events. These festivities blend fun with the city’s deep heritage. It’s like a special tour through Armagh’s historic spots.

Exploring Rich History

The Chronicles of Armagh series showcase amazing places. You can visit the well-known Armagh Observatory and Gosford Forest Park. There are also fun agricultural shows to see across different times of the year⁵.

At Navan Fort, you’ll discover past cultures through exciting events. Learn about old traditions at the harvest celebration and the Celtic Festival of Samhain⁵.

The festival by Tommy Makem in South Armagh shows off the area’s lively culture. It pulls in a global crowd, even filling a bus with visitors from America⁶. This event features fun like concerts and storytelling, celebrating various cultures⁶.

Armagh’s Georgian Day is a big deal in Northern Ireland, bringing thousands of people. It’s the top festive open-air event in Northern Ireland since 2004, attracting over 250,000 guests⁷. There, a 100-stall-strong traditional market is set up. This is all made possible by the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council⁷.

The Armagh City celebrations also have a unique two-day event celebrating Georgian times. This draws more than 30,000 folks in one weekend. It’s a memorable affair showing off Georgian history in a fun way⁷.

Celtic Music and Dance Performances

In Armagh, Celtic music and dance are a big part of the summer festivals. The 7 Hills Blues Festival has over 50 acts from the UK and Ireland⁸. It mixes traditional and modern music over three days, from August 2nd to August 4th⁹. At the same time, the Home of St. Patrick Festival lasts for nine days. It includes music, dance, workshops, and film showings⁸.

Musical tributes add a special touch to the events. Acts like The Motown Sensations, SPICEWORLD The Tribute, and The Cher & Meat Loaf Experience will be there⁹. Armagh also features one-day events like Bingo Loco and a Sushi Cookery Class to mix things up⁹. The Georgian Festival with its historical exhibits and costume parades offers even more variety⁸.

Armagh’s festivals blend tradition with new ideas. Amazing musicians and dancers will take the stage. These performances are easy to access through online ticketing. So, everyone can enjoy the shows⁹.

Gaelic Games Tournaments

This summer, Armagh will be the heart of exciting Gaelic games tournaments. They will show off the players’ amazing talent. Plus, they will bring people together through community sports events.

Sporting Events

The AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Club Championship will be a highlight. Teams from different areas like Connacht, Munster, Leinster, and Ulster will face off¹⁰. The Allianz Football League will also be intense. Teams including Kerry and Dublin will battle it out¹⁰.

Don’t miss the Allianz Hurling League either. Teams like Galway and Dublin will fight for victory¹⁰. These events are about the sport and bringing communities together through exciting sports activities.

Community Participation

Community involvement is key in the Gaelic games in Armagh. The Award 2 Coach Education course aids local coaches in improving¹¹. The 27-hour programme teaches important skills, like fitness and technique¹¹.

It also promotes thinking on what can be better¹¹. There are many events to look forward to, from hurling to bike races. These events add to Armagh’s sports scene¹².

Armagh Food and Crafts Fairs

Experiencing Armagh’s food and crafts fairs is a real treat. They show off our love for great food and the cool things locals make. The Armagh Food & Cider Festival in September is a big deal. It proudly displays Ireland’s top foods and drinks in a fun, lively setting.

Our events don’t just draw a local crowd. People from across the nation and world also come. They’re enchanted by our city’s special vibe and the friendly welcome they get. The Georgian Festival in November is a standout. Its market is alive with crafts, foods, and gifts that show off Georgian Armagh’s history and culture¹³¹⁴.

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The Armagh Summer in the City programme lights up our city from July to September. It’s full of free, fun activities for everyone, focusing on arts, crafts, and food⁴. This program mixes traditional with the new, making sure there’s something for each person to enjoy. Check out the list below for info on important food and craft fairs in the area.

These fairs are all about showing the heart of Armagh. They give local experts a stage too. This means every visitor, whether they live here or not, goes home knowing more about Ireland’s amazing culture.

Family-Friendly Summer Activities

Armagh welcomes families with great summer fun. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will host events from Thursday 15th to Sunday 25th of February. It’s all part of the NI Science Festival 2025¹⁵. Little Astronomers, for kids under 5, will be at 10am on Friday 23rd February¹⁵. On Saturday 24th February at 4pm, enjoy the Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Music Dome Show, marking the album’s 50th year¹⁵. The CapCom Go! Dome Show, with British and Irish Sign Language, is on Sunday 25th February at 4pm¹⁵.

The Ultimate Bubble Show by Ray will make everyone smile on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th February¹⁵. For older kids, try the “Our World from Space Saturday Club,” perfect for Key Stage 2 on Saturday 24th February at 10am¹⁵. Visit the DVL for its astronomy tour from Thursday 15th to Friday 16th of February¹⁵. On Thursday 15th February, see the Calver Telescope, the biggest in public view¹⁵.

South Lake Watersports is excellent for adventure lovers on Mon 6 & 27 May. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, climbing, and cycling¹⁶. For a family day out, try Craigavon Golf & Ski on Mon 6 & 27 May. They offer tubing and footgolf for kids¹⁶. Or, enjoy a peaceful Sunday concert at Scarva Bandstand on Sun 5 May, for free¹⁶.

There’s lots of culture too. FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio has a children’s exhibition until 25 May. Learn Modern Calligraphy in a workshop on Sat 4 May¹⁶. The Navan Centre and Fort has historical events like ‘Meet the Warriors’ on Sat 4 May. There’s also a craft workshop on Sun 5 May for Beltaine¹⁶.

Armagh’s Georgian Weekend is full of fun, with The Great Georgian Banquet and a Children’s Christmas market¹⁷. St Patrick’s Day in March is lively with cultural music and dance¹⁷. For food lovers, Bushmills’ Taste Causeway is a month-long culinary celebration¹⁷.

Festivals in Armagh summer 2025

Armagh’s summer is full of fun, with lots of local festivals in Armagh 2025 to enjoy. These festivals cover many interests. You can find events focused on music, food, or history.

The 7 Hills Blues Fest is the top event this summer, happening from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August 2025. This festival includes over 40 free blues and roots music gigs in 16 locations. Artists like Two Time Polka and Rob Strong will perform. There will also be some new acts, such as 16-year-old Guitar Sensation Zac Mac and Mr Castle’s Blues Band from Dublin. The festival is organised by the local council and is a must-see, with hundreds of people coming¹.

The Food & Cider Festival, held in the autumn, honours the Armagh Bramley Apple. It features open-air markets, cookery classes, and more. This festival is key in showing off cultural Armagh events.

The Lughnasadh Celtic festival at Navan Fort in August is full of tradition. It includes craft demos, fire dancing, and a large Wickerman burning².

History lovers will enjoy the Armagh Georgian Weekend. This event includes The Great Georgian Banquet and a special market. It also shows a stunning Light Show that honours the city’s Georgian history¹⁷.

The Taste Causeway is a major culinary event in the summer along the Causeway Coast. It highlights the area’s food and drink¹⁷. Food lovers will delight in tasting local treats in beautiful locations.

Nightlife and Cultural Events

When the sun sets, Armagh’s culture shines brightly. It’s packed with fun activities after dark. There are theatre plays and energetic music shows for everyone to enjoy¹⁸.

Evening Entertainment

The Atlantic Irish Fest lit up January 2025 with its cultural events. It was a stand-out part of Armagh’s nightlife¹⁸. In the summer, the action didn’t stop. Events like the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival from May 2 to May 12 were full of fun. Then, in June, the Carlow Arts Festival showed how important arts and culture are for Armagh¹⁸.

But it’s not just about the big festivals. In August, the West Armagh Community Festival highlighted community spirit. They had a run/walk on August 10th, 2018, with hundreds joining in¹⁹. This event raised £4,220. The money went to local causes, helping both the Lisanally Special Needs School and the Armagh Breast Cancer Support Group¹⁹.

Looking into the future, Armagh promises lively nightlife with its upcoming festivals. The Féile an Earraigh – Spring Festival in March and the City of Derry Jazz Festival in May will keep things exciting²⁰. In June, the Belsonic outdoor music fest draws big crowds with its famous acts²⁰. With music, comedy, art, and family fun, these events are for everyone. They make life in Armagh richer and more enjoyable²⁰.

Summer Solstice Festivities

The *Summer solstice events in Armagh* mark the longest day with exciting activities. From mid-June to early August, people celebrate with tours, concerts, and more²¹.

Events are held at places like the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, Navan Centre, and The Market Place Theatre. Long Meadow Cider Farm and the Archbishop’s Palace are also part of the fun, making it a cultural treat²¹.

In Armagh, the *Midsummer celebrations* cover many themes. You’ll find willow weaving, Scottish art, historical tours, and comedy. There are also mindfulness workshops, suitable for all ages and tastes²¹.

These events offer a mix of learning, fun, and things to do. Family events, music, plays, and poetry are on offer. There’s also a chance to get involved in film, fundraisers, and creative writing²¹.

Armagh City Celebrations

Armagh City shines not just because of its big events but also its small community celebrations. These add to the city’s allure and cultural depth. They show how tightly the people in Armagh are knit together.

The Home of St. Patrick Festival, happening every March, is a key event. It celebrates St. Patrick’s life with music, dancing, and cultural fun. This brings everyone, from locals to visitors, in a joyous union².

As spring unfolds, Navan Centre & Fort runs quirky happenings like The Great Dragon Egg Hunt. Meanwhile, the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium puts on fascinating shows. These include The Ultimate Bubble Show and Our World from Space²². The city’s focus is clear: to provide fun all year for families and travellers alike.

In August, the 7 Hills Blues Festival is a highlight, showcasing over 40 free music events. It’s a big hit with blues, rhythm, and roots enthusiasts, drawing many guests. Acts like Two Time Polka and more, add to its appeal¹.

When autumn comes, the Food & Cider Festival celebrates the famous Armagh Bramley Apple. It features markets, lessons, tasting sessions, and tours. This strengthens the community through food shared experiences.

The city’s annual and unplanned events together show its lively, open-hearted nature. They offer delights all year, creating chances for joy and learning. Armagh truly becomes a place of celebration and cherished memories.

Exploring Nearby Cities

Go beyond Armagh and dive into Northern Ireland’s vibrant culture. Nearby cities bustle with festivals and events, perfect for day trips.

Day Trips and Additional Festivals

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge is a gem, open from 10am daily²². The F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, also in Banbridge, greets guests from Monday to Saturday²². Don’t miss the City of Derry Jazz Festival, packed with over 70 shows a year⁸. If hiking is your thing, take on St. Patrick’s Way. This 82-mile Pilgrim Walk from Armagh to Downpatrick shows off beautiful views².

Travel Tips

Before you go, check attraction times and schedules when leaving Armagh. Gosford Forest Park has fun all year with playparks and trails, great for the family²². The Glens Storytelling Festival in Belfast is a hit from the 19th to the 22nd of October each year⁸. Always plan for delays and the chance to find something new, whether by car or public transport. Following these tips, your trip to the cities nearby will really show you Northern Ireland’s culture and traditions.

Plan Your Visit

When you’re visiting Armagh’s summer festivals, planning ahead is key. You need to make sure everything is organized for a great time. There are so many events happening. It’s vital to book your stay early. The Killarney Towers Hotel is a top pick. It not only offers comfy rooms but also has a spa and a private leisure centre²³.

For your journey to Armagh’s festivals, take a look at airfares from Boston to Dublin. You can find fares at $995 with Aer Lingus²³. For useful travel advice, visit the Tour of Ireland. They have great tips on schedules and how to get around.

The festivals aim to please everyone. Whether you love arts, sports, or music, you’ll find something fun. For all the latest on Armagh’s events, look up the Belfast Telegraph²⁴. They have the top tourist info.

The 7 Hills Blues Fest from August 2nd to 4th is not to be missed. It will host over 40 gigs in 16 places. And the Wickerman event on August 10th is another highlight²⁴. Make sure to plan around these for an unforgettable visit.

For the full scoop, head to the official Armagh festival website. It has the most current events. This will help make your trip smooth and fun.

1. Book accommodation and travel in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
2. Check event dates and schedules to align your visit with your interests.
3. Take advantage of early bird tickets and special group rates, particularly for family-friendly activities.
4. Stay informed with up-to-date tourist information Armagh to make the most of your visit.

Conclusion

As we end our look into the Armagh summer festivals 2025, we see it as a lively time. It will be full of culture, history, and a feeling of togetherness. With the Summer in the City on Saturdays from July 20th to September 7th²⁵, and activities at Armagh’s historic spots, this summer will be one to remember.

We can’t wait for BuskFest’s 20th year. More than 80 buskers will be there, and they can win part of £3,000²⁶. There will be music lessons, circus shows, and performances by known artists like The Nooks Acoustic and Ryan McMullan. This event in Banbridge²⁶ will bring a lot of people to town. The night shows will also help the local economy, making it good for all.

Staying in good places like Tepee Valley or Armagh City Hotel²⁵ will make your visit even better. Don’t miss seeing the FE McWilliam Gallery. Here you can see the art of Frederick Edward McWilliam²⁵. Armagh has many fun things to do. You can go to nearby places or join in the activities. This way, your time here will be both easy and special.

Think about the dates and how to join the competitions and events. This way, you won’t miss doing something fun. We can’t wait to see you in Armagh. It’s a place where the past, the culture, and the people together create amazing moments.

References:

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2. What’s On in Armagh | Armagh Events | Discover NI
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6. Hibernia: South Armagh | Irish America
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15. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Celebrates NI Science Festival 2025
16. May your bank holiday weekend be memorable!
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22. Embrace the splendour of Armagh in full bloom this spring 2025
23. The World Tour – Travel Adventure Club – IRELAND All Inclusive: Flights, Hotels, TOURS & Meals!
24. Summer Vibes and Activities with Visit Armagh
25. Things to love about the New Year
26. Banbridge businesses celebrate 20 years of BuskFest