Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Armagh from 20 March to 1 May 2026, showcasing the “Orchard County’s” rich heritage, traditional music, family adventures, and seasonal orchard beauty across Armagh City, Banbridge, and sites like the Navan Centre, The Argory, and Armagh Observatory. This spring period highlights St Patrick connections, live performances, creative workshops, and the emerging apple blossom season, with Easter (3-6 April) inspiring family-friendly activities.
Major Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Home of St Patrick Festival (related events 20-22 March): Following the main festival (ending 18 March), the weekend features continued St Patrick-themed activities at the Navan Centre & Fort, including guided tours of the ancient ceremonial site, specialised workshops, storytelling sessions, and heritage experiences celebrating Armagh’s role as Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital and St Patrick’s first church foundation.
- Easter Adventures at The Argory (3-12 April): A delightful National Trust family event at The Argory estate near Moy, with Easter egg trails through the grounds, nature-based crafts, outdoor games, seasonal storytelling, and opportunities to meet farm animals-perfect for children and families enjoying the Georgian house and parkland.
- Apple Blossom Season (late April onward): Armagh’s famous orchards burst into bloom across thousands of acres, with early “Blossom to Bottle” tours and experiences at the Armagh Cider Company and local producers beginning in mid-to-late April. Visitors can enjoy guided orchard walks, blossom photography, cider tastings, and family-friendly events heralding the county’s apple heritage (main Armagh Apple Blossom Festival typically early May).
Music & Theatre
- 75th Anniversary Concert (20 March): A special celebratory performance at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh City, marking a milestone with a mix of music, guest artists, and community tributes.
- The Boondocks (21 March): A lively evening of old-school country classics at The Market Place Theatre, delivering nostalgic hits and high-energy entertainment.
- Dan McCabe (28 March): Popular Irish folk and ballad singer Dan McCabe performs heartfelt songs at the Armagh City Hotel.
- Nathan Carter Live (18 April): One of Ireland’s top country music stars brings his energetic show and chart-topping hits to the Armagh City Hotel.
- Conor Mallon & Band (25 April): A standout performance by acclaimed uilleann piper Conor Mallon and his band at The Market Place Theatre, showcasing masterful traditional piping and contemporary arrangements.
Workshops & Local Heritage
- Lego Animation Workshop (21 March): A fun, hands-on creative session for children at The Market Place Theatre, guiding participants through stop-motion animation using Lego bricks.
- Stargazing Evening (20 March): An educational and atmospheric night under the stars at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, with telescope viewing, talks on astronomy, and insights into the historic site’s contributions to science.
- Spring Plant Pot Workshop (9 April): A horticultural crafting event at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio in Banbridge, focusing on seasonal planting, decorative pots, and creative gardening techniques.
- Heroic Tales & Warrior Trails (4 April): An interactive storytelling and history event at the Navan Centre & Fort, bringing ancient Ulster legends to life through guided trails, tales of warriors, and immersive heritage activities.
Sports
- Armagh v Kerry (Allianz Football League) (22 March): A key Division 1 match in the national football league at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh City, pitting the Orchard County against the Kingdom in intense GAA action with passionate local support.
Annual & recurring festivals
- Home of St. Patrick Festival (March): A week-long celebration in Armagh city featuring music, culture, and parades.
- Maid of the Mill Tradfest (April): A traditional music festival held in Keady.
- Master McGrath Festival (May): An event in Lurgan honoring the famous racing greyhound.
- ERA Weekend Festival (May): A contemporary music and arts event in Armagh City.
- Armagh County Agricultural Show (June): A long-running event with livestock and local food at Gosford Forest Park.
- Buskfest (June): An international busking competition held in Banbridge.
- 7 Hills Blues Fest (August): A blues and roots music festival across Armagh city venues.
- Charles Wood Festival of Music & Summer School (August): A choral and classical event in Armagh.
- Ballymoyer Sunflower Festival (August): A community event with sunflower fields in Whitecross.
- Armagh Food and Cider Weekend (September): A culinary celebration of local produce, featuring orchard tours.
- Tommy Makem Folk Festival (November): A traditional music festival in Keady.
- William Kennedy Piping Festival (November): An international gathering for uilleann pipers in Armagh.
- Armagh Georgian Festival (November): A heritage event featuring an 18th-century market and costumed characters
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