What’s NEW and what’s cool in Ireland’s county Armagh

County Armagh, known for its rich history, astronomy heritage, and natural landscapes, has several new events, exhibitions, and experiential enhancements planned for 2026 that aim to enrich visitor experiences. These focus on cultural celebrations, interactive workshops, astronomical activities, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Below is a detailed list, with each item including a brief description. Note that while major new physical attractions are not prominently announced as of early 2026, the emphasis is on events and programme updates that build on existing sites to offer fresh engagement opportunities.

25 Years of Panto Magic Exhibition: Running from early January 2026 at The Marketplace Theatre, this display celebrates a quarter-century of pantomime history with artifacts and interactive elements, providing a nostalgic and engaging theatrical experience for all ages.
300th Anniversary Exhibition of Gulliver’s Travels at Armagh Robinson Library: Marking the tricentennial of Jonathan Swift’s iconic novel published in 1726, this special exhibition showcases the rare first edition alongside artefacts and displays illustrating the book’s enduring popularity across centuries. It provides an immersive literary experience, highlighting Swift’s connections to Armagh, and is expected to draw literature enthusiasts with guided tours and interactive elements throughout the year, offering visitors an enriched literary and historical experience with displays of rare editions and cultural impacts.
7 Hills Blues Fest: Returning in 2026 with dates to be confirmed, this music festival features live blues performances across various venues in Armagh, offering enhanced entertainment options for music lovers and boosting the local cultural scene.
Adult Workshops at The Marketplace Theatre: A series throughout January and February 2026, including stoneware clay vase making (15 January), natural soap making (17 January), needle felting (17 January), Thai cooking (22 January), fused glass tableware (24 January), woodturning (24 January), willow handbag crafting (30 January), make-up masterclass (31 January), and more in February such as kinetic art, silver clay pendants, quilting, skincare, and poetry writing. These hands-on sessions provide new skill-building and creative opportunities, enhancing interactive visitor engagement.
Armagh Food and Cider Weekend: Scheduled for 3-6 September 2026, this festival brings the renowned Árd Mhacha food heartland to life with cider tastings, orchard tours, outdoor markets, pop-up restaurants, and special apple-themed menus at local venues, enhancing culinary experiences for food enthusiasts and families.
Armagh Georgian Festival: Taking place from 26-29 November 2026, the event transforms the city into an eighteenth-century setting with costumed characters, artisan stalls, street performers, and festive activities, providing immersive historical and cultural experiences to kick off the holiday season.
Buskfest: Set to occur in 2026 with dates to be announced, this busking competition and festival showcases street musicians and performers, creating vibrant, interactive experiences for visitors exploring Armagh’s public spaces.
Digital Art Workshops at Navan Centre & Fort: Taking place on 14 February 2026, these workshops invite participants to create digital art inspired by Irish mythology, using modern tools to reinterpret ancient legends associated with the site’s legendary Emain Macha heritage. Aimed at budding artists, it adds a creative, tech-infused layer to the centre’s archaeological and cultural offerings, blending myth with contemporary expression.
Dome Shows at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Daily from January to March 2026, these immersive full-dome presentations on astronomical topics offer updated, high-tech educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Equal Exhibition by Kevin McAleenan: Ongoing from early January 2026 at The Marketplace Theatre, featuring artworks exploring themes of equality, this offers visitors a fresh artistic perspective and thought-provoking cultural enhancement.
Heritage Places Initiative: Following public consultation ending in March 2026, this 10-year project by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council aims to invest in cultural, built, and natural heritage, potentially leading to new or enhanced attractions like restored sites and community programmes to preserve and promote the borough’s unique character.
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference at Killeavy Castle Estate: Scheduled for 22 January 2026, this hosting of the conference brings together industry leaders to discuss climate action, community impact, and sustainable practices. While primarily for tourism professionals, it includes public sessions and networking opportunities that could inspire visitors interested in eco-tourism, potentially leading to new green initiatives at local attractions like forest parks and heritage sites.
Ongoing Filming Location Experiences at Gosford Castle: Building on its role in productions like “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” 2026 sees continued promotion of guided tours and themed visits to this medieval-style castle, allowing fans to explore Westeros-inspired settings. This enhances the site’s appeal as a screen tourism destination, with potential new interpretive signage or events tied to the show’s legacy.
Paint & Sip Evening: On 9 January 2026 at The Marketplace Theatre, this adults-only session combines painting with drinks, delivering a relaxed, creative social experience to enrich visitor evenings.
Planetarium Sound Journey under the Stars at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Set for 22 February 2026, this unique wellness event combines a dome show with sound healing therapy, using ambient sounds and vibrations for relaxation under projected starry skies. It represents a new fusion of science and mindfulness, enhancing the visitor experience with a sensory journey that promotes mental wellbeing alongside astronomical insights.
Portable Outreach Planetarium Dome Bookings at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Starting from February 2026, bookings open for this mobile dome experience, allowing groups to enjoy immersive planetarium shows off-site or in custom settings. It expands access to educational astronomy sessions, featuring virtual tours of the universe and interactive demonstrations, making space education more accessible beyond the main centre.
Stargazing Evenings at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Sessions on 23 January, 13 February, 20 February, and 20 March 2026, providing guided outdoor astronomy viewings to enhance educational and awe-inspiring night-time experiences for stargazers offering visitors a chance to observe the night sky through telescopes, led by expert astronomers. It enhances the planetarium’s ongoing astronomy programmes with hands-on learning about constellations and celestial phenomena, ideal for families and space enthusiasts in the historic grounds.
Updated Dome Show Programme at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Running into 2026 (including shows up to at least March), the programme features refreshed content such as “Astronaut George” (a toddler-friendly introduction to space), “Perfect Little Planet” (a family-oriented exploration of the solar system), and other rotating fulldome presentations. These enhancements provide high-definition visuals and narratives on cosmic topics, updating the visitor experience with the latest astronomical discoveries and storytelling techniques.