Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, alongside its tourism and hospitality partners, welcomed thousands of visitors to the 2025 Armagh Georgian Festival, which took place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November. The festival – a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar – celebrated Armagh’s Georgian heritage while marking the official start of the festive season, drawing visitors from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and beyond.
This year’s edition – which secured funding through Tourism Northern Ireland’s International Tourism Events Fund – attracted over 40,000 visitors and generated an estimated £1.5m in spend, reinforcing the festival’s role as a major contributor to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shops reported strong trade throughout the four-day event, while approximately 90% of ticketed events were sold, reflecting high demand for immersive historical and cultural experiences.
Visitors were transported back to 18th-century Armagh through living history characters, period performances, artisan markets, festive lightshows, family entertainment, and Georgian-themed culinary experiences, including the debut of the Georgian Gourmet Food Tour and a Northern Ireland Opera performance in the Primate’s Chapel. Georgian Day on Saturday 29 November was a particular highlight, with over 130 artisan stalls, street performers, costumed characters, and the evening lightshow “Step into Christmas” at the Market House creating a memorable Christmas celebration.
Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: “We are thrilled to see the continued success of Armagh Georgian Festival, which brings history to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining. The thousands of visitors who attended this year’s festival not only experienced the charm and elegance of Georgian Armagh but also made a meaningful contribution to our local economy. From increased trade in hotels, restaurants, and shops to thriving artisan markets and cultural experiences, the festival plays a vital role in supporting businesses across our borough and sets the tone for a vibrant festive season throughout the province.”
The festival’s economic impact extended beyond the city streets, with restaurants, cafés, pubs, transport services, and local retailers all benefiting from the surge in visitors. Artisan stallholders and local producers reported strong sales of Georgian-inspired crafts and festive goods, while hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and self-catering accommodations throughout the city and beyond operated at near full capacity.
Sheena Kerr, Owner of Armagh Sports and Trophies, explains how the festival provides a significant boost to local retailers while bringing the community together. She said, “This year’s Georgian Festival brought an incredible number of visitors into Armagh, and the impact on local shops was amazing. Footfall through the town was higher than any other day, giving people the chance to explore our independent businesses and experience all that Armagh has to offer. Having our own stall this year allowed us to showcase gifts and items that often get overlooked, and the response was fantastic. Georgian Day really creates a special festive atmosphere – it brings the community together and gets everyone in Armagh excited for Christmas.”
The 2025 Georgian Festival confirmed Armagh’s reputation as a hub for culture, heritage, and festive fun. With history, live performances, and family-friendly attractions, it offered something for everyone and helped kick off the festive season in style. And the fun doesn’t stop there – from food and cider festivals to music, heritage, and family events, 2026 promises an exciting year across the region, including the return of the Armagh Georgian Festival from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November 2026.
Find out more at visitarmagh.com.
