Armagh’s Tastiest Festival Returns This Weekend
One of Northern Ireland’s most anticipated food festivals returns to Armagh City this weekend as the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend kicks off from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 September. Set against the backdrop of the Orchard County at the height of harvest season, the four-day celebration features more than 40 events showcasing the region’s PGI-status Bramley Apples, world-class craft ciders, and award-winning hospitality.
On Saturday 6 September, the festival offers a packed programme of free and drop-in events across the city. From 12 noon to 5pm, Market Street will be transformed by the Artisan Street Market, a vibrant showcase of local producers, makers, and creatives. Visitors can browse stalls filled with small-batch bakes, farm-fresh produce, handcrafted gifts, and gourmet treats; all set to the lively backdrop of street performances, live music, and family entertainment.
Just a short walk away, The Marketplace Theatre will host a mix of interactive workshops and tastings including the indulgent Sweet Creations Masterclass, where guests can learn to craft elegant desserts using local ingredients, and the Cider Tasting Masterclass with renowned cider experts Gabe Cook and Bill Bradshaw, offering a guided journey through the flavours and heritage of Armagh’s world-class craft ciders.
Later in the day, from 4pm to 9pm, the atmosphere shifts to Shambles Yard for the return of Cider in the City, a laid-back, open-air celebration of Armagh’s cider-making heritage. Visitors can meet the cider makers at their own stalls, sample a wide range of local ciders, beers, and spirits, and enjoy artisan street food from vendors including Foodpath, Linen Hill Street Kitchen, Arcade Pizza, and Jamie’s Donuts. A full bar will cater to all tastes, while a live music line-up featuring The 4AM Club, Matty Rea, Fiddle Me Silly, and Kooskoos keeps the festival vibe buzzing throughout the evening. With great food, great drinks, and great company, it’s the perfect way to toast the weekend in true Orchard County style.
Saturday also features a variety of family-focused events that showcase the region’s creativity and community spirit. Families can get hands-on with the Apple Donut Making Workshops led by the Kids Cool Food School at Armagh Planetarium, enjoy a fun-filled Pawtastic Brunch at Navan Centre & Fort, or head out to the countryside for an Apple Picking Tour and Orchard Lunch on Sunday afternoon, offering a chance to connect with the land and learn about Armagh’s cider-making traditions.
For those seeking a more grown-up adventure, the Culinary Crawl at 2pm on Saturday invites guests to explore Armagh’s historic streets, tasting their way from stop to stop through local food, cider, and storytelling, a unique experience that blends flavour with discovery.
Gill Robb, Tourism Events and Animation Manager at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said,
“Armagh Food and Cider Weekend has become a cornerstone of our cultural and culinary calendar, and this year’s programme is our most exciting yet. With over forty events, from woodland suppers and expert-led tastings to apple-picking tours and creative family workshops, it’s a true celebration of what makes the Orchard County so special. Visitors can expect a unique blend of passion, talent and world-class produce that reflects the best of our Food Heartland.”
With over 40 events across the borough throughout the weekend, the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend continues to cement the region’s reputation as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland.
Gather your friends, bring the family, and join the celebrations this Saturday.
For the full programme and ticket information, visit visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.
