Armagh hosts the 'Real Home of St. Patrick’ 10-day festival in March

The Home of St. Patrick Festival 2019 wants to 'awaken your senses'

The Home of St. Patrick Festival celebration in Co Armagh promises to be fast-paced, entertaining, engaging, lively, thoughtful and filled with plenty of home-grown talent.

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Armagh has always known how to celebrate the world-famous patron saint of Ireland and the unique links, heritage, and history which the ecclesiastical capital has with St. Patrick. This year is no exception, with thirty noteworthy events planned to make sure that 2019 is the one to remember.

Filled to the rafters with an outstanding programme of things to do, places to visit, see and enjoy, this year’s festival runs for 10 full days in March, providing local, national, and international visitors with an unrivaled chance to mark his legacy. 

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From Friday, March 8 until Monday, March 18, this exciting Armagh showcase festival takes in multiple iconic venues including the two stunning Cathedrals of St Patrick, the Navan Centre & Fort, the city's acclaimed Palace Demesne, Robinson Library, and Market Place Theatre. There are walks, talks, tours, music, song, comedy, dance and unlimited festival fun to entertain everyone, every day.

Highlights from the 30-event programme include:

The 'Táin’ tapestries by Louis le Brocquy

Crafted by one of Ireland’s foremost painters, this exhibit will captivate visitors at the Market Place Theatre as part of a special exhibition of illustrative works that depict heroic stories of a bygone age. Le Brocquy is represented in numerous collections from the Guggenheim in New York to the Tate in London.

JB Vallely tour

Join Armagh’s very own JB Vallely, one of Ireland’s greatest living artists, on Saturday, March 9 for a unique tour to hear and see the enthralling stories, landscapes, and history that influenced his works, and enjoy lunch along the way.

Music from Brian Finnegan and friends

Bringing folk and traditional music back to his roots and fresh from a collaboration with Ed Sheeran on his album Divide, Brian Finnegan along with some of his amazing musical friends, will be playing up a storm at the Church of Ireland Cathedral on Friday 15 March – an event not to be missed.

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'Celebrate St. Patrick' chorus

A major festival highlight for both musical aficionados and otherwise, the ‘Celebrate St. Patrick’ choral extravaganza takes place on Saturday, March 9, led by prominent composer and acclaimed presenter John Anderson.

Join in the celebration of the patron saint in the stunning setting of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, with an exciting mix of words, music, and dance, traditional and classical, ancient and modern, the reflective and exuberant, sacred and secular, all set to make this a very special evening.

Sunrise with Patrick

Kick off the big day itself bright and early on Sunday, March 17 by enjoying ‘Sunrise with Patrick’ at Navan Centre & Fort from 5.30am. Feel captivated with songs, stories, and a hearty breakfast while immersing yourself in the past.

Lunch in The Shambles Yard

The Primates of All Ireland, Archbishops Clarke and Martin, will also be providing a warm welcome to those commemorating St Patrick’s Day itself with a joint lunchtime event in the shared space of The Shambles Yard between the two magnificent Cathedrals in the city center.

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations continue right throughout the afternoon on Sunday with yet another day of free family fun and a concert at The Shambles Yard. Live music, entertainment, and workshops will be sure to enthuse the young (and not so young!).

St. Patrick's Family Day

If you have the energy left, you won’t want to miss the ‘St Patrick’s Family Day’ at Solitude Park, Banbridge, on Monday, March 18 which is guaranteed to make the day fly by with free activities, including live music, workshops, and entertainment.

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To view the full programme and for more information on free and ticketed events, including booking, visit www.visitarmagh.com/stpatrick. Alternatively, phone Armagh Visitor Information on 028 3752 1800 or email [email protected].

Where's your favorite place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Let us know in the comments!

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