Hi Bert,
I am delighted you are planning a 90 day visit to Ireland and I know you will enjoy every minute of it.
Can I suggest that you include Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon in your visit as there are so many wonderful and special things to experience?
For your visit in August, September and October I have listed just a few wonderful events below that are taking place. Please visit our website closer to your visit for other events taking place that are not finalised yet.
https://visitarmagh.com/ Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th August is the All Ireland Road Bowls finals. The road bowler throws a 28-ounce cast iron sphere that looks like a small cannonball. The finals are between participants from Counties Armagh and Cork. This two-day event will showcase the best of the best from underage to senior categories. This is an opportunity to see road bowls played at the very highest level.
From Thursday, 8th – Sunday 11th August 2019 Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for a ninth summer, bringing world-class talent to venues and locations across the celebrated Cathedral City. Firmly established as one of the great blues and roots music events in the UK and Ireland. Attracting locals and visitors in their thousands from far and wide each year, the festival will complement a packed schedule of events designed to suit everyone.
The Charles Wood Festival and Summer School that celebrates the music of Charles Wood will take place from Sunday 18th – Sunday 25th August. The festival gives singers and musicians an opportunity to showcase their musical talent.
The ‘Food Heartland of Northern Ireland’, Armagh showcases its wonderful local produce and acclaimed restaurants in a fabulous annual festival for foodies each autumn. The Food and Cider Festival takes place this year from 19th – 22nd September 2019.
https://visitarmagh.com/festivals/food-cider/ will let you see 2018 Food and Cider Festival events that took place last year and it really is a festival that should not be missed.
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September is European Heritage Open Day. Visit some of the many sites that are open free as part of European Heritage Open Days.
Sunday 29th September is Foraging Sunday at Navan Centre & Fort. Under expert guidance, you will learn to forage for food as the Celts would have. Explore the wealth of edible delights in our country side and sample dishes made with foraged foods like berries, apples, cherries and even nettles – you are sure to be amazed!
Monday 29th– Thursday 31st October – The Navan Centre & Fort’s Little Spooks is the perfect Halloween experience for boys and girls who aren’t afraid of enjoying some spooky surprises! Do keep an eye on our website as there will be events happening that are not finalised just yet.
Follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail through a host of Christian sites at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover just how strong Northern Ireland’s links are with this patron saint.The 92-mile linear driving route links 15 key sites, all identified as having some connection to his life, legacy or landscape – they are all just waiting to be explored.
http://www.saintpatrickscountry.com/StPatricksCountry/media/StPatricksCountry/Publications/June-TNI-St-Patricks-Trail-Guide-Final.pdfI have listed below a few attractions you might like to visit - we have too many to list but all can be viewed on our website
https://visitarmagh.com/ In Armagh, a visit to The Navan Centre & Fort is a must. It provides interpretation of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, the legendary ‘Emain Macha’, otherwise called Navan Fort. This was the royal seat of the Kings of Ulster and the Province’s ancient capital. Adults and children can enjoy a great day out at this wonderful attraction.
Armagh is known as the Orchard County and towards the north of the county there are many apple orchards covered with rows of apples. Enjoy a visit to the orchards and learn all about the famous bramley apple.
Enjoy a visit to Armagh County Museum. Officially opened on 28th April 1937 it was the first dedicated county museum in Ireland.
Spend a while at Armagh Planetarium and Observatory. In the Planetarium’s amazing Digital Theatre you can relax and enjoy a 3-D Star Dome show that’s not to be missed.The Observatory is located together with Armagh Planetariumin with approximately 14 acres of attractive, landscaped gardens known as the Armagh Astropark.
In Banbridge Ferguson’s Irish Linen is really worth a visit. It was established in 1854, and they are widely recognised as being the finest of Irish Weavers. The combination of fine raw materials, skilled weavers,advanced loom technology and careful finishing have brought Ferguson’s a reputation of which they are proud. They are world renowned for their fabulous product, and have established a growing reputation as an innovative designer and manufacturer of stylish new collections.
The F E McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridgeis dedicated to the memory of sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’smost influential and successful artists. Featuring a permanent display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craftshop, café and Banbridge Tourist Information Centre.
In the Craigavon area why not visit Brownlow House, Lurgan’s grandest secular building erected by Charles Brownlow. A special feature there is the World War II exhibition.
Also in the Craigavon area is Ballydougan Pottery. Watch the master craftsmen at work in the Pottery workshops where you too can take a turn on the potter’s wheel and be creative. Meander around the Gift Shop or sit in the courtyard garden and enjoy a freshly made cappuccino from their Restaurant & Coffee Shop.
A visit to Kinnego Marina, the largest marina on LoughNeagh. Situated by the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve it also has a fully serviced caravan park and is home to Lough Neagh Sailing Club, one of the oldest sailing clubs in Northern Ireland, established in 1877. Explore the sublime beauty of Oxford Island – a designated National Nature Reserve situated on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh. With four miles of absorbing woodland trails to birdwatching hides, unique boglands, rich wild flower strewn meadows and wild life ponds, become immersed in the panoramic views of this stunning setting. Learn fascinating facts about the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, including local history and heritage. With an educational Discovery Centre featuring a delightful restaurant and artisan craft shop, this tranquil paradise is truly inspirational.
https://visitarmagh.com/ http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/ and
http://www.discoverireland.ie/ are all wonderful sites that can help you plan your visit.
Should you decide to include Armagh in your visit please do call into our Visitor Information Centre and the staff will be delighted to tell you all about our wonderful City.
Kind regards,
Marion