Cider in the City - Shambles Yard Armagh

Armagh has been apple country for centuries, and Cider in the City is the weekend’s most relaxed way to taste that. On the closing evening of the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend, Shambles Yard opens up as an open-air gathering where craft cider makers, small-batch spirit producers, and street food traders set up side by side. Entry is free, the pace is easy, and it suits anyone who likes drinking well, eating well, and chatting to the people who actually made what’s in the glass.

What to expect

Cider producers arrive with their own stalls, so you can move between them at your own speed - try a pour, ask questions, and hear the story behind each batch. The range runs from local craft ciders through to beers and spirits, reflecting the depth of the food and drink scene that has built up around Armagh’s PGI-protected Bramley apple orchards. Street food traders keep things grounded: past editions have included Foodpath, Linen Hill Street Kitchen, Arcade Pizza, and Jamie’s Donuts. Live music runs through the evening - past line-ups have featured acts including The 4AM Club, Matty Rea, Fiddle Me Silly, and Kooskoos - so the atmosphere tends toward a proper outdoor session rather than a trade fair.

Shambles Yard itself is well chosen for this. The site sits between Armagh’s two cathedrals and holds market rights going back to the 15th century - a corn market was established here in 1827, and it ran as a cattle market into the 1970s. The listed Johnston Building anchors one end of the open trading space. It is a working venue with character, not a marquee in a car park.

Getting there

Armagh city is about 40 minutes south-west of Belfast by road via the A3. From Dublin, the M1 to Newry and then the A28 north brings you in under 90 minutes depending on traffic. Translink buses connect Armagh to Portadown, Newry, and Belfast; check Translink’s journey planner before you travel as services are less frequent on Sundays. Shambles Yard is on Cathedral Road in the city centre, walkable from most of Armagh’s car parks. On a busy festival Sunday, public transport or parking early is advisable.

While you’re in Armagh

The Food and Cider Weekend runs from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September, so arriving a day earlier gives you access to farm dinners, tastings, and pop-up events across the city and surrounding orchard country. There is more to see in Armagh and across Co. Armagh.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 6 September 2026, 4pm to 9pm
• Price: Free entry; drinks and food purchased at individual stall prices
• Part of Armagh Food and Cider Weekend, 3 to 6 September 2026
• Check visitarmagh.com/festivals/food-cider for the full programme and any updates
• Shambles Yard is outdoors - dress for September weather in the north