The Princess & the Goblin - Market Place Theatre, Armagh

The Princess & the Goblin plays the Market Place Theatre, Armagh, on Wednesday 14 October 2026, one of two children’s shows the venue has booked that day alongside Teddy on the Broomstick. It is a stage adaptation of George MacDonald’s 19th-century fantasy novel, a story that has influenced generations of children’s fantasy writing, brought to the theatre as part of the October half-term family programme.

What to expect

MacDonald’s original tells the story of Princess Irene, who lives in a house in the mountains and discovers a hidden staircase leading to her mysterious great-great-grandmother’s rooms. When goblins living underground plot to kidnap Irene and flood the mines where a miner’s boy, Curdie, works, Irene and Curdie must work together, aided by a magic thread only Irene can see, to outwit the goblins and protect their home. It is an early and influential work of fantasy for children, blending fairy tale logic with real peril, and stage versions typically lean on puppetry, shadow work or simple set pieces to conjure the underground goblin world for a young audience.

Scheduled for a half-term weekday, it is squarely aimed at families with school-age children looking for something to do during the October break, and its fantasy adventure tone sits a little older in feel than a straightforward nursery show.

Getting there

The Market Place Theatre is on Market Street in Armagh city centre. From Belfast, the M1 and A3 via Portadown take around an hour; from Dublin, take the A1/N1 through Newry. Translink Goldline and Ulsterbus services run into Armagh bus station on Lonsdale Road, a short walk away, and there is public parking nearby including the Market Street car park.

While you’re in Armagh

A half-term matinee leaves the rest of the day free for the Observatory and Planetarium or a walk through the Mall. There is more to see in Armagh and across Co. Armagh.

Good to know

• One performance: Wednesday 14 October 2026, during October half-term
• Venue: Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Market Street, Armagh
• Stage adaptation of George MacDonald’s fantasy novel; suitable for school-age children
• Tickets and pricing: box office 03300 561 025 or the Visit Armagh events listing
• Wheelchair accessible venue with on-site parking nearby