Event: Navan Centre & Fort - What's On
Date: 2025 Events
Time: See Below
Location: See Below
Price: See Below
Navan Centre & Fort
Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. It is one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales.
Experience life over 2000 years ago, as you walk in the footsteps of warriors to the ancient Navan Fort, site of the great temple of 95BC. Your guide will explain how and why this impressive ceremonial structure was built, as well as highlighting the importance of the surrounding sites in the Navan complex. Immerse yourself in Iron Age life, as you meet the resident Celtic clan & visit their settlement! During your visit, you may find the Celts regaling you with stories of their past triumphs, cooking, weaving or even preparing their weaponry for battle!
What’s On…
Legendary Navan Fort
Date: Daily (Tuesday - Sunday) until 30th March 2025
Time: 11.00am & 2.00pm
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: from £7.50 - Booking links on our What’s On Page
The legendary Navan Fort (Emain Macha) is the earliest capital of Ulster and ancient seat of kings.
Explore the archaeology and history associated with the great temple of 95BC, as well as learning of some of the amazing discoveries at the nearby sites of Loughnashade, Haughey’s Fort and the King’s Stables. Our experienced tour guides will explain how it is believed the impressive ritual temple at Emain Macha was built, as well as some of the theories behind its uses and how this site may have been what attracted Saint Patrick to the area.
Visit our ancient clan of Celts going about their daily lives. During your visit, you may find them celebrating past battles, cooking, weaving or even preparing their weaponry! Join our living history characters, as you are welcomed into the clan and hear stories of life over 2000 years ago!
View some of the artefacts found at the nearby Navan complex in our newly updated exhibition space, reflecting the recent archaeological digs at Navan Fort and the ongoing study of this hugely significant site.
Snakes, Slugs & Spiders
Date: Saturday 15th March 2025
Time: 11.30am | 12.30pm | 1.30pm
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £10.00 Child (under 16yrs) & £8.00 Adult
Tickets: Book Here
In this event, our intrepid explorer, Allan, will take you on an interactive adventure along with his team of 'Wee Critters'. The mission is to bring the wonder of wildlife straight to you in a fun, unique and memorable way. This will encourage a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and a commitment to play an active role in the protection and conservation of animals and the natural environment. Who knows - you may even meet a snake?
Ticket price is for Children ages two to 16 and children must be accompanied by an adult throughout.
Shamrock Family Singalong with Rollickin Ramblers & In Clover
Date: Sunday 16th March 2025
Time: 2.00am - 4.00am (doors open 1.50pm)
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £10.00
Tickets: Book Here
With over 50 countries around the world celebrating St Patrick, join in the fun with live music in our beautiful and magical surroundings at the Navan Centre and Fort, where we are hosting a wonderful showcase of culture & entertainment for the entire family. In Clover Music - a trio of fantastic folk singers and musicians from a strong folk & traditional background in Counties Down & Armagh. Lovely, lively lighthearted tunes combined with beautiful ballads and heavenly harmonies. Rollickin Ramblers- a recently formed Irish folk & trad band comprised of seasoned folk singers and trad musicians from the Orchard County. Energetic rip-roaring songs and lively tunes combined with soulful ballads and gentle airs to rock your Celtic soul!! Make sure to treat yourself at our onsite cafe, Ancient Grounds.
Dawn Light At Navan
Date: Monday 17th March 2025
Time: 6.30am - 8.30am (doors open 6.20am)
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £22.50 (+ booking fee)
Tickets: Book Here
What made Emain Macha so special to the ancient people of Ulster? Why was this site so steeped in history and wonder that it drew St Patrick to the area to build his first church? Celebrate St Patrick’s morning with St Patrick himself and the ancient people of Ulster. This year, bear witness, through drama, to the conversion of Daire to the faith and participate in a ceremony by our sacred pool. Afterwards, join us for breakfast, accompanied by live music.
Spring Equinox: Ancient Influencers
Date: Saturday 22nd March 2025
Time: 10.30am & 2.00pm
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £14.00 (+ booking fee)
Tickets: Book Here
This is no ordinary Equinox.
It marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
We are joined by two guest speakers, Anthony Murphy and Helen Bel Logue. The same two talks are available in either our morning (10:30am-12:30pm) or afternoon session (2:00pm-4:00pm).
Anthony Murphy’s talk will focus on the ancient astronomers of Stone Age Ireland, with a particular focus on the astronomical orientations of the Neolithic passage-tombs of the Boyne Valley. It is only where stars, stones and stories combine that a more complete picture emerges of those distant megalith builders. Anthony’s exploration encompasses many different facets of these great monuments. He invites you to step into this ancient world, and through the media of words and photography to enjoy a unique glimpse of a past that seems very much alive.
Helen Bel Logue will highlight what the transition taking place this Spring Equinox could mean on a personal and collective level. The aim is to prepare you for necessary changes to help you refocus, realign and recentre. Helen Bel Logue is a professionally trained modern western astrologer who has been reading charts for people for over two decades. She is both a reiki and seichim master practitioner and worked as a psychotherapist for over ten years.She incorporates all that training and experience into her astrology practise creating a more holistic and psychological approach to astrology to aid in personal, and collective, development journeys.
Companion Planting Talk & Seed Sowing Workshop
Date: Sunday 23rd March 2025
Time: 2.00pm (doors open 1.50pm)
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £28.00 (+ booking fee)
Tickets: Book Here
Unlock the secrets of successful gardening with our Companion Planting Masterclass & Seed Sowing Workshop! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this hands-on session is packed with valuable insights to help you grow a thriving, sustainable garden.
Led by Kerry of Willow & Greene, you will learn how best to plant a wide variety of flower, vegetable and herb seeds. The workshop includes a practical hands-on seed sowing demonstration and aftercare advice, with windowsill propagators & 4 types of seeds sown by every participant, as well as detailed handouts to take home.
All materials are included and no prior experience is necessary.
The Enchanted Easter Egg Factory
Date: Saturday 19th, Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Time: 11.00am | 12.15pm | 2.00pm | 3.15pm
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £11.50 Adult / Child (3-16 years) (+ booking fee) - Childern 2 & under are free
Tickets: Book Here
Step into the magical world of The Enchanted Easter Egg Factory at Navan Centre & Fort this Easter!
Discover the fantastical factory of Mrs. Grumpalot in our spellbinding stage show, followed by a fun-filled Easter trail and themed craft activity. This is a story of a place where Easter dreams come true... and where not everything is as sweet as it seems!
At the heart of the factory is the villainous Mrs. Grumpalot, a cranky and cunning factory manager, who is on a mission to steal all of the Easter magic for herself! Enter Big Bird, the magnificent rooster with a heart of gold. Big Bird is the genius inventor behind the Enchanted Easter Egg Machine. This magical machine creates the most spectacular, colourful eggs filled with wonder and joy. With his feathery charm and boundless optimism, Big Bird is determined to keep Easter fun and magical for all.
With Mrs. Grumpalot plotting her next move to steal the magic for herself, it’s up to Big Bird to save the day. Can he stop Mrs. Grumpalot’s schemes and bring back the joy of Easter? Or will the factory fall under her shadow forever?
Don’t miss the magic, the mischief, and the mayhem this Easter - come along and see if Big Bird’s brilliance can overcome Mrs. Grumpalot’s gloom. From the stage show to the Easter Trail and crafts, this is an Easter experience like no other!
Quiet Show - Enchanted Easter Egg Factory
Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Time: 11.00am
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £11.50 Adult / Child (3-16 years) (+ booking fee) - Childern 2 & under are free
Tickets: Book Here
Relaxed Performance - A relaxed performance provides an inclusive environment with adjusted sensory elements, helpful for people who require a more relaxed environment. This includes attendees with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication issues.
Easter Craft Club 2025
Date: Thursday 24th & Friday 25th April 2025
Time: 10.00am (doors open 9.50am)
Location: PLEASE NOTE: This Event is at The Palace Stables, The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL
Price: £19.00 (+ booking fee)
Tickets: Book Here
Hop into Easter with our annual Easter Craft Club for children at the Palace Stables, Armagh! This fun-filled full day workshop (on 24th or 25th April, with different activities on each day) is the perfect way for kids to enjoy seasonally themed games and craft their very own Easter-themed masterpieces. The club includes traditional Easter crafts, egg decorating, arts, games and of course the ever popular egg hunt! Children will love using a variety of materials to bring their Easter ideas to life. The Easter Craft Club is ideal for children aged 5-12 years. Children should bring their own packed lunch. Let their imaginations run wild in a safe, welcoming and fully supervised environment. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited!
Penannular Brooch Coppersmithing Experience
Date: Saturday 14th June 2025
Time: 10.00am (doors open 9.50am)
Location: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
Price: £75.00 (+ booking fee)
Tickets: Book Here
Join Matthew and Caron from Redsmith's Forge for a Coppersmithing Experience, where you will have the opportunity to craft your very own penannular brooch.
The penannular brooch, a distinctive design, holds deep historical significance, having been worn by ancient Celtic people. It was more than just a piece of jewellery—it symbolised status, culture, and connection to the past.
These small adornments have been used throughout history for both practical and aesthetic purposes and were made from many different materials, including copper.
With a range of examples provided for you to choose from or come up with your own design, it's entirely up to you. We look forward to seeing you there!
Further Information:
TICKETS CANNOT BE EXCHANGED OR REFUNDED Once purchased, your ticket is your property. Navan Centre & Fort cannot refund its value to you, nor exchange it for any other ticket under any circumstances. Where an event/tour goes ahead, we accept no responsibility for tickets that are unable to be used due to circumstances outside of our control, for example bad weather and transport difficulties.
Should you have any queries, please email navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
What’s On
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