BERNICE HARRISONon alternatives to movies and the mall
Apple Blossom Festival
It’s hasn’t been the most spring-like week weatherwise, but at least the arrival of the bank-holiday weekend brings with it a huge range of seasonal events.
There are festivals up and down the country, but one that sounds positively bountiful is the Apple Blossom Festival, which takes place in Armagh city until tomorrow week.
This year’s festival incorporates the Armagh Bramley Blossom Fair, marking 200 years since the planting of the pip that grew into the first Bramley apple tree – pick up a juicy apple to celebrate the birthday.
Monday is the festival’s big day, with Armagh centre crammed with country stalls selling local foods (expect a great deal of apples) and crafts, representing both modern and traditional skills, as well as an array of vintage farm vehicles and even livestock on display.
On Market Street, from 11am to 4pm, there’s a re-enactment of a hiring fair, days when men, women and children make themselves available for temporary service. Farmers would come from throughout the district, and indeed from neighbouring counties, to employ workers usually for six months at a time.
Contact Armagh Tourist Information Centre on 048-37521800, wwww.visitarmagh.com