A wide array of exciting social events are planned.
Sunday September 9th, 19:00-21:00
A welcome reception will be held in the Spires Bar of the Armagh City Hotel from 19:00 to 21:00 on Sunday 9th September. This includes a glass of wine per person and a finger buffet. Additional beverages may be purchased at the Callan Bar next door.
Monday September 10th, 18:00-20:00
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium welcomes its international visitors and representatives of its sponsor organisations and provides an opportunity for tours of the 228 years old Observatory buildings, the Astropark and to see a mini-show in the Planetarium dome. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday September 11th, 16:30-21:00
A visit to the historic Navan Fort, seat of the ancient Kings of Ulster dating back to the Neolithic (4000 – 2500 BCE), will be followed by a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Armagh, and a fork supper in the Navan Fort visitor centre.
Wednesday September 12th, 12:30-18:00
Armagh is world-renowned for its apple-growing industry. Our tour of the Orchard county will take us to The Argory, an exquisite 18th century country house on the banks of the Blackwater river, where we will have a light lunch. We then move to the Armagh Cider Company to see some of the things that can be done with apples, and even taste the results.
Thursday September 13th, 15:30-17:00
Delegates are invited on a short walking tour of the City of Armagh, to explore its historic connection to St Patrick, the 5th century Romano-British missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland, and to discover the 18th century renaissance led by Archbishop Richard Robinson which still dominates the City and which established the Armagh Observatory in 1790.
Thursday September 13th, 19:00-21:00
Conference dinner in the Copernicus Hall of the Armagh Planetarium, catering by Yellow Door.
Optional Excursion: Saturday September 15th, 08:30-18:00
Following more than 20 expressions of interest, an optional tour to the North Coast has been organized for Saturday 15th September, departing from the City Hotel at 08:30, to call first at the Giants Causeway. There will be guided tours of the Bushmills Distillery, and Dunluce Castle, with a return to Armagh at 18:00. The price, including lunch, will be £45. Tickets may preferably be purchased online here, use code HDeF2018 or alternatively at registration. Please also indicate your intention on the online form. The tour will not go ahead with fewer than 15 persons (in which case tickets will be refunded). There is a maximum of 33.
#HDEF2018 