The Armagh Rhymers are one of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre
ensembles on the island of Ireland. Since the organisation was founded in the 1970s, they
have delighted audiences throughout Ireland and around the world. Through music, storytelling, drama and incredible costume, they evoke a sense of tradition and history and encapsulate the spirit of the Wren boys and the ancient house visiting traditions of Ireland, where the kitchen floor became the stage.

The tradition is most associated with 26th December, Wren Day, and was used to entertain the community during the long winter months. Rhymers were also associated with important
times of change, changes in the season and life changes like weddings deaths. A celebration of the ‘theatre of the people’, the Rhyming tradition has inspired many poets such as Seamus Heaney, Brendan Kennelly, John Montague, John Hewitt, Michael Longley and Patrick Kavanagh. The masked tradition of rhyming with its unique blend of music, drama, song and dance dates back over 2,500 years. Originally a rural tradition, groups of Rhymers (also known as Mummers, Wren Boys, Biddymen, Strawboys), would dress in costumes made from materials gathered around the home to go from house to house to entertain friends and neighbours.

The masks worn by The Armagh Rhymers are made from flax, willow and straw. Each mask has been expertly crafted and is both intricate and unique. The concept behind each mask originates from a character in a mummer’s play such as or performance. Characters include the Brown Bull from Ireland’s National epic The Taín, the Horse Macha, the horse goddess from whom the City of Armagh gets its name (Ard Mhacha), the God Lugh, Doctor Brown a traditional character from The Mummer’s Play, and the Saints of Ireland Patrick, Brigid and Colmcille (who is represented as a Heron.)

The Armagh Rhymers have performed around the world including China, USA, South Korea, Basque Country, Italy, Germany & Switzerland. They have appeared at some of the biggest music festivals in the world such as Milwaukee Irish Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury Festival.

The Armagh Rhymers are not for profit and a registered Charity, their core values,
education, entertainment, ritual & health & wellbeing, remain at the heart of all they do. Originally set up as a workers cooperative to bring live music and entertainment to school children in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the organisation is committed to bringing art, music and tradition to every child in the country as well as preserving one of our most important local traditions for future generations.

For further info see armaghrhymers.com