The Armagh Rhymers are proud to collaborate with a diverse network of partners who share our commitment to preserving and promoting culture, folklore, and community arts.
From schools and museums to local councils, festivals, and other arts organisations, our partners play a vital role in helping us bring traditional performance to new audiences. Through these creative collaborations, we deliver educational workshops, cultural exchange projects, and dynamic performances that celebrate heritage and inspire connection across generations and borders.
We work extensively with National Museums NI, Royal Historic Palaces Hillsborough, The National Trust and National Museum of Ireland.
Our principal funders are National Lottery Good Causes through The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
In addition we receive project investment from a variety of funders including Culture Ireland, Armagh, Bandbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Foras na Gaeilge and Immersive Arts.
In 2024 we received investment from the Esme Mitchell Trust.
We welcome new partnerships so please CONTACT US to discuss any collaboration opportunities.
Previous Collaborations
Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra
The Armagh Rhymers have a long-standing connection with the Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, where our performances bring the site’s historical settings to life through music, masks, and mumming. Blending traditional storytelling with immersive theatre, our appearances at the museum offer visitors a vivid glimpse into Ireland’s folk heritage, echoing the customs and seasonal celebrations of rural communities from centuries past. Whether in the village street or inside a thatched cottage, the Rhymers create a powerful sense of place and time that deepens the museum experience for audiences of all ages.
Ulster Folk Museum Cultra Weaver Bob Johnston also makes many of our masks including our incredible Dragon mask which is based on the iconic Dragons in the atrium of the Ulster Museum.
Collins Barracks, Dublin
The Armagh Rhymers have brought our unique blend of traditional Irish performance to Collins Barracks in Dublin for over 20 years, captivating audiences at the National Museum of Ireland with our vibrant mumming, music, and masks. Set against the historic backdrop of the former military barracks, our performances connect the past and present, offering an engaging and immersive way to explore Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage. Our appearances at Collins Barracks often coincide with special exhibitions, seasonal festivals, and educational events, making folklore come alive in the heart of the capital.
National Gallery London, The Playhouse Derry, Jeremy Deller ‘Triumph of Art’
The Armagh Rhymers were featured in Jeremy Deller’s “The Triumph of Music” as part of the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebration “The Triumph of Art” A powerful live event celebrating the enduring value of creativity and cultural expression. Known for our striking costumes, traditional instruments, and masked performances, the Rhymers brought a distinctively Irish folk presence to Deller’s vision, highlighting the role of vernacular art and community tradition in contemporary society. These ancient characters combined with The Playhouse team of modern characters inspired by the 90s rave scene, created a truly unique live spectacle through the streets of Derry and into the famous Guildhall.
Our inclusion in the project affirmed our status not only as cultural custodians, but as living artists contributing to a broader dialogue about the purpose and power of art today.
Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland
The Armagh Rhymers have established a strong partnership with the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA), Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland, collaborating to showcase Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage to international audiences.
In 2024 The Armagh Rhymers were part of Tourism Ireland’s European marketing campaign highlight Ireland as the ‘Home of Halloween’ bringing Samhain traditions and storytelling to industry events in Munich and Ghent.
The Chinese Consulate, Belfast
Armagh Rhymers have developed an excellent relationship with The Chinese Consulate in Belfast and CPAA (China Performing Arts Agency).
We have performed 2 successful tours of China in collaboration with CPAA bringing our culture and tradition to thousands of children across the country.
These cultural exchanges not only bring our local custom and folklore to a global audience, but also serve to improve and promote positive cultural exhange with the Chinese community at home.
Folklife Center, US Library of Congress
The Armagh Rhymers were featured in the Library of Congress’s Homegrown Plus series with our performance titled Music and Rhyme from Ireland. This special film, recorded at Rose Hill House in County Tyrone, captures the essence of Ireland’s traditional house-visiting customs, known as mumming. The Rhymers, renowned for our vibrant masks and storytelling, brought to life characters such as the Druid, Wee Biddy Funny, and even a playful nod to the pandemic, blending ancient folklore with contemporary themes. Artistic Director Dara Vallely emphasised that our participation aimed to preserve these traditions for future generations and offer a sense of cultural healing. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this collaboration highlights the Rhymers’ role in sharing Irish cultural heritage on a global stage.
Museums & Galleries – Academic Lectures and Art Exhibitions
The Armagh Rhymers have combined their unique music and theatre performances with visual art by Creative Director Dara Vallely.
These exhibitions include exbitions and performances focusing on The Mask, Laoch na Laochra (Heroes of Heroes) in collaboration with author Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, as well as ‘Masks, Myths & Magic’ ‘SOS’ in collaboration with NI Mental Health Arts Festival.
In 2024 The Armagh Rhymers collaborated with Dublinia Viking Museum to create a bespoke performance based in their exhibition ‘Mystic Dublin’