Labeled the Orchard County, Armagh is one of the largest table apple producers of Ireland. They even have their own Protected Geographical Indication for the famous baking variety Armagh Bramley.
Although it does not seem to have a long making tradition, this county is strongly linked to cider, since they have been providing their surplus of apples to big cider companies like Magners.
There are records on cider from 1682, when the Reverend W. Brooke wrote that cider was being sold at 30 shillings a barrel and that some cider houses were making 20 to 30 barrels per season. In fact, King William sent his cider maker to Portadown to make cider for his army.
Now Armagh has joined the cider revolution, and in the past years many apple growers have decided to make their own cider. Nowadays, there are about 10 cider houses.
One of those examples is Armagh Cider Company, where they produce a wide variety of sweet, medium and dry ciders, as well as a flavored line for the youngest cider lovers and also apple juice. Helen and Philip Troughton are also receiving visits, finishing with a cider tasting in their lovely taproom.
Some of the most beautiful apple orchards that I’ve ever seen are in Armagh. It’s not surprising that, at the same time they join the cider renaissance, they are developing a smart tourist offer around cider and apple, with fantastic experiences linked to real products.
Its maximum exponent is the Armagh Food and Cider Festival, which takes place in September with a wonderful program of activities that I was lucky enough to attend in 2018.
