Armagh – Ireland’s Orchard County – has officially launched its award-winning Food & Cider Weekend with a cornucopia of new events, fresh features and an unrivalled tasting menu for 2023.
A top foodie destination for local, national and international visitors, Armagh will celebrate the outstanding quality of its food and hospitality and the island’s biggest Bramley apple harvest that creates an internationally-acclaimed range of ciders.
Renowned for its Georgian beauty and acres of apple orchards, this year’s Food & Cider Weekend kicks off on Thursday September 7 – the biggest foodie event of the season and a huge homage to the region’s official Food Heartland status.
Fresh for 2023, there are over 30 exciting events including al fresco dinners within stunning orchards, markets with artisan producers, food tours and food experiences in stunning locations, as well as the gorgeous apple juices and cider to enjoy.
Top chefs and culinary experts are also working along with the Food Heartland producers to highlight the local tradition and heritage, but with a fresh, modern twist.
There are plenty of opportunities to wade deep into the glorious orchards to discover the apple’s journey from blossom to bottle as top local producers including Long Meadow Cider and Armagh Cider Company throw open the gates and doors for an authentic experience to remember.
This year’s programme includes a big range of exciting, unique experiences including an urban orchard market in the city’s famous Shambles Yard, a Bramley Banquet in stunning Crannagael House, a Pudding Club at award-wining guesthouse Blackwell House and woodland suppers, cooking with fire and fish at On the Hoof, nestled at the edge of Gosford Forest Park.
In nearby Banbridge – which also hosts the hugely popular Sundown Market at Solitude Park featuring awesome artisan street food, plenty of drinks and live music and entertainment, guests can enjoy a cocktail masterclass beef at Salt Kitchen and a Beef tasting menu at Fifth Quarter.
There’s plenty of baking– and lots of wine and cheese – to keep the tastebuds well entertained in a new programme that really hits the spot for a daytrip or a full weekend away.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sorchá McGeown said:
“Outstanding food, quality ingredients and world class cider are always reasons to celebrate which is why we’re delighted to launch this year’s Armagh Food & Cider Weekend this year with a fresh menu and a new crop of activities to get your teeth into. Packed with great places to eat, and vibrant markets, we can’t wait to welcome back visitors from near and far for a culinary kick through our city and region’s best produce in a one-of-a-kind destination you’ll want to come back to. Good food and drink is always on the table in the Food Heartland”.
In addition to open-air markets, the programme also includes tasting dinners, hedgerow foraging, cider discovery dinners, tastings and bread baking sessions, a cocktail masterclass, a pizza pottery workshop, culinary masterclasses cooking with fire, a foodie film night, a murder mystery dinner, a planet cookie workshop at Armagh planetarium and Tipsy Tea at the Vault – as well as a wide range of events in well-known local restaurants.
For the full programme of events at the Armagh Food & Cider Weekend 2023, please visit: Visitarmagh.com/foodandcider
