A FRUIT-FUL WEEKEND: ARMAGH FOOD AND CIDER WEEKEND 2026 PROVES A MAJOR SUCCESS

The annual Armagh Food & Cider Festival returned across the weekend, with thousands of visitors flocking to the county to celebrate its rich orchard heritage through more than 40 bespoke events inspired by the region's iconic PGI-status Bramley Apple. This year's programme offered a diverse line-up of immersive dining experiences, orchard tours, artisan markets and a collection of unique, high-end curated experiences from fire-cooked feasts and terrace dining to cocktail masterclasses and elegant afternoon teas. Among the highlights was the sold-out Cider & Screams event, hosted by Armagh Cider Company. Combining mystery, food and cider, the immersive murder mystery experience saw guests' step into the role of detectives as they worked to solve the crime at hand, all while enjoying a specially prepared three-course meal from local bespoke catering company, Hidden Gem. Other highlights included a cocktail masterclass hosted by local drinks expert Ronan Collins at The Hole in the Wall Pub, as well as a special Crannagael Supper Club, where guest expert Judith Boyle expertly paired each course with selections from award-winning MacIvors Cider, at the home of the descendants of the family responsible for planting the first Bramley apple seedling in County Armagh. The renowned Armagh Cider Company also put cider to the test at a Wine V Cider showdown– 5 Course Small Plate Tasting Menu at Groucho's on the Square in Richhill. Esther Paul of Armagh Cider Company went head-to-head with wine expert Robert Neill of Robert Neill Wines, in the ultimate palate challenge, pairing their respective drinks with a five-course small plate menu prepared by Chef Mervyn Steenson. Speaking about the festival Mervyn said, 'Armagh Food and Cider Weekend is a real celebration of the connection between our orchards, producers and hospitality industry. Cooking in Armagh means working with ingredients that come with genuine provenance – apples grown a mile down the road, vegetables pulled from local soil, cider pressed by families who've been perfecting their craft for generations. The weekend shines a spotlight on the creativity, collaboration and quality that make the Food Heartland such a special place to cook and dine.' Home to generations of growers, cider makers, chefs and artisan producers, Armagh has long been recognised for its exceptional local food culture and internationally acclaimed craft cider industry. Across the weekend, the artisan street markets by day and Cider in the City at Shambles Yard by night, showcased some of the region's finest local producers and highlighted the quality and creativity of the unique produce in Northern Ireland's Food Heartland. Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O'Dowd said: 'Armagh Food and Cider Weekend is a celebration of everything that makes this region so special – our people, our produce, our hospitality and our proud orchard heritage. The Bramley apple has shaped the identity of this place for generations and remains at the heart of our food and drink story today.' 'This annual festival gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience the incredible quality and creativity that exists across our borough, from our artisan producers and family orchards to our talented chefs, cider makers and hospitality businesses. We are proud to welcome visitors from near and far to experience the warmth, flavour and atmosphere of this Food Heartland.' For more information on events and activities within the region, go to visitarmagh.com