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A Three-Day Escape in the Food Heartland

Big Flavours. Local Stories. One Delicious Weekend.

Discover County Armagh, Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, during Armagh Food & Cider Weekend. Set against the backdrop of the apple harvest and surrounded by the rolling orchards that have shaped the region’s identity for generations, this three-day escape combines award-winning cider, artisan food experiences and unforgettable dining events, celebrating the people, produce and traditions that make County Armagh one of Ireland’s leading food destinations.

Home to the world-renowned Armagh Bramley Apple and a thriving cider-making tradition, County Armagh invites visitors to experience authentic food tourism at the heart of Northern Ireland’s orchard country.

With more than 40 unique events and experiences taking place across the weekend, this is your opportunity to meet the makers, explore the orchards and savour the very best of Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland.

Friday 4 September

Arrive in Armagh

Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Armagh’s historic streets, independent shops, cafés and visitor attractions. Take time to soak up the atmosphere before the weekend’s celebrations begin.

Evening: Choose Your Festival Opening Experience

Option 1: Supper Club at Crannagael House

Step into the historic surroundings of Crannagael House, birthplace of the Bramley apple story in County Armagh, for an exclusive orchard-to-table dining experience.

Enjoy a specially curated menu showcasing exceptional local produce, paired with award-winning MacIvors Cider, while hearing the stories behind the food, orchards and cider from the people who know them best.

7pm – 10.30pm | £80 per person

Book Crannagael Supper Club →

Option 2: Orchard Hooley at Long Meadow Cider

For a more relaxed start to the weekend, head to Long Meadow Cider for an evening of great food, local cider and live entertainment.

Set among the apple orchards, this lively outdoor gathering combines a barbecue feast, award-winning cider and live music, creating the perfect introduction to the Orchard County.

7pm – 10.30pm | £35 per person

Book Orchard Hooley →

Complimentary coach transfers are available from Armagh City for both events.

FCW Crannagael

Saturday 5 September

Tour guide Donna Fox wearing an “Armagh Food & Cider Weekend” apron presenting a wooden board of loaded tacos in a warmly lit setting with fairy lights in the background.

Afternoon: Discover the Flavours of Armagh

Option 1: Armagh Food & Drink Experience

Dive deeper into the stories and flavours that have made County Armagh famous.

This guided culinary journey showcases award-winning local produce through generous tastings, cider experiences and warm local hospitality, offering a true taste of Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland.

1pm – 5pm | £70 per person

Book Food & Drink Experience →

Option 2: Explore the Festival at Your Own Pace

Spend the afternoon browsing the Artisan Street Market in the heart of Armagh City.

Meet local producers, sample artisan food and drink, enjoy live entertainment and discover some of the region’s best food and drink businesses.

Enhance your visit with one of the festival’s popular workshops:

12pm – 5pm | Free Entry

Explore the Artisan Market →

Artisan Street Market
Person playing an electric guitar on stage in front of a large outdoor crowd.

Festival Highlight: Cider in the City

As afternoon turns to evening, make your way to one of the weekend’s most popular events.

Set beneath the iconic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Cider in the City brings together local cider makers, artisan street food vendors and live music for a vibrant celebration of Armagh’s orchard heritage.

It’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest ciders while soaking up the festival atmosphere.

4pm – 9pm | Free Entry

Discover Cider in the City →

Evening: Savour a Special Dining Experience

Option 1: Tapas on the Terrace

Enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking the city at Armagh City Hotel with tapas, local flavours, live music and a welcome drink.

A perfect way to unwind after a day of food discoveries.

4pm – 6pm | £40 per person

Book Tapas on the Terrace →

Option 2: Plot to Plate with a Crannagael Twist

Round off the day with an exceptional five-course dining experience at historic Crannagael House.

Showcasing seasonal local ingredients paired with carefully selected wines from JN Wines, this elegant evening celebrates the very best produce from the Orchard County.

7pm – 10.30pm | £90 per person

Book Plot to Plate →

Complimentary coach transfer available from Armagh City.

Food and Cider Weekend 2025 - Plot to plate sustainable dinner

Sunday 6 September

Person demonstrating outdoor cooking over a wooden table while a small group watches nearby.

Morning & Afternoon: Choose Your Perfect Finale

Option 1: Cooking with Fire

Join the award-winning team from On The Hoof for an immersive masterclass in wood-fired cooking, smoking and open-fire grilling.

Learn new skills before enjoying a spectacular barbecue feast featuring incredible local produce.

11am – 4pm | £140 per person

Book Cooking With Fire →

Option 2: Apple Picking Tour & Harvest Lunch

Experience the Orchard County at its most authentic with a guided orchard tour hosted by the McKeever family at Long Meadow Cider.

Enjoy apple picking, cider tasting and a delicious harvest lunch in the Bramley Barn while learning about generations of orchard-growing tradition.

2pm – 5pm |£45 adult & £15 child

Apples growing on a tree branch with leaves and water droplets.
Tiered stand with scones, cakes, and desserts set for afternoon tea in an elegant indoor setting.

Option 3: Afternoon Tea at Ardress House

For a more leisurely farewell, enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the beautifully restored Threshing Barn at Ardress House.

Surrounded by historic orchards and the picturesque National Trust estate, it’s the perfect way to savour the final moments of your foodie escape.

3pm – 5pm | £35 per person

Book Afternoon Tea →

Make It a Long Weekend

Why not extend your Food & Cider Weekend and start your celebrations on Thursday with one of these special experiences?

Wine v Cider at Groucho’s
A unique five-course tasting evening where cider and wine experts compete to create the perfect pairing for each course.

7pm – 10pm | £60 per person

Smoke & Soul at On The Hoof
A relaxed evening of smoked meats, flavour-packed small plates, local cider and live music.

7pm – 10pm | £30 per person

Cider & Spice at Ashburn Hotel
Discover the delicious partnership between local cider and spice-inspired cuisine during this hosted dining experience.

7pm – 11pm | £55 per person

Armagh hotel - room re-edits april-68 copy-min

Make It a Foodie Escape

With more than 40 unique events and experiences taking place throughout the weekend, Armagh Food & Cider Weekend offers the perfect opportunity to discover Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland.

From orchard tours and artisan markets to award-winning ciders and unforgettable dining experiences, every event celebrates the people, produce and traditions that have made the Orchard County one of Ireland’s leading food destinations.

Top Tip: Base yourself in Armagh City and take advantage of complimentary coach transfers to selected festival venues, allowing you to enjoy the food, cider and hospitality without the need to drive.

View Accommodation & Offers → 

Where To Stay

Places To Eat

Festival Special Promotions