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A Day of Flavour at Armagh Food & Cider

Big Flavours. Local Stories. One Delicious Weekend.

Discover County Armagh, Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, during Armagh Food & Cider Weekend. This one-day foodie escape combines artisan food, speciality drinks, local makers and unforgettable experiences.

From brunch beside Gosford Forest Park to an evening of award-winning cider, street food and live entertainment, spend the day discovering the people, produce and traditions that have made Armagh one of Ireland’s leading food destinations.

Home to the world-renowned Armagh Bramley Apple and a thriving cider-making tradition, there’s no better place 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.

Saturday 5 September

Morning: Brunch in Orchard Country

Pawtastic Brunch at The Old Game Keeper’s House

Start your Food & Cider Weekend with a leisurely brunch experience in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park.

Proudly presented by On The Hoof, this Best of Local Brunch showcases a bountiful buffet of fantastic flavours and fresh ingredients sourced from across County Armagh. Hosted in a magnificent marquee at The Old Game Keeper’s House, guests can relax, enjoy great food and soak up the countryside atmosphere.

Dogs are welcome too, with canine-friendly treats available for four-legged visitors, but you don’t need a pet to enjoy this unique experience. Afterwards, why not take a stroll through the scenic woodland trails of Gosford Forest Park before heading into Armagh City for the afternoon festivities?

10.30am – 12.30pm (Last arrivals 11.30am)

Book Pawtastic Brunch →

Dog being given a small cupcake by a person outdoors on grass.
Top-down view of a coffee tasting setup with a portafilter filled with ground coffee, a second portafilter holding whole beans, and a cup of latte with heart-shaped foam art on a metal surface.

Afternoon: Discover the Flavours of Armagh

Option 1: Coffee Tasting From Around The World

Calling all coffee lovers.

Join Scott King from Craic’d Pot Coffee Shop for an engaging one-hour workshop exploring the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Learn about the roasting process, enjoy a guided coffee cupping experience and discover the sensory skills that help identify the aromas and flavours found in your favourite coffees.

A great opportunity to deepen your appreciation of speciality coffee while meeting fellow food and drink enthusiasts.

1pm – 2pm

Book Coffee Tasting Workshop →

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 music and discover some of the region’s finest food and drink businesses. Whether you’re searching for handmade treats, local produce or simply want to soak up the festival atmosphere, the market offers something for everyone.

As a drop-in experience, visitors can explore throughout the afternoon at their own pace.

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 in the vibrant surroundings of The Shambles Yard, Cider in the City brings together local cider makers, artisan street food vendors and live music for a celebration of Armagh’s rich orchard heritage.

Meet the makers behind some of Northern Ireland’s finest ciders, sample local food and drink and enjoy a lively festival atmosphere in the heart of the city. With flexible opening hours, visitors can drop in whenever suits and stay as long as they like.

4pm – 9pm | Free Entry

Discover Cider in the City →

Evening: Choose Your Perfect Festival Experience

Option 1: Tapas on the Terrace

Enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking the city at Armagh City Hotel.

Sample a tempting selection of hot and cold tapas dishes, BBQ favourites, cured meats and artisan cheeses, accompanied by a welcome drink and live music. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of food discoveries.

Afterwards, continue your evening at Cider in the City, just a short distance away.

4pm – 6pm | £40 per person

Book Tapas on the Terrace →

Outdoor table set with tapas-style dishes, including skewered bites, melon with ham, breaded foods, and glasses of white wine.
Wooden crates filled with apples in a misty orchard at night, lit by a lantern and distant light.

Option 2: Murder Mystery: Cider & Screams

Swap the city for the orchard and unleash your inner detective at Armagh Cider Company.

Set in the peaceful surroundings of a County Armagh orchard, this immersive murder mystery experience combines suspense, dining and local cider for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a cider reception, a three-course meal prepared by local catering company Hidden Gem and a glass of cider paired with each course as you work together to solve the mystery.

6.30pm – 10.30pm | £58 per person

Book Murder Mystery →

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

Make A Weekend Of It

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