An Autumn Escape for Food-Lovers
Discover the tastes, traditions and experiences that make Armagh and the surrounding countryside the perfect destination for a foodie-inspired escape. From handcrafted Irish coffee and elegant dining to orchard walks and tastings, this weekend itinerary is designed for those who love exceptional local flavours paired with memorable experiences.
Afternoon: Arrive at Newforge House
Begin your Big Flavours Weekend with a luxury stay at Newforge House, a charming country house retreat nestled in the heart of the Co Armagh countryside.
Take time to unwind in elegant surroundings before exploring the grounds, including the property’s orchard, where fruit is grown for homemade preserves, chutneys and seasonal desserts. The orchard is also home to the resident chickens that provide fresh eggs for breakfast each morning.
Evening: A Memorable Dining Experience
One of the highlights of any stay at Newforge House is dinner.
Enjoy a four-course seasonal menu crafted using the finest local ingredients, with dishes changing daily to showcase the best produce available. The estate’s commitment to local sourcing is reflected throughout the menu, incorporating ingredients from nearby suppliers and their own gardens and orchard.
Complement your meal with a carefully curated drinks selection featuring local craft beers, ciders, gins and vodkas. Gin enthusiasts can sample award-winning local favourites alongside the house’s own fruit-infused creations, made using home-grown raspberries, blackberries, damsons and sloes.
After dinner, retire to your luxurious accommodation and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Morning: Explore Ardress House
After a hearty breakfast featuring local produce, take a short drive to Ardress House.
Surrounded by rolling countryside and apple orchards, this fascinating National Trust property offers a glimpse into centuries of local history.
Explore the modest seventeenth-century farmhouse, admired for its decorative plasterwork and elegant Georgian interiors. Wander through the beautifully preserved 18th-century cobbled farmyard, where the dairy, smithy, threshing barn and boiler house tell the story of rural life through the generations.
Take a stroll through the terraced gardens and rose garden before immersing yourself in the orchard landscape that has shaped this part of the county for centuries.
Afternoon: Irish Coffee Masterclass at The Halfway House
Learn the secrets behind one of Ireland’s most famous drinks.
Join the Irish Coffee Making Masterclass at The Halfway House, Banbridge, where you’ll discover the history of Irish coffee before mastering the techniques needed to create the perfect serve.
Under expert guidance, learn how to balance rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey and lightly whipped cream to create this iconic warming drink. It’s an engaging and hands-on experience that offers a memorable finale to your weekend escape.
Evening: Relax and Enjoy the Countryside
Return to Newforge House for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a drink in the lounge, sample a local gin or craft beer, and reflect on a day spent exploring some of the region’s most beautiful historic properties and orchard landscapes.
Perfect for: couples, food lovers, friends’ getaways, special occasions and anyone seeking a taste of Northern Ireland’s rich food heritage.
