The Armagh Food and Cider Weekend 2021 promotes the best of Armagh’s cuisine, apple juices, ciders and beautiful locations. It features a blend of bespoke, site-specific Orchard events combined with taste experiences and lively city centre events. All hold the PGI Armagh Bramley Apple at their hearts.

Cider Discovery Break is a new experience co-ordinated by Armagh City Hotel to tie in with the Weekend’s annual programme. This two-day Break, a must for foodies and cider enthusiasts, offers a busy itinerary inspired by the unique locality and its artisan cider makers.

• 2pm: Arrive at the Armagh City Hotel; register with us for your walking tour and let us take care of your luggage as you enjoy the sights of our city.
• 2.30pm. Meet in the hotel foyer where you will be greeted by your own Blue Badge Tour Guide; Lois McCullough, and Bill Bradshaw; renowned international photographer, writer and most importantly cider enthusiast. This experienced team will escort you on your walking tour of the ancient City of Armagh stopping off for some cider tasting and nibbles along the way. Lois and Bill will provide the humour and inspiration and be able to answer your questions as you embark on this fun and enlightening tour.
• 4.30pm. Return to the hotel and have some free leisure time to use the hotel’s spectacular Health & Fitness Club. It is fully equipped with a 16m swimming pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.
• 7pm. Meet downstairs in our Fisher Suite Four to embark on our special Cookery School with our award winning Head Chef, John Whyte. John will work with and guide you as you create a fabulous three-course dinner using the best of our local produce paired with local ciders. You will then sit down together and enjoy the meal which you have prepared.
• After dinner you can relax over a drink in the Callan Bar and ponder over the day’s activities followed by a relaxing stay in one of the hotel’s beautifully refurbished Four Star standard bedrooms.

• Breakfast at leisure in the intimate Friary Restaurant.
• 10am. Meet the group again and your Blue Badge Guide Lois McCullough, at the hotel entrance. Embark on a guided coach tour through the apple-laden orchards and travel to the outstanding Grade II listed Crannegal House; a Georgian Gentleman’s Residence built in 1760 by the Nicholson family. Here in 1884 Henry Joseph Nicholson planted Armagh’s first Bramley apple tree.  Still in the Nicholson family today, the current owners, John and Jane Nicholson, will give you a personal tour of the beautiful gardens where you can hear their story of how the Bramley Apple came to Armagh.  Following the tour you can relax and enjoy mid-morning tea/coffee and scones in the grounds of the house.
• 11:30am. Depart Crannagael House and travel to Longmeadow Cider; an award winning family business which has been owned by the McKeever family for three generations. The family will bring you on a tour of their Bramley Apple production followed by a tasting of some of their fabulous apple ciders, juices and vinegars.
• Finish your Orchard experience with a picnic lunch, served in the heart of the orchards and supplied by the hotel filled with scrumptious local produce.
• Between 1.30pm and 2pm. Return by coach to the hotel to collect your car, or why not extend your visit and stay another night enjoying more of what Armagh Food and Cider Weekend has to offer. You might also spend time shopping around the unique independent shops this ancient city has to offer.

To book this exceptional offer please visit Armagh City Hotel website or click here.

View the full itinerary click here.

Option to stay Saturday night also – additional £139 Bed & Breakfast for two people, or £129 single occupancy.