Discover how award-winning cider is crafted from blossom to bottle at Armagh Cider Company, a family-run farm at Ballinteggart House where apples have been grown for five generations. Farm records show cider was being sold here as far back as the 1700s, making cidermaking part of the land’s long heritage.
Stroll through the orchards and hear the storey behind growing the Armagh Bramley Apple, awarded PGI status in 2012. Share in the seasonal challenges and rewards while relaxing with a glass of freshly pressed apple juice and locally made shortbread, enjoyed among the trees themselves.
From there, step inside the cidery to watch the apples being pressed and fermented. See the vats where cider slowly matures, developing character before being filtered, blended, and bottled.
The tour continues into the bottling plant, where not only cider and apple juice are bottled, but also a wide range of soft drinks produced using the farm’s own natural spring water. Finally, gather around the tasting table in the charming 18th-century barn to sample a selection of ciders and juices. Discover how different blends are created and experience the subtle differences in flavour.
The farm is also a busy working stud, dedicated to breeding Ireland’s two treasured native horse breeds — the Connemara pony and the Irish Draught.
During your visit, you’ll gain an insight into the careful and considered process behind responsible breeding and have the opportunity to see some of these home bred magnificent horse and ponies.
The farm is also home to a variety of animals including goats, guinea hens and peacocks, which can be seen at various points of your visit. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a lead.
