With taste buds flaring, Barry Walsh set his sights all over Ireland to capture unique craft cider producers doing amazing things with apples.
According to Bord Bia’s 2023 report on the alcohol market in Ireland cider exports had another strong year, increasing exports 11% to €80m.
The UK remains the largest market to export to account for 90% of overall growth.
Craft cider production accounts for 2.2% of the overall production of domestic cider consumption.
Highlighting the importance of local business, Irish cider producers generated over 50% of sales within a 50 kilometres of their premises, according to Bord Bia.
Here are 15 of the craft cider makers in Ireland, North and South:
The Apple Farm (Co Tipperary)
The Apple Farm, situated in County Tipperary, is renowned for its high-quality fruit products, particularly its artisanal ciders. Established by the Traas family, who have been cultivating apples since the 1960s, The Apple Farm combines decades of horticultural expertise with a passion for producing exceptional beverages. Their ciders are crafted from a diverse array of apples grown in their extensive orchards, which are carefully managed to ensure the highest quality fruit. This dedication to excellence is evident in every step of their cider-making process, from hand-picking the apples to pressing and fermenting them using both traditional and modern techniques, including wild-yeast fermentation.
The Apple Farm produces one variant of cider, called “Con’s Cider” labelled as medium dry, though it is probably best described as on the dry side of medium-dry. It is made with a blend of cider varieties and juice varieties, and varies a little from batch to batch. Unlike mass-produced ciders, which often contain less than 30% apple content, this cider is made without the addition of either sugar or water, and can be described therefore as 100% apple.
The Apple Farm also produces innovative blends of juice from their orchards, such as their Apple & Strawberry, which combines the freshness of apples with the sweet aromatic notes of strawberries. Also produced on the farm are lemonades, sparkling juices, jams and cider vinegar. In addition, they also sell a range of fruits when in season, such as strawberries, raspberries, plums and cherries, all available from their farm-shop.
Their awards include Irish Restaurant Awards, Good Food Ireland, Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food Writers’ Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Irish top fruit producer and Eurotoques Producer Award
Unique to this list they also have camping facilities available on the farm.
Armagh Cider Company (Co Armagh)
The Armagh Cider Company, based in Ballinteggart, Co. Armagh has a rich history dating back to 1898 when the Troughton family began cultivating apples. Owned by Philip and Helen Troughton the family-run business prides itself on a comprehensive “blossom to bottle” approach, producing a diverse array of award-winning ciders. Since their move to making cider in 2006 their ciders include varieties like Carson’s Crisp, Maddens Mellow, and the Doyles range, which features flavours such as Honey, Dark Fruits, and Summer Fruit.
In addition to ciders, Armagh Cider Company produces apple juices, mixers, cider vinegar, and lemonades. They offer farm tours, allowing visitors to experience the cider-making process firsthand. The company also provides contract bottling services for other beverage producers. Their products are celebrated for their quality, garnering accolades such as inclusion in the Independent’s review of the best British ciders. In addition to their ciders their online shop also has a comprehensive range of their products, such as Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, Cider Vinegar and Lemonade.
The Cider Mill (Co Meath)
Cockagee Cider, based in Slane, Co Meath, is renowned for its authentic Irish keeved cider, crafted using traditional methods. Keeving is an ancient technique that produces naturally sweet, full-bodied cider without added sugars or sweeteners. The cidery emphasises using only Irish heritage apple varieties, harvested from their own orchards, ensuring the preservation of local apple-growing traditions.
The flagship product, Cockagee Pure Irish Keeved Cider, is celebrated for its rich, complex flavours and natural smells. The company also produces a range of single-variety ciders, highlighting the unique characteristics of each apple type. Cockagee Cider is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, maintaining biodiversity in their orchards, and promoting environmental stewardship. This commitment to quality and tradition has earned Cockagee Cider numerous accolades in Ireland, the UK, Europe and America and they now have a reputation as a leading producer of artisanal Irish cider.
Craigies Cider, (Co Carlow)
Craigies Cider, located in Co. Carlow, Ireland, is dedicated to producing high-quality, craft cider using 100% Irish-grown apples.
Their cider-making philosophy emphasises the unique characteristics of local orchards, ensuring that no water or sugar is added—only pure apple juice is used. This commitment results in ciders that are both vegan and naturally gluten-free. Craigies Cider prides itself on its authentic production methods, capturing the essence of Ireland’s rich apple-growing heritage and offering a range of complex, flavorful ciders.
The company’s range includes notable varieties such as Ballyhook Flyer and Rosé, each crafted to highlight the distinct flavours of the Irish apples from which they are made. According to their website The Ballyhook Flyer brand is a tribute to the “the original Ballyhook Flyer is local legend in West Wicklow and considered by many to be the finest machine to have ever entered the Grangecon Soapbox Derby. Built and designed by Angus and Froggy, the originality of its design and the quality of its craftsmanship in its build are an inspiration to us – attributes that we strive to achieve in our traditional, sparkling, dry Irish cider”.
Situated in the Muine Bheag Business Park in Bagenalstown, Craigies Cider fosters a deep connection to the local terroir, promoting sustainable and authentic cider production. This dedication to quality and tradition has positioned Craigies Cider as a notable name in the craft cider industry, celebrated for their meticulously crafted beverages that honour Ireland’s apple orchards.
Dan Kelly’s Cider (Co Louth)
Dan Kelly’s Cider, produced in Drogheda, Co Louth, is a craft cider made from handpicked apples sourced directly from the company’s family-owned orchards. With 80 acres of orchard containing 14,000 apple trees, the company harvests over 7 million apples annually to create their unique ciders. Their range includes four distinct blends, crafted from over 20 different apple varieties, ensuring a rich, full fruit flavour in every batch. Dan Kelly’s Cider emphasises sustainability and quality, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the Boyne Valley region.
The cidery takes pride in its tradition and expertise in its production process, which has earned it a reputation for excellence within the craft cider community. As a member of the Boyne Valley Food Series, Dan Kelly’s Cider not only supports local food initiatives but also enhances the region’s culinary profile. Their commitment to craftsmanship and local sourcing underscores the authentic Irish character of their ciders, making them a celebrated choice for cider drinkers .
Their ciders are available in over 200 stores throughout Ireland, and some in Germany. They have won multiple awards for their crisp, refreshing taste and exceptional quality. Their blog provides a range of news, interviews with Dan Kelly and recipes for different events of the year that you can use their cider for.
Galway Cider, (Co Galway)
Galway Cider Co is now in its fifth year and proving to be a big hit with locals and tourists alike. We took a trip to Galway City recently to soak up the West of Ireland summer atmosphere and it did not disappoint!
The City of Festivals did not disappoint with its quaint streets, colourful buildings and friendly locals. Likewise our bottles of ice cold Galway Cider left no bad impressions. Galway Cider was a brainchild of Galway man, Francis Kelly.
An avid craft cider fan, Francis noticed how there was no local craft cider to the western capital. With a background in food production, sales and entrepreneurship, he set out to create a cider the Tribesmen (and women) could be proud of.
Using 100% Irish apples sourced from orchards known for their superior produce, Galway Cider ensures that every batch is fresh and authentic. The apples are carefully processed to retain their natural flavours, resulting in a medium sweetness cider with a distinctive depth of character. They use a blend of 5 apples, with a balanced mix of eating, cider and cooking apples to create this easy drinking craft cider.
But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Galway city company. Launching in mid-2019 seemed like a fantastic business decision at the time, with Galway to be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. But not all went to plan in 2020, as the opening ceremony of the Galway Capital of Culture 2020 was cancelled due to a terrible storm, this was quickly followed by the rise of Covid in March 2020, which lasted for the majority of the year – closing pubs and impacting sales massively. The company quickly pivoted to the off-trade market, widening its delivery circle and introducing more people to the brand.
Fast forward four years, Galway Cider now has more than doubled its turnover and continues to delight the public with their fresh, well balanced Craft Cider. They recently freshened up the branding of their bottles, covered in Galway iconology – a very attractive design. The next time you head West, be sure to ask for a Galway Cider in your venue of choice and test yourself to see if you can name all of the icons on the bottle.
Highbank Orchards (Co Kilkenny)
Highbank Orchards, owned by Rod and Julie Calder-Potts, is based in Kilkenny and is renowned for producing a wide range of organic apple-based products.
Their offerings include cider, apple juice, vinegar, and a variety of spirits such as apple brandy and rum. The orchards are cultivated organically, emphasising sustainability and quality from “pip to sip.” Their products are crafted without any artificial additives, ensuring natural flavour and authenticity.
Highbank Orchards also features non-alcoholic options like the Highbank Drivers Cider. The farm offers a Click and Collect service, making their organic produce accessible.
The orchards host events and provide recipes, showcasing the versatility of their products in various culinary creations. Highbank Orchards combines traditional farming methods with innovative product development, celebrating the richness of organic apples in numerous forms.
Johnny Fall Down Cider (Co Cork)
Johnny Fall Down Cider, produced by Killahora Orchards in County Cork, is crafted using a blend of over 40 different apple varieties. These include traditional bittersweet, bittersharp, and heritage apples, cultivated specifically for cider production. The cider is known for its rich and complex flavour profile, balancing sweetness and tannins with a crisp finish.
Killahora Orchards emphasises sustainability and traditional methods, employing minimal intervention techniques in both their orchard management and cider-making process. This results in a natural, unfiltered cider that captures the essence of their unique terroir. Johnny Fall Down Cider is available in various styles, including a bottle-conditioned dry cider. They are available in over 50 stores nationwide and can be purchased directly from their online store.
Kilmegan Irish Cider (Co Down)
Kilmegan Irish Cider, crafted in County Down, is celebrated for its dedication to traditional cider-making methods. The cider is made from hand picked apples, pressed and fermented naturally, ensuring an authentic and pure taste. Kilmegan Cider offers a range of products including their flagship Kilmegan Real Cider, which has won several awards for its quality, and Kilmegan Elderflower Cider, known for its delicate floral notes.
The cider-making process at Kilmegan emphasises minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavours of the apples to shine. The orchards are maintained with sustainability in mind, reflecting a commitment to preserving the environment while producing high-quality cider. Visitors can explore the cidery through tours and tastings, experiencing firsthand the meticulous process behind each bottle. Kilmegan Cider exemplifies the essence of traditional Irish cider, blending heritage and craftsmanship.
Legacy Irish Craft Cider (Co Waterford)
Legacy Irish Craft Cider, situated in Co. Waterford, is a family-run business that draws on three generations of apple-growing expertise. Founded by Liam McDonnell, the company leverages a rich heritage of apple cultivation dating back to his grandfather’s establishment of orchards in West Waterford. Legacy Cider is committed to producing high-quality, natural ciders using handpicked local apples and wild yeasts. Their offerings include the Medium Dry Cider, known for its balance of sweetness and dryness, and the Medium Cider, which features a ripe red apple sweetness with subtle tannins and a soft dry finish. My personal favourite is their Barrel Aged Cider and they also have a Mulled Cider for Christmas. All their ciders are naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Liam’s Grandfather originally started cultivating the apples and Liam’s dad Pat is their chief advisor. The company began in 2015, initially operating from a garden shed before expanding to larger facilities in Dungarvan. Legacy Irish Cider emphasises sustainable practices and a deep connection to local traditions, crafting their ciders with meticulous attention to detail. Their products have gained recognition and are now available in various outlets, including Dunnes Stores and Tesco. They have also been exploring opportunities in Europe more recently.
Legacy Irish Cider continues to celebrate and uphold the craftsmanship of Irish cider-making, offering a genuine taste of Ireland’s apple heritage.
Llewellyn’s Orchard Cider (Co Dublin)
Llewellyn’s Orchard Cider, based in Co. Dublin, is a small family-run enterprise known for producing premium natural products from a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. Founded by David Llewellyn, who has a background in horticulture and extensive experience in vineyards, the orchard was established in 1999 near Lusk, Co Dublin. The orchard specialises in apple juices, natural ciders, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple syrup, and Lusca Irish wine.
David Llewellyn’s dedication to traditional methods and sustainable practices has resulted in high-quality, artisanal products. The cider and other products are made exclusively from fruits grown on their own land, ensuring a genuine and rich flavour. Llewellyn’s Orchard has received recognition for its craftsmanship, with Lusca wine featured in top Irish restaurants and available in select wine shops. The orchard also participates in food markets and farm shops, promoting local produce and artisanal food products.
Longueville House Cider (Mallow, Co. Cork)
Longueville House Cider, produced in Mallow, Co. Cork is renowned for its handcrafted, premium quality ciders made from Dabinett and Michelin apples grown in the estate’s orchards. The apples are harvested in late October, crushed, and pressed in the estate’s cider mill. The juice undergoes natural fermentation with wild yeasts specific to the Longueville orchards for two to six months, followed by an additional six months of maturation. This process results in a rich, amber cider that is free from added sugars, sweeteners, or preservatives, offering a clean, crisp, and refreshing taste.
Longueville House Cider features two main products: the Longueville House Cider (5.5% ABV), a medium-dry cider with a fresh apple flavour, and the Longueville Mór Cider (8% ABV), aged in old French brandy casks for a deeper, more complex character. Unique to other cider producers on this list Longueville House Cider also produces a Apple Brady, has won Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Award 2018, 2019.
The ciders have received several awards, including the Gold Medal at Blas na hÉireann and recognition at the Alltech Dublin Cider Cup. These awards underscore the brand’s commitment to quality and traditional cider-making techniques, making Longueville House Cider a celebrated choice among craft cider enthusiasts.
Longways Cider
Longways Cider, based in the countryside of County Tipperary, Ireland, has established itself as a distinguished producer of premium craft ciders. Founded by James O’Donoghue, Longways Cider prides itself on creating high-quality ciders that capture Ireland’s rich apple-growing heritage.
The cidery sources its apples from its own orchards, ensuring that only the best and freshest fruits are used in production. These apples are carefully pressed and fermented using traditional methods, which are complemented by modern techniques to achieve a perfect balance of flavour and authenticity in every bottle.
The product range at Longways Cider reflects their dedication to excellence and variety. Their flagship Orchard Revival Dry Cider is celebrated for its crisp, clean taste and natural apple aroma, while their Medium and Sweet ciders offer a smoother, more approachable flavour profile that caters to diverse palates. Additionally, Longways Cider explores innovative blends and seasonal offerings, such as the Elderflower Cider, which adds a floral twist to the traditional cider taste. Each cider is crafted with a deep respect for the natural qualities of the apples and the unique characteristics of the Tipperary terroir.
In addition to their commitment to crafting exceptional ciders, Longways Cider emphasises sustainability and environmental responsibility. They employ eco-friendly practices in their orchards and production facilities, ensuring that their operations contribute positively to the local ecosystem. This dedication to sustainability is evident in their efforts to promote biodiversity and reduce their environmental footprint. Longways Cider’s combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and environmental stewardship has earned them a loyal following among cider enthusiasts. By consistently delivering high-quality, flavorful ciders, Longways Cider continues to enhance the reputation of Irish craft cider on the global stage.
The company is now under the ownership of Legacy Cider but continues to thrive in their productions and values.
Mac Ivors Cider (Co Armagh)
Mac Ivors Cider, located in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, has carved a niche for itself as a premier producer of artisanal ciders, celebrated for their rich heritage and commitment to quality. Founded by the Mac Neice family, who have been farming apples in the orchards of the address since 1855, Mac Ivors Cider blends tradition with innovation to craft exceptional beverages. Their cider-making process begins with hand-picked apples from their own orchards, ensuring only the finest fruits are used. These apples are expertly pressed, fermented, and matured for up to two years, allowing the flavours to develop fully.
Mac Ivors Cider offers a variety of products, from their classic, crisp Traditional Dry and Medium ciders to the more complex and fruit-forward flavours of their Plum & Ginger and Vintage Reserve selections. Each cider reflects the dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines Mac Ivors Cider. With a commitment to sustainability, they prioritise environmentally friendly practices throughout their production, ensuring their ciders are not only delicious but also produced with care for the land and community. Mac Ivors Cider stands as a testament to Northern Ireland’s cider-making tradition, offering enthusiasts and newcomers alike a taste of the region’s finest apples transformed into exceptional beverages.
There awards include the Blas na hÉireann, McKenna Guide awards, Great Tastes and numerous British awards.
Scotts Cider (Co Cavan)
Scott’s Irish Cider, crafted in County Cavan, is an artisanal, handcrafted cider made by the Scott family using 100% fresh-pressed Irish apples. Renowned for its authentic flavours, Scott’s Irish Cider offers a diverse range of ciders including Medium Dry, Summer Medium, Elderflower, Winter Spiced, and Dry Ciders. Each variant is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, capturing the essence of natural apple goodness without any artificial colorings or flavourings.
Emphasising quality and tradition, Scott’s Irish Cider prides itself on a meticulous production process that highlights the pure, crisp taste of Irish apples. Their ciders are designed to pair perfectly with various dishes, enhancing both sweet and savoury flavours. The brand’s commitment to excellence has garnered acclaim and a loyal customer base, making Scott’s Irish Cider a celebrated choice for cider enthusiasts.
Stonewell Cider (Nohoval, Co Cork)
Stonewell Cider, nestled in the scenic coastal village of Nohoval, County Cork, is renowned for its commitment to crafting premium Irish ciders of exceptional quality. Established by Daniel and Géraldine Emerson in 2009, Stonewell Cider has quickly earned a reputation for excellence in the artisanal cider-making industry. The Emersons’ passion for cider is evident in every aspect of their production process, which begins with hand-selected apples sourced exclusively from Irish orchards known for their superior quality and taste.
At Stonewell Cider, extreme attention is paid to every detail, from the orchard to the bottle. The apples are pressed in small batches to preserve their natural flavours, then fermented using traditional methods to achieve a balanced and distinctive taste profile. The result is a range of ciders that showcase the rich diversity of Irish apple varieties, from their crisp and refreshing Dry Cider to the smooth and aromatic Medium Dry and Medium Sweet options. Stonewell Cider also offers unique seasonal blends and limited editions, each reflecting the changing seasons and the creativity of their cider-making process.
In addition to their dedication to quality, Stonewell Cider places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. They actively promote biodiversity in their farmers’ orchards and employ eco-friendly practices throughout their production cycle. This commitment not only ensures the preservation of Ireland’s natural resources but also enhances the authentic flavours that define Stonewell Cider. With its picturesque location and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Stonewell Cider continues to set the standard for premium Irish ciders, delighting cider enthusiasts both locally and internationally with every sip.
Their awards include multiple Blas na hEireann, Cider World Gold, multiple Great Taste Awards, The International Cider Awards, Championship Winner and International Innovative Cider, Pommes d’Or and British Bottlers Institute Competition
Tempted Cider (Lisburn, Co. Antrim)
Tempted Cider, based in Lisburn, County Antrim, was founded by Davy and Janet Uprichard in 2009. Tempted Cider combines traditional techniques with innovative flavours to produce a range of distinctive ciders.
At Tempted Cider, extreme attention is given to sourcing the finest local apples, which are pressed and fermented in small batches to preserve their natural character and flavour. This artisanal approach results in a variety of ciders ranges, such as Sessions, Dry, Medium, Strawberry and Plum and Ginger ciders. Each cider is crafted with a blend of traditional methods and modern techniques, ensuring a perfect balance of taste and quality.
Beyond their commitment to excellence in cider-making, Tempted Cider places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community involvement. They actively support local growers and prioritise environmentally friendly practices throughout their production process. This dedication not only enhances the quality of their ciders but also underscores their role as a responsible member of the local economy and ecosystem. With their innovative spirit and dedication to quality, Tempted Cider continues to captivate cider enthusiasts both locally and internationally, offering a taste of Northern Ireland’s finest apples transformed into exceptional beverages.
They have over 29 Awards between local Northern Ireland, the wider The UK and The Republic of Ireland. In addition to International Cider Challenge Awards and Ciderworld Award with many more to be announced
Viking Irish Drinks
Viking Irish Drinks, based in County Waterford, Ireland, is a distinguished producer of craft beverages, with a particular emphasis on creating high-quality ciders and apple wines. Founded by passionate artisans, the company prides itself on its commitment to using 100% Irish apples sourced from local orchards. These apples are hand-picked and carefully selected to ensure only the finest fruit goes into their drinks, capturing the authentic taste of Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage. Viking Irish Drinks blends traditional methods with modern innovation to produce a range of beverages that stand out for their exceptional quality and distinctive flavours.
Their product line-up includes several acclaimed varieties, each showcasing the unique character of Irish apples. Viking Irish Cider, known for its crisp, refreshing taste and balanced sweetness, has quickly become a favourite among cider enthusiasts. Their Mulled Cider offers a warm, spiced experience perfect for colder months, combining the rich flavours of apples with a blend of traditional mulling spices. Additionally, Viking Irish Drinks produces a unique Apple wine, which stands out for its smooth, wine-like texture and complex flavour profile, offering a novel alternative to traditional grape wines. Each product reflects the company’s dedication to craftsmanship and its innovative approach to drink-making.
Viking Irish Drinks also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and supporting local agriculture. By sourcing their apples locally, they not only ensure the freshest ingredients but also contribute to the local economy and reduce their environmental footprint. The company’s eco-friendly practices extend to their production methods, where they strive to minimise waste and promote energy efficiency. This commitment to sustainability, combined with their focus on quality and innovation, positions Viking Irish Drinks as a leader in the craft beverage industry. Their dedication to excellence and environmental responsibility ensures that each drink is a sustainable choice for consumers.
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