About the Role
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is delighted to highlight a series of guided tours this Spring Bank Holiday weekend, inviting residents and visitors to explore the heart of Armagh’s Orchard County through food, apple blossom and local stories rooted in place.
Delicate pink apple blossom will provide the backdrop for guided coach tours which will take place this May Bank Holiday weekend. Two guided coach tours invite visitors and locals alike to slow down and savour spring in Armagh’s Orchard County, with orchards in full bloom, local food and cider, and stories rooted in place.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray said:
“Experiences like these are a wonderful way to showcase the unique character of our borough and celebrate Armagh’s rich Orchard County heritage. The Spring Bank Holiday tours offer residents and visitors the chance to connect with our landscapes and enjoy local food and stories. I’m delighted to see initiatives that highlight our orchards, support local producers and enhance the borough’s appeal as a distinctive tourism destination.”
Across two half-day experiences, guests can choose between a hands-on visit to a working cidery with family storytelling and traditional griddle cooking, or a gentle orchard and garden walk followed by a seasonal lunch at a Georgian country house set among apple trees. Both tours include return coach travel from Armagh City Hotel and are guided by Donna Fox.
During the weekend visitors have the option of experiencing spring at Long Meadow Cider, just outside Portadown. On Sunday 3 May, from 11-2pm, relax and enjoy a participatory experience. Enjoy a guided walk through a working orchard in apple blossom, hear stories of generations of apple growing, and learn how their award-winning cider and juice are made. The visit centres on traditional griddle cooking, with a live soda bread demonstration and fresh tastings, alongside samples of apples, cider vinegar and selected products. A light lunch will be served in the glass-fronted Bramley Barn.
Crannagael House, the birthplace of the humble Bramley Apple is the next tour stop on Monday 4 May from 12.30-3pm. Crannagael House is a Georgian country estate surrounded by orchards and gardens. Led by Jane and John, this gentle experience includes guided walks and stories of the house’s long connection to apples — including the planting of Armagh’s first Bramley Seedling trees in 1884. The visit will be enhanced with a seasonal lunch led by 4 Vicars, offering a chance for good food and good conversation.
Ardress House, a National Trust property, also nestled in the orchards will be open to welcome visitors on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11-5pm. Visitors can experience a house tour and spend time enjoying nature in the adjacent orchards. Admission tickets can be purchased directly on arrival.
More information and to book tickets, click here.