bulmers cider ireland tour

OUR Heritage

Made from 17 varieties of Irish apples and produced in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Bulmers is 100% Irish. From blossom to bar at every step of the journey, craft and care is poured into every glass of gold. We’ll drink to that.

Alchemy of the Orchard

Time together is when time really bears fruit. That's what it all leads to. The moment, with friends, when we can celebrate the joy of each other's company. The human connection that is the something everything's been leading to. In this commercial we brought this idea to life by bringing the orchard to life and intertwining its magic with a group of friends gathering. With a band supplying the driving soundtrack that propels the action to its ultimate conclusion. That first refreshing sip. The moment, when time bears fruit.

Our packaging is inspired by the classic Bulmers original bottle and champions the vats in Clonmel by putting them front and centre of our new bottles. The vats mark Bulmers’ place in history and reflects the craft, care, innovation, ambition and pride on which the brand has been built upon.

OUR PRODUCTS

The Bulmers Irish Cider range has something for everyone. We are 99.9% sure you’ll find a flavour to tickle your taste-buds.

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Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel 2023 To Take Place on September 9th 

Bulmers to give music fans a taste of what to expect at Bulmers Secret Orchard this year with a series of gigs from Ireland’s homegrown talent in venues nationwide, kicking off with Kojaque in Whelan’s on April 26th.

Bulmers, Ireland’s original cider and supporter of homegrown talent, has announced that Bulmers Secret Orchard will return bigger and better than ever on September 9 th . For one weekend only, the surrounds of the orchard at Bulmers Clonmel will transform into an exclusive, magical experience, complete with performances from Ireland’s brightest talent, tasty food and of course, delicious Bulmers!

At Clonmel, guests will be brought on a private tour of the Bulmers Orchard, a place shrouded in history, where Bulmers grows its 17 varieties of apples, and years, months and days pass to create the moment where time bears fruit. At Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel, attendees can expect exclusive performances from some of Ireland’s hottest up and coming musical talents along with other secret surprises. Expect delicious food throughout the event, paired with a crisp and refreshing pint of Bulmers. Once the festivities end, some lucky attendees will enjoy luxury glamping amongst the trees and stars with four-person bell tents available for the night. There will also be intimate performances from the best of Ireland’s homegrown talent across the country in a variety of exclusive gigs in the lead up to the Clonmel event.

Brand new Secret Orchard gig series 

To celebrate the third year of Bulmers Secret Orchard and for the first time, Bulmers is now giving music fans nationwide a glimpse of what those that make the ‘trip to Tipp’ can expect in September. Kicking off this month, a series of Secret Orchard gigs will take place in venues across Ireland before the Clonmel event. At each gig, attendees can expect to experience some Secret Orchard magic, as well as performances from homegrown Irish acts.

The first Secret Orchard gig will take place in Whelan’s, Dublin on 26 th April and will be headlined by hip hop star Kojaque , with a performance from R&B artist Shiv and a DJ set from Kean Kavanagh, co-founder of Irish record label Soft Boy Records. Fans can register now to attend this gig for FREE at secretorchard.bulmers.ie, and tickets will be distributed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

While the secret is now out about the Whelan’s gig, Bulmers has even more secrets to reveal in the coming weeks about where the next magical Secret Orchard experience will take place this summer, as well as the artists who will perform at Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel. Bulmers fans know that time bears fruit, and music lovers who keep an eye on Bulmers on social media and sign up to the Secret Orchard website will be the first to discover all these secrets as they are revealed.

Line up revealed for Bulmers Secret Orchard stage at Body & Soul Festival 2023 

A champion of Irish music, Bulmers will not only be bringing more Secret Orchard experiences and connecting people to more of the country’s most exciting artists this year but will also be back at Body & Soul Festival in June. The Secret Orchard stage at one of Ireland’s best festivals will feature Sorcha Richardson , Ailbhe Reddy, and Junior Brother, with more acts to be announced.

How to win tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel 

Want to win tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel and access to gigs all summer long? To be in with a chance to win tickets, simply visit www.secretorchard.bulmers.ie . Keep an eye out for special packs of Bulmers which will be available in select retailers nationwide from May and will all have QR codes that people can scan to win. There will also be QR codes on signs in pubs and bars across Ireland, which when scanned, bring people to the website to enter. All winners will receive four tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel, which includes luxury glamping in a four-person bell tent. Entries close on 31st August ahead of the event on Saturday 9 th September.

Visit www.secretorchard.bulmers.ie or Bulmers Ireland on Facebook and Instagram.

#BulmersSecretOrchard

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Bulmers Magners Cider

William Magner set up his farm in Clonmel in 1935

Bulmers and magners embody the same cider, a fresh, light beverage with pronounced aromas.

Bulmers Original Vintage Cider (also known as Magners Original Vintage Cider) is a typically Irish cider, served in most Irish pubs. Very sweet and fruity, this cider is very popular with the Irish, and widely consumed around the world. You can even find them in specialist stores in France and the rest of Europe… What’s up? Want to find out more? It’s over here!

History of Bulmers Cider

In 1935, William Magner acquired a gigantic orchard of several hectares near Clonmel in County Tipperary. With this operation, he opened his “Magner” company and joined forces with British company H.P. Bulmers in 1937. William Magner is now in charge of Irish cider production throughout Ireland, and markets his cider under the name “Bulmers Original Irish Cider”.

In 1949, Magner left his company, leaving the entire operation in the hands of Bulmers. It was at this time that the brand’s cider was exported abroad under the name Magner. This initiative by Stuart Wootten, export manager for Bulmers Irish cider, was prompted by international legal issues concerning the 2 brands. As a result, Magner cider is consumed abroad, and Bulmers cider in Ireland.

However, only the names change: the cider itself is identical, whatever the brand on the bottle label. Very quickly, success grew, and Bulmers cider became the monopoly of the best Irish ciders : not a single pub in Ireland doesn’t serve it, and glasses of cider are distributed by the thousands every day throughout the country.

Today, this Irish cider is still a flourishing market and employs over 400 people, still at the same Clonmel-based factory.

Characteristics of Bulmers cider

This cider is traditionally served by the pint (570ml), on the rocks. However, it can be found in bottles in most Irish shops.

With a very fruity taste, cider is very smooth on the palate, and its sparkling aroma is reminiscent of sweet apples. Quite light in alcohol content, it’s very pleasant to drink a pint, provided it’s chilled.

If you’d like to find some in France, we recommend Comptoir Irlandais: this specialist store selling Irish products lists many typical spirits in its catalog, including Bulmers cider.

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• Bulmers Secret Orchard Returns

Bulmers Secret Orchard Returns  

Bulmers, Ireland’s original cider and supporter of homegrown talent, has announced that Bulmers Secret Orchard will return bigger and better than ever on September 9 th .

For one weekend only, the stunning surrounds of the orchard at Bulmers Clonmel will transform into an exclusive, magical experience, complete with performances from Ireland’s brightest talent, tasty food and of course, delicious Bulmers!

At Clonmel, guests will be brought on a private tour of the Bulmers Orchard, a place shrouded in history, where Bulmers grows its 17 varieties of apples, and years, months and days pass to create the moment where time bears fruit. At Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel, attendees can expect exclusive performances from some of Ireland’s hottest up and coming musical talents along with other secret surprises. Expect delicious food throughout the event, paired with a crisp and refreshing pint of Bulmers. Once the festivities end, some lucky attendees will enjoy luxury glamping amongst the trees and stars with four-person bell tents available for the night. There will also be intimate performances from the best of Ireland’s homegrown talent across the country in a variety of exclusive gigs in the lead up to the Clonmel event.

Brand new Secret Orchard gig series

To celebrate the third year of Bulmers Secret Orchard and for the first time, Bulmers is now giving music fans nationwide a glimpse of what those that make the ‘trip to Tipp’ can expect in September. Kicking off this month, a series of Secret Orchard gigs will take place in venues across Ireland before the Clonmel event. At each gig, attendees can expect to experience some Secret Orchard magic, as well as performances from homegrown Irish acts.

The first Secret Orchard gig will take place in Whelan’s, Dublin on 26 th April and will be headlined by hip hop star Kojaque , and a DJ set from Kean Kavanagh, co-founder of Irish record label Soft Boy Records. Fans can register now to attend this gig for FREE at secretorchard.bulmers.ie, and tickets will be distributed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

While the secret is now out about the Whelan’s gig, Bulmers has even more secrets to reveal in the coming weeks about where the next magical Secret Orchard experience will take place this summer, as well as the artists who will perform at Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel. Bulmers fans know that time bears fruit, and music lovers who keep an eye on Bulmers on social media and sign up to the Secret Orchard website will be the first to discover all these secrets as they are revealed.

Line up revealed for Bulmers Secret Orchard stage at Body & Soul Festival 2023

A champion of Irish music, Bulmers will not only be bringing more Secret Orchard experiences and connecting people to more of the country’s most exciting artists this year but will also be back at Body & Soul Festival in June. The Secret Orchard stage at one of Ireland’s best festivals will feature Sorcha Richardson , Ailbhe Reddy, and Junior Brother, with more acts to be announced.

How to win tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel

Want to win tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel and access to gigs all summer long? To be in with a chance to win tickets, simply visit secretorchard.bulmers.ie. Keep an eye out for special packs of Bulmers which will be available in select retailers nationwide from May and will all have QR codes that people can scan to win. There will also be QR codes on signs in pubs and bars across Ireland, which when scanned, bring people to the website to enter. All winners will receive four tickets to Bulmers Secret Orchard Clonmel, which includes luxury glamping in a four-person bell tent. Entries close on 31st August ahead of the event on Saturday 9 th September.

For more information on Bulmers Secret Orchard visit www.secretorchard.bulmers.ie or Bulmers Ireland on Facebook and Instagram.

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Bulmers To Open New Visitor Centre In Clonmel

Irish cider giant Bulmers has become involved with a €5 million tourism project in Clonmel that aims to attract upwards of 100,000 visitors to the County Tipperary town every year.

Commenting on the initiative, HR chief for Tipperary County Council Paul Murray said, "The big feature in County Tipperary for visitors is the Rock of Cashel and, unfortunately, they leave the county after that. We want to pull people towards Clonmel, predominantly the foreign market, the culturally curious tourist, as the town has so much history."

According to The Irish Independent , upon learning that Bulmers wished to open a visitor centre at its Dowd's Lane facility in Clonmel, Tipperary County Council entered into an agreement with the company to combine their plans in a group application for Fáilte Ireland 's scheme grant.

Murray asserted, "This will be a huge game changer for the local economy. We have struggled with visitor numbers before, especially compared with cities like Limerick and Galway. We expect that, on completion, this project will attract significant numbers of people to the area and inspire innovation for other centres that will only boost tourism further."

• Tipperary County Council
• Dowd's Lane
• Paul Murray

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Explainer: Why is Bulmers known as Magners outside of Ireland?

You’d be forgiven for forgetting that Bulmers, once known as Magners, is still referred to as the latter outside of Ireland — it’s something people tend to forget, until they’re away on holidays and ordering a pint or bottle of Bulmers only to be met with a quizzical expression.

‘We only have Magners,’ the bartender will likely say.

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Story continues below.

Luckily for you, they’re actually the same thing.

History of the Bulmers/Magners

Clonmel-native William Magner first began production of his own cider in the mid-1930s after buying an orchard in his Tipperary home.

In the late 1930s, Magner joined up with the well-known and well-established English company, H.P. Bulmer, therefore allowing them (Magners) to produce under the Bulmers name in Ireland.

After nearly ten pretty successful years in partnership, Magner sold his half of the business to his colleagues, resulting in the factory becoming known as its English counterpart, Bulmers Ltd Clonmel .

Unfortunately for Bulmer, in the 60s he found himself on the wrong side of a legal dispute against Babycham — the creators of a sparkling perry — due to a competing product.

As a result of losing the dispute, Bulmers Clonmel had to be sold, and became part of the C&C Group — who also owned Guinness at the time.

Five years later, production of the cider moved to Annerville, just outside Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

C&C Group

On taking over Bulmers, the C&C Group noticed their ciders sales were surpassing their expectations and looked to selling the drink further afield, outside of its home country.

H.P. Bulmer still owned the rights to the Bulmers name for everywhere outside of Ireland.

As a loophole, the drinks company decided to revert to the cider’s original name for exporting it out of Ireland.

Magners Irish cider was first sold to Spain, then Germany, followed by the United Kingdom.

Despite the different name, they are identical.

The cider is still produced at Annerville, Co Tipperary, under both the Bulmers and Magners names.

The cider is made from 17 different types of apples which are left to ferment and mature for up to two years.

Bulmers is currently under ownership by Heineken N.V, who bought the brand in 2008 for just under £278m (€317,232,750).

Despite having a range of flavours produced over the course of their life — such as Crisp Blend; Bulmers Cider Indian Summer, and more — the Original; 0.0%; Light; Rosé and Dark Fruit are the only on the market currently.

Please drink alcohol responsibly. For more information about alcohol visit hse.ie/alcohol .

Bulmers Secret Orchard Live in Clonmel wraps up an exciting summer of live music

Bulmers secret orchard stars share their top festival survival tips, the secret’s out bulmers secret orchard reveals epic lineup for clonmel gig – here’s how you can win a vip overnight stay, must read irish news.

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Kopparberg Swedish cider is also very trendy and available everywhere.

But if you are a 'real' cider drinker you will be terribly disappointed. Bulmers is mass produced fizz and Kopparberg Swedish cider should be done under the trade descriptions act...

For REAL cider you need to come to England - Devon, Cornwall and the Welsh Borders.

"For REAL cider you need to come to England - Devon, Cornwall and the Welsh Borders."

There are also some pretty good ciders in Normandy and Brittany.

Our 18 year old loves Bulmers, in moderation. Cidona is made by the same company and is a lovely non-alcoholic cider/apple flavoured drink.

If your trip/itinerary coincides - David is giving a one-day cider making course in Sonairte, the National Ecology Centre in Laytown (on the east coast of Co Meath) on 24th September - learn how to make your own - better than any tour ;-)

http://www.fruitandvine.com/Welcome_to_Fruit_and_Vine-recordid-3-z-home.htm

http://sonairte.ie/education-community/courses-training/ecology-and-sustainable-living

The best cider you will ever get is Adams Apple... blow the effin head off ya.

Ryano: Do you have to be from Effin for cider to have such an effect?

http://www.limerickdioceseheritage.org/Effin.htm

Be sure to try the Pear Bulmers - so good!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Brewery Tours in Ireland by County

I am not a big beer drinker. I just never really warmed up to the stuff. (Perhaps I didn’t have enough fun in college?). My husband on the other hand loves to try new brews when he gets the chance. Of course that means he usually tries a few samples while we are in Ireland.

During one of our trips, we were in a fabulous pub in Letterkenny, Donegal, The Brewery Bar, and Joe asked the bartender for a recommendation. He ended up with a wit beer from the White Hag Brewing Company located in Sligo. He was in love. He actually still talks about this beer. It got me thinking…

There are dozens of local breweries in Ireland. Many of them offer tours including the big ones like Guinness Storehouse (of course!) and small microbreweries that you’ve never heard of. I thought I would do a little digging and compile a list of brewery tours in Ireland (at my own peril—Joe will want to see them all).

Of course all of them end with at least a taster, which is always fun (just make sure you drink responsibly and have a designated driver—Ireland has a lower alcohol limit than the US at .05%). Now the list:

Brewery Tours in Ireland

County Carlow:

Carlow Brewing Company Ltd (O’Hara’s) Tours are Friday afternoons at 1:30 by appointment or contact for additional times if you have a group Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, Ireland

County Cork:

9 White Deer Tours are Monday-Friday 9:30 am- 5 pm. Book in advance. Killeen, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, Ireland

Blacks of Kinsale Book in advance. Tours beginning May 2017 Farm Lane, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland

Cotton Ball Brewing Co. Book in advance (includes, pizza, t-shirt & branded glass!). 18 Old Youghal Rd, Mayfield, Co. Cork, Ireland

Munster Brewery Book in advance. Their website says: Phone, text, email, tweet, pm, dm or write us an old fashioned love letter (I think I like their style already!). Payment in cash. Unit 2F, Youghal Business Park, Parkmountain, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland

County Donegal:

Kinnegar Brewing Book in advance. See website for specific dates and times. Payment in cash. Aughavannon, Rathmullan, County Donegal, Ireland

County Dublin:

Guinness Storehouse Buy tickets online for a discount and a set entry time or in person when you arrive. St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, Ireland

County Kerry:

West Kerry Brewery Book in advance. An Riasc, Ballyferriter, (Dingle,) Co. Kerry, Ireland

Killarney Brewing Company Book tickets online. Tours resume March 2017. Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

County Kildare:

Rye River Brewing Company Tour runs at 6:30 PM on Fridays or 3:00 PM on Saturdays. Book tickets online. Donaghcumper, Dublin Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland

County Kilkenny:

Highbank Orchards (Ok not a brewery but Cider, which way more up my alley) Book in advance. Highbank Farm, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, Ireland

Smithwicks Beer Tour Tours operate daily from March – October 10 am – 6 pm (last tour at 5 pm), from November – February 11am – 5pm (last tour leaves at 4 pm). Recommended to buy (discounted) ticket online in advance. 44 Parliament St, Gardens, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

County Limerick:

JJ’s Craft Brewing Company Call or email to book tour. Kilmallock Enterprise Centre, Bruree Road, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, Ireland

County Louth:

Jack Cody’s Brewery Check website for updated tour times and dates. Book in advance online. Unit 4 Boyne Business Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland

Boyne Brewhouse Tours starting in 2017. Contact for more information. Lagavooren, Platin Rd., Drogheda, Co. Meath, Ireland.

County Monaghan:

Brehon Brewhouse Tours operate Tuesday-Friday: 10 AM-4 PM. Book in advance. Contact for more information. Dunelty Inniskeen, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

County Roscommon:

Black Donkey Brewery Tours operate Thursday & Friday: 10:30 AM -12:30 PM.  Book in advance. Srah, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

County Sligo:

Lough Gill Brewing Company Tours operate Wednesdays 5 PM – 7 PM and Saturday 12 PM- 3 PM or private tour can be arranged.  Tours last one hour. Book in advance. Unit 1, Cleveragh Business Park, Cleveragh, Co. Sligo, Ireland

County Waterford:

Dungarvan Brewing Company Book in advance. Westgate Business Park, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland

Metalman Brewing Tours operate on Fridays at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 PM. Email to book in advance. 14 Tycor Business Centre, Tycor, Waterford, Co. Waterford, Ireland

County Wexford:

Clever Man Irish Craft Beer (Drew Fox Brewing Company) Book in advance. Unit 8, West Point Business Park, Clonard, Wexford, Ireland

County Wicklow:

Manor Brewing Book in advance. The Bell Tower, Manor Kilbride, Co. Wicklow, W91 AE09, Ireland

Wicklow Brewing Email to book in advance. Galtrim Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Wicklow Brewery Book online in advance at 5:00 PM daily. Main Street, Redcross, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments below. Happy touring!

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My husband’s favorite beer in all of Ireland was from Co. Galway… Galway Hooker. I think it was a Pale Ale. He still talks about it all the time too!

Yes! I saw that one while digging up all the tours in Ireland. Joe hasn’t tried it yet (but there is still time!). I will have to let him know. :-)

Stephanie: unlike you I had more than my fair share of beer while in college! Maybe that’s why I hardly touch the stuff anymore. However, while in Ireland, I am content to order a pint (Guinness of course) and be happy with it. Funny, in my younger days I couldn’t stand it–my what I missed! Myself, I prefer the whiskey tours–I’ve done Kilbeggan, Tullamore and Jameson (Middleton). Great post for the craft beer drinker, though!

Another for your list: YellowBelly Beer. The brewery is now beneath their pub Simon Lambert & Sons in Wexford. They are building a new brewery. I’m not sure of the completion date but I imagine they’ll have tours when it’s done. The pub has a great selection on tap from many breweries as well as a good variety in bottles and cans and imports. The owners are very friendly. We discovered them on our month-long trip last summer. Their web site is http://simonlambertandsons.ie/

Oh thanks so much Nancy! I’ve not stumbled across them yet. Another one for the list. :-)

Stephanie, I can attest to the deliciousness of Kinsale’s IPA (KPA). Next time you’re in Cork treat Joe to one. And if you wanna send one my way, that’d be cool too :)

Oh I will definitely tell Joe. IPA is Joe’s favorite type–I am sure he’ll appreciate the tip! :-)

My husband’s favorite beer was Kilkenny from Kilkenny. He has only found it one place in CA so far but is still searching. Maybe a reason to go back!

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Bulmers celebrates 80 years

Original Irish cider celebrates 80 years in business, during which time it has progressed from humble beginnings on Dowd’s Lane to state-of-the-art production facilities at Annerville

Read More: Bulmers

22 December 2015 Share this post:  

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An apple delivery to the Bulmers plant

Maybe it’s partly because it’s nearly Christmas, but here at ShelfLife we love a little nostalgia and the chance to browse through old business photos. Fortunately, Bulmers’ 80th anniversary has given us an opportunity to do just that!

Bulmers Original Irish Cider is marking the end of its eighth decade with the news that the Clonmel cider-maker uses 25,000 tonnes of apples each year to make up 135 million litres of Irish cider. Bulmers uses only apples grown on farms across Ireland and exports to over 50 markets internationally, under the Magners brand name.

Undoubtedly Clonmel’s most famous export, the brand was established in the South Tipperary town by local man William Magner in 1935 and, 80 years on, says it has stayed true to the time-honoured practices associated with traditional cider-making.

The company’s loading bay in 1965

It all started when William Magner, who also lends his name to the export product, established a production facility on Dowd’s Lane in the heart of Clonmel having purchased an orchard on the outskirts of the town. Eighty years later, cider production is still a significant contributor to the local Clonmel economy although it has since moved from its humble beginnings on Dowd’s Lane to state-of-the-art production facilities at Annerville, which is right next to the 250 acres of Bulmers’ own orchards on the outskirts of the town.

Bulmers is distributed in Ireland by C&C Gleeson, one of the leading manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to the Irish drinks industry. Tom McCusker, managing director of C&C Gleeson, said: “As an original we’ve always tried to lead through innovation and sometimes it’s the simple things that have the greatest impact, such as Bulmers over ice. Many people won’t remember a time when bottled Bulmers wasn’t served over ice, but it was Bulmers that created the now-famous ‘over ice’ image that has become so synonymous with how cider is served, the world over.”

Innovative launches in recent years include Bulmers Light (2003), Bulmers Pear (2009) and Bulmers Berry (2010). This year also saw the launch of Bulmers Forbidden Flavours, four new fruit infused ciders; a development which the company says is “helping to drive the cider category and keeping it fresh”. According to the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, in the last 20 years, cider consumption has grown from less than 3% of the market to over 10% of the Irish market .

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Irish Cider: 6 Old + New Ciders From Ireland Worth A Taste In 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

When I started drinking alcohol as a teenager, I used to favour Irish cider. I found it easier to stomach and it was generally cheaper than beer.

Back then, my cider of choice was some dodgy one from Dunne Stores that used to cost £3 for a big chonker of a two-litre bottle.

My fondness for cider continued into my early 20s. Then, when we’d drink in pubs, I’d always opt for pints of Bulmers / Magners cider. It was this period of drinking that led to me dodging cider for 8 or 9 years.

That’s what 50+ apple induced hangovers will do to you.

Then, during a heatwave last summer, I took a notion and started buying Irish cider once again. Below, you’ll find what are, in my opinion, the best ciders on the market in Ireland today.

Table of Contents

The Best Irish Cider

• Dan Kelly’s Whiskey Cask Cider
• Stonewell Cider
• Cockagee Irish Keeved Cider
• Maddens Mellow Cider
• Rockshore Cider
• Orchard Thieves

1. Dan Kelly’s Whiskey Cask Cider

I’m going to kick things off with an Irish cider that I drank a good load of last summer when we had a nice little bit of a heatwave in mid-June.

Dan Kelly’s cider is made in the mighty Boyne Valley and comes in at 4.5% ABV. Now, I’ve tried a couple of the ciders from these lads and the tastiest, hands-down, is their Irish Whiskey Cask Cider.

This cider is fermented in Bourbon casks for 6 months and then matured for 12. All of the apples used during the process are handpicked from their own orchids. Well worth sampling a bottle or three.

2. Stonewell Medium Dry Irish Craft Cider

We’re off to Nohoval – a gorgeous little corner of Cork that’s home to Stonewell Cider – next. Interestingly enough, the well used in the production of this cider has been in use since the 16th century.

The folks behind Stonewell buy in apples from farmers in Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and, of course, Cork, to produce a traditional Irish cider that ticks all of the boxes.

Five different types of apples are used to make these carefully created ciders. According to the makers, ‘Stonewell is Ireland’s ONLY Supreme Champion premium cider. Made with ONLY fresh apple juice by a small team in Cork, Ireland, it is free of all artificial additives & colourings.’

3. Cockagee Irish Keeved Cider

If you’re in search of an Irish craft cider with a very unique name and a flavour that’ll get your lips smacking, look no further than Cockagee Cider (5% ABV).

This cider is produced in Meath and it’s one of a very small number of cider producers in Ireland that use the ancient keeving method of fermentation.

If you’ve never heard of Keeved Cider, it’s a naturally sweeter (no sugar or additives used – only cider apples) sparkling cider that’s popular in many places in north-western France.

Cockagee Cider boasts rich fruity flavours with a soft natural sparkle and a long dry finish. This isn’t a cider that you’ll be drinking by the pint – it’s recommended that you drink it as a ‘local replacement’ for prosecco or champagne.

4. Madden’s Mellow Cider (Armagh)

If you read our guide on the best things to do in Armagh , you’ll know that Armagh is known as “Orchard County” because of the many apple orchards that it’s home to.

One of these orchards is run by the Armagh Cider Company. They produce several different ciders but the cream of the crop, in my opinion, is their Mellow Cider.

Madden’s award-winning Mellow Cider is made from apples that grow on the makers home farm at Ballinteggart in Armagh where the same family have been nurturing orchards for generations.

This cider is made from fresh-pressed apples and, like Cockagee above, contains no artificial ingredients. Well worth trying.

5. Rockshore Cider

Now, if you’ve read our guide to the best Irish beers , you’ll have heard me say that I’m not overly fond of the Rockshore Beer. However, their cider is pretty damn tasty.

One of my friends randomly won a crate of Rockshore Cider (4% ABV) last summer in a raffle at his local GAA club and we spent a long afternoon and evening working our way through it.

Brewed at St. James’s Gate (yes, the home of Guinness), this cider is light and crisp and it’s nice and easy to sip away on. One of the things that I most like about this one is that you’re not left feeling like you have to brush your teeth 20 times after drinking it.

It’s sweet, yes, but not overly so, like many ciders out there.

6. Orchard Thieves

Orchard Thieves, like Rockshore, is a newcomer on the Irish cider scene. Now, to be honest – I don’t like Orchard Thieves. It’s way too sweet for my liking.

With that being said, it’s being included here as many cider drinkers are fond of it ( many … definitely not all!). This cider is made by Heineken and tastes a little like Cidona (an apple soft drink).

Since we published this guide, we’ve had a handful of emails from Americans asking where Orchard Thieves can be bought in the United States. It’s not available at the moment, although you can sign this petition if you fancy.

Have you had a cider recently that you want to shout about? Should we have added in Bulmers / Magners Irish cider? Let me know in the comments below!

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Steve Edwards

Friday 21st of January 2022

Possibly the best two ciders that I have tasted in my 53 years of cider drinking both here and in the UK are Longueville House cider and McIvors cider fry Armagh. Both are stunning ciders.

Lyn Burdine

Thursday 27th of May 2021

I found Magners Pear Cider a couple years ago and I love it! I haven't been able to find it since the pandemic started and am looking forward to it being available again.

Shane Alger

Monday 29th of June 2020

Decent list. Agreed, I used to be fond of Orchard Thieves when it was available on draught in a lot of my locals, but ever since Rockshore arrived, they’ve been getting rid of it, and for the better. Appleman’s and Rockshore completely took over my liking for Orchard Thieves. Appleman’s is probably my favourite Cider now. Think Orchard Thieves and Bulmers but not as sweet nor as dry. Bit like Rockshore, only slightly higher alcohol content.

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We are so excited to include Magners Original Irish Cider in Craft Gin Club’s July 2023 Gin of the Month box ! Not only is it delicious served over ice but it’s fantastic mixed with gin too - what would July and the rest of summer be without cider, after all?

That’s why we just had to take a deeper dive into what makes this apple elixir so special. In this feature, you can find out how Magners cider is made, why Magners is called Bulmers in Ireland and some scrumptious ways to drink Magners.

Scroll down to reveal all!

How is Magners cider made?

Magners Original Irish Cider is created using 17 different varieties of Irish apple, all grown in the same orchard in Clonmel, County Tipperary.

The fresh apples are pressed to release their juice and that apple juice is then left to ferment and matured in vats for up to 18 months.

Once the cider has matured to that full flavour we all know and love, it is bottled or canned and sent around the world.

What alcohol is in Magners?

The alcohol in Magners comes from the fermentation of apple juice. During that process, natural yeast eats the sugars in the apple juice and converts those to alcohol and carbon dioxide.

It’s an age-old process used to brew alcohol for centuries.

What percentage of alcohol can be found in Magners?

Magners has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) percentage of 4.5%. That means that one pint of Magners is 2.6 units of alcohol.

Where is Magners cider made?

Magners cider is made in a town called Clonmel, which is in County Tipperary, in Munster, the Republic of Ireland. That is why it is often referred to as Magners Irish Cider.

Who owns Magners?

The Magners cider brand is owned by the C&C Group. They are an Irish company that was formally known as Cantrell & Cochrane Limited before that, and they were the soft drinks and cider arm of the Guinness and Allied Breweries before that.

The C&C Group specialise in the manufacturing, marketing and distributing of cider and beer across the globe.

What is the difference between Bulmers and Magners?

The only difference between Bulmers Cider and Magners Cider is the name. They are identical in every other way and even made by the same company.

The cider is called Bulmers in the Republic of Ireland and Magners in the rest of the world.

Why is Magners called Bulmers in Ireland?

If you are Irish, you may very well ask, “Why is Bulmers called Magners in England?”.

The cider was originally invented and produced by a man called William Magner in 1935, in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland.

In 1937, William Magner sold 50% of the company to the already well-established cider producer, H.P. Bulmer.

Together they grew the production of their cider and “Bulmers” cider became popular across the Republic of Ireland.

In 1946, H.P. Bulmer purchased the remaining 50% of William Magner’s cider company and remained the company Bulmer's Ltd Clonmel. However, in the 1960s, H.P. Bulmer lost a court case with Guinness and Allied Breweries over a pear cider he had created to rival their Babycham.

As such, H.P. Bulmer had to hand over Bulmer’s Ltd Clonmel to the Guinness and Allied Breweries group.

Guinness and Allied Breweries (now the C&C Group) saw the success of Bulmers in Ireland and wanted to export it to the rest of the world, however, only H.P. Bulmer had the rights to market British Bulmer’s cider abroad.

Therefore, Guinness and Allied Breweries had to come up with a new name for the cider for the international market. They went back to its roots and called it Magners.

And that is why the cider is known as “Bulmer’s” in the Republic of Ireland and “Magners” to the rest of the world.

How do you serve Magners?

The classic way to serve Magners Original Irish Cider is to simply pour it over ice and enjoy.

Once you have given that traditional Magners serving suggestion a try you simply must give our amazing Gin, Cider & Limoncello Mimosa a go.

It’s a stunning mix of gin, limoncello and Magners Original Irish Cider that no cocktail or cider fan will be able to resist. Find the full recipe here …

What flavoured ciders does Magners make?

Magners have a range of ciders. Magners Original is the classic Magners apple cider, of course, but their Rosé and Dark Fruit ciders are worth a try too. They are delicious!

Magners Rosé Cider

With its pink hue and sweet, flavoursome palate, this cider can hold its own against any pink wine or gin.

It’s great served over ice with slices of apple, to garnish, and it’s just as good in a gin cocktail like our Pink Apple Highball. Find the recipe here !

Magners Dark Fruit Cider

Fruity and bursting with fabulous berry and blackcurrant flavours, this jammy cider from Magners is bubbly and luscious and perfect for a hot summer’s day.

Served over ice, it is a real treat!

Where can you buy Magners?

In the UK, Magners cider is available to buy in most major supermarkets, including Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

Magners Original Irish Cider is also available to buy as part of Craft Gin Club’s July 2023 Gin of the Month box (while stocks last). Check it out, here …

Find more cider cocktail recipes!

September 8, 2023

Craft Gin Club's September 2023 Cocktail of the Month is made with gin and cider!

July 7, 2023

Gin, limoncello and Magners cider come together in this amazing cocktail!

June 8, 2023

Gin, Thatchers Cloudy Lemon and Cointreau are the perfect summer trio!

April 8, 2023

Mixing pink gin and Old Mout Strawberry & Apple cider, this punch is our kind of fruit cocktail!

February 7, 2023

Rosé cider and gin come together in this gorgeous pink cocktail recipe!

May 10, 2022

We are in love with this gin and Thatchers Blood Orange Cider cocktail recipe!

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Beer and Cider in Ireland: The Complete Guide

It’s Ireland’s turn. Guidebooks for beer and cider lovers exist for many countries with great brewing traditions, and Ireland needed a good one. This is it, the first book to discuss in detail all the breweries and cideries in Ireland—both in the North and the Republic. Iorwerth Griffiths, originally from Wales but now based in Belfast, has spent years traveling Ireland meeting brewers and cider makers. In his new book, he profiles breweries and cideries ranging from the major international players to the numerous microbreweries and small cideries that have mushroomed in Ireland in recent years. He covers the history of each of these, and describes their main beers and ciders—all with wonderful photographs and one simple map.

Griffiths writes in his introduction: “Ireland has a well-known love for beer, its pubs are famous throughout the world. And Irish cider is on the up again, with its image revolutionized.” Irish beer and cider making fell on hard times in the 20th century, as happened in many other countries, only to rise in the 1990s and the early years of this new century. Ireland may be a bit late with this revolution, bit it’s finally on board.

“Beer is a true Irish drink with an ancient heritage,” begins Griffiths’ short history of brewing in Ireland, followed by a chapter on how beer is made. He then describes the main beers styles brewed in Ireland, which he identifies as stout, porter, Irish red ale, lager and pilsner. Bitter, pale ale and wheat beer are “increasingly making their presence felt in Ireland of late.”

After the many pages profiling the breweries and their beers, there is a short history of cider making in Ireland, of which little has been written, plus a description of the cider making process. The cider profiles follow.

Of course, there’s the requisite glossary, along with chapters covering the appreciation of beer and cider, the best beer pubs and bars in Ireland, a beer festival calendar and finally a listing of what Griffiths believes are the best imported beers in Ireland (with a list of the major Irish beer importers).

A lightweight pocket-sized book, Beer and Cider in Ireland is one to toss in the bag for a tour. Irish beer and cider are diverse and deserve such a guide.

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Bulmer’s Returns with Refreshing Summer Campaign

With the all-important summer months for the cider industry now well underway, Bulmers has launched a new campaign as part of its When Time Bears Fruit platform.

Called The Alchemy of the Orchard, the campaign was created by Goosebump and will run across digital, TV, OOH and will be supported in-pub, forming part of a major programme of support for the pub and hospitality trade by Bulmers Ireland.

According to Karl Donnelly, marketing director, Bulmers Ireland: “We’ve all had a reality check over the last while. Perspective on what matters undoubted gained. But people’s livelihoods and businesses matter too. It’s great to see reopening progressing. Socially our pubs have always been important, perhaps taken for granted at times,. I’m really proud of the new campaign. It’s a credit to all involved in its conception and execution. It’s exciting times for the brand. We will host consumers and the trade in the Bulmers Orchard for an amazing glamping experience and we are have great plans later in the summer to support Ireland’s bee population. Without whom, we couldn’t possibly do what we do”.

Sarah Love, managing director, Goosebump adds: “Two and a half years ago we set out to redefine the agency. Little did we know. But time has borne fruit and if any one piece of work defines the progress we’ve made over that time, this is it. That said, I’m just as proud of every FSDU and social post we produce. Goosebump is still about agility, flexibility and growing our clients’ business. Huge thanks go to the Karl Donnelly, Jeff Brennan and Amanda Jackson in Bulmers Ireland for taking us on the journey.”

Title: Alchemy of the Orchard Creative Partners: Pat Hamill & Mark Nutley Managing Director: Sarah Love Client Service: Alana Dwyer and James Shearer Agency Producer: Dave Brady Production Company: Red Rage Director: Brian Durnin Producer: Paul Holmes

Editor: Philip Cullen Post Production: Windmill Lane Visual effects: Manus Goan Music and Sound Design: Denis Kilty Marketing Director: Karl Donnelly Brand Manager: Jeff Brennan Head of Consumer Marketing: Amanda Jackson

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How Bulmers is leading the way for C&C’s environmental goals

Just to enter the impressive Bulmers production site in Clonmel, County Tipperary is like James Bond going through all the security checks when visiting the baddies’ lair. You have to share your shoe and hat size, watch a health and safety induction video and complete a quiz based on what you have been told in order to be allowed through its gates. Such attention to detail, and commitment to health and safety, very much reflects the quality approach that Bulmers (or should that be Magners for all those reading outside of Ireland) takes in every aspect of how it makes its world famous ciders. It also encapsulates the strenuous steps the overall C&C Group, owners of Bulmers, is taking to be as environmental and sustainable as possible now as well as reaching its long term target of being carbon neutral by 2050. Here we talk to the senior Bulmers Ireland production team, lead by the charismatic general manager for the Bulmer’s Clonmel site, Adriana Vindas and George Kyle, head of C&C’s ESG division, about its environmental and ethical strategies.

C&C’s ESG division reads like a combination of letters you could only come up with on Countdown, but what it is doing is potentially setting standards for the rest of the drinks industry to follow.

I did not get to find out just how well I had done in the Bulmers health and safety induction test, but just going through the whole process of watching the five minute video and then trying to remember what was I was told made you fully appreciate that this is a business that takes its safety and quality responsibilities very seriously indeed.

It also put me in the right frame of mind for my visit and the chance to see, in detail, just how the whole Bulmers cider production process works – from the bees in the nearby orchard to the final bottling and packing lines – and how every step in that process is meticulously analysed and adapted to be as environmental and sustainable as possible.

Cider here, there and everywhere at Bulmers’ main production site in Clonmel in Ireland

These are also not new procedures introduced to help hit new corporate environmental targets but have been part of how Bulmers has been making its ciders for decades. The big difference now is the level of investment, time and attention being made at the corporate C&C level to ensure the environmental measures being taken at Bulmers – dubbed the Bulmers Sustainability Project – are fully understood and then potentially adopted in other areas of the C&C Group’s business – and vice versa. Which also includes the production centre for Tennents at the Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow.

Heading up the Bulmers Ireland operation is new general manager, Adriana Vindas, who joined the business from the Costa Rica Brewery, owned by FIFCO , in her home country of Costa Rica in May 2021.

She has been able to make a big impact in the short time she has been there. The strong teamwork and collaboration across the business, she says, has made it much easier to settle in and feel not just part of Bulmers but the overall C&C Group.

Collaboration and teamwork

“There is a huge amount of collaboration and an encouragement to do even more and to be constantly adapting and taking on new, good ideas,” she explains. “To copy with pride.”

George Kyle, C&C’s head of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), agrees: “The business can only achieve our ESG vision by collaborating with our value chain. Who can you learn from? Who can you help and educate?”

He adds: “We place a big emphasis on shared knowledge and understanding and we can learn across the group and how we can take a group wide approach.”

The overall ESG strategy, for example, is “developed centrally” but then implemented through each of the business units, brands and operational and management teams, he explains. Any new investment in the business needs to have an ESG benefit. “That way we can have an ESG lens on all aspects of our operation to make sure we are as sustainable andefficient as possible. It is then about sharing those stories to all our colleagues in the group.”

Which is also very much part of C&C’s group strategy for its staff to see themselves working for the bigger group and not being a Bulmers, Bibendum , or Matthew Clark employee.

“It’s part of a shift in emphasis,” says Kyle. Collectively C&C can make its brands better and stronger and the same goes for its people. The steps being taken within its ESG strategy are all good ways “for colleagues to recognise the type of business that C&C is,” he says. “ESG initiatives help do that.”

“We also encourage people in the business to come up with their own ideas, their own green initiatives,” adds Vindas. “The operations teams are the ones on the site who can see the issues for themselves and how to solve them. We see it as very much the culture of the business.”

Energy efficiencies

Bulmers claims the solar panels fitted on the roof of its Clonmel site is one of the biggest solar project in Ireland

Making cider and brewing beer is an energy intensive business and C&C is working hard to do what it can at both its Tennents and Bulmers production centres to be as energy efficient as it can.

At Clonmel it has spent the last 18 months installing what it claims is one of the biggest rooftop solar farm projects in Ireland with panels fitted on top of its main production areas which will reduce the Clonmel site’s carbon emissions by 4%, saving 286,746kg of CO2 per year and almost 10 million kgs over the next 20 years. It can also provide enough energy to power the equivalent of 550 homes. The solar panels provide 10% of electricity used onsite, meaning 100% of the electricity used in the Bulmers manufacturing facility in Clonmel is provided by renewable sources.

It has also invested in water treatment plants at both Wellpark and Clonmel which it says will both “reduce our sites’ wastewater emissions and improved the quality of our wastewater discharged by c.90%”. The work has also included an upgrade to the pasteurisation control systems at both sites. The new system helped reduce water consumption in Wellpark’s canning operation by 14 million litres per annum. Bulmer’s Clonmel site has also upgraded its drainage and wastewater network to protect the water sources of the surrounding Tipperary countryside.

C&C’s 6 ESG Pillars

C&C is working to six core pillars to help drive its sustainability agenda

All of which fits into C&C’s overall ESG vision of “Delivering to a better world”, which will be achieved by focusing on six key pillars:

1 Reduce its carbon footprint and to be carbon neutral by 2050. To achieve that it has set its emissions reduction targets and is committed to reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 35% and its Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 based on its 2020 figures. To help achieve that it is committed to work with its suppliers and customers, who make up 67% of Scope 3 emissions (Purchased Goods, Downstream Transport and Use of Sold Goods), that they will have science-based targets in place by 2026.

2 Sustainably source its products and services.

3 Ensure alcohol is consumed responsibly with roll out of 0% brands across its ranges and support for charities – most notably its new The Big Issue partnership – Portman Group and Drinkaware.

4 Enhance health, wellbeing and capability of its colleagues with a number of learning and development programmes, and health and wellbeing support systems.

5 Build a more inclusive, diverse and engaged C&C business.

6 Collaborate with the government and NGOs on major issues such as Scotland’s now stalled Deposit Return Scheme and Minimum Unit Pricing in Ireland.

To achieve its targets C&C is working with a number of leading climate change agencies including CDP and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), who validated C&C’s emissions reporting and reduction targets in January 2023. .

Other key measures the C&C group has taken include:

• Trialling using electric vehicles for its delivery network and looking at alternative fuel types. C&C saw a 200 tonne reduction in CO2 delivery emissions in 2022.
• €1.4m investment in new heat pump project at Clonmel which could result in a carbon reduction of 40% and saving of 4,000 tonnes a year.
• Whilst politicians scratch their heads over how a bottle return scheme can work, Bulmers has been running a successful returns operation for years. Taking another 1,000 tonnes out of its carbon footprint.

Ethical and social

C&C has forged a working relationship with The Big Issue homeless charity to see how it can help as a business, but also how its members of staff can also get involved and share their skills and expertise

C&C’s ESG strategy is also looking at the steps it can take in society and local communities which very much fits into its new partnership with The Big Issue homeless charity. Rather than just write a big cheque, C&C is working with the Big Issue in a number of ways including offering C&C staff the chance to go and work directly with the charity, either helping to sell magazines on the street, or sharing their skills and experience to help the overall Big Issue team – be it in marketing, accounting, or other areas of its business.

“It is also about putting employment pathways in place for Big Issue vendors and offer them a potential place to work,” says Kyle.

This is very much aligned with C&C’s approach to brand partnerships and sponsorships, he adds. To look at how C&C can use its skills to help its partners and their brands and people and, where possible, include a charity within that.

Magners worked with Celtic Football Club to create a limited edition to celebrate the Lisbon Lions and help raise money for the club’s charity foundation

Its support of Celtic Football Club , for example, in 2017, to support its charity foundation, Magners produced a limited edition cider that celebrated the 50th anniversary of theLisbon Lions and their achievements in being the first British team to win the old European Cup. It’s the same with Scottish Rugby and how it can use that to support affiliated charity initiatives.

It has put measures in place that now allow C&C staff to take time off work to volunteer and go and work for one of its business partners. “Colleagues can also support charities of their choice, particularly as it can also help improve their own physical and mental health and help with their learning and development as an individual,” says Kyle. “Getting good by being good.”

There are also the steps being taken around improving C&C’s diversity and inclusion. Vindas is a good example of the company bringing someone in from a different background and promoting her to a leadership position, she says.

Bulmers – leading by example

Adriana Vindas has switched from making beer in Costa Rica to running the Bulmers operation in Ireland

Not only has Adriana Vindas got to keep on top of all the new environmental ways of working she has got to get used to making cider, because before joiningthe company she did not even know what cider tasted like.

“The whole process is similar to beer. The fermentation is the same. The big difference is crushing the apples,” she says. “I have had to train myself to be really able to identify the different flavours that each apple variety brings to the cider. I think that coming from the brewing industry helped me to understand better the cider process, it’s a lot easier”.

Bulmers is prepared to do what it takes in order to make the best high volume, quality cider it can. Which includes maturing fresh apples in tanks for up to 18 months in order to get the exact flavour profiles it is looking for. Which is probably the reason the locals around Clonmel refer to Bulmers as “Clonmel Chardonnay”.

The key words here are “fresh apples” and whilst other cider producers might use mostly apple concentrate in their final cider, Bulmers is based on using mainly apples picked direct from the tree. Which means managing a lot of trees and orchards.

On average it will handle between 22,000 and 32,000 tonnes of apples from up to 100 growers all over Ireland, with the majority, 60% based in Northern Ireland. Bulmers also owns and manages 165 acres of its own orchards, which are situated within three miles of its base in Clonmel, County Tipperary, but only account for around 4% of Bulmer’s total production.

Bulmers’ John Needham and Adriana Vindas in one of the orchards it owns close to its production centre in Clonmel in Ireland

“We work closely with our growers to make sure they are using the right treatments and treating the trees in a sustainable way,” says John Needham, who manages the relationships with growers and helps plan and prepare the apples for harvest with an acre of apples capable of producing up to 10 tonnes of fruit.

The key harvest period is between August and December, with different varieties picked at different times – with sweeter apples the last to come into the production centre.In all Bulmers works with 17 varieties of apple, with each type bringing its own unique qualities to the final blend.

“We will talk to our growers throughout the year to get an idea of what they think the tonnage is going to be,” he adds.

Bulmers and bees

But the apple is actually not the most part of the Bulmers supply chain. That happens to be your average honey bee. For, as its slogan says: “Bulmers Always Begins with a Bee”.

“If we did not have bees we would not have Bulmers,” says Needham.

For it is the honey bees that work hard to pollinate the apple trees and bring the apples to life – with each bee capable of pollinating trees up to a mile away.

Bulmers works with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and local beekeeper associations to ensure its orchards are well populated with bees to help with pollination

It’s why Bulmers and C&C has such close ties with local beekeeper groups with C&C being a patron of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and a patron of the South Tipperary Beekeepers Association , which helps to protect and promote beers in its Redmonstown orchard. It works with the bee associations to upkeep the 13 kilometres of hedgerows that surround its own orchards in Clonmel in order to protect the bee life and other pollinators in the area. It is looking to plant over 2,000 trees across the country to help with biodiversity and pollination.

It has also given away 1,000 apple trees to Bulmers customers in Ireland for them to plant in their own gardens and that way create its own “pollinator pathway” network across the country.

Which goes to show if you really want to understand how a business like Bulmers works, it really does come down to knowing your birds and bees. Whether you pass the health and safety induction exam or not.

• To find out more about C&C and its ESG strategy click here.
• C&C Group is a supplier partner to The Buyer.

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