Armagh Cider Specialist Hailed a ‘Great Place to Visit’ by Irish Tourism Leader
Orchard tours run by a family farm business at Loughgall in County Armagh has
been named among the best places in Ireland to visit by a leading tour operator for
the second year in succession.
Owned by the McKeever family, Long Meadow Farm, a producer of award-winning
ciders, apple juices and apple cider vinegar, has won the CIE Tours Gold Award for
Best Visit/Visitor Experience for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.
A FoodNI member,The family business of Pat McKeever and wife Catherine, Long
Meadow also runs Bramley Barn on the estate which acts as a visitor centre and is
also used as a community hub for events such as musical evenings, dramas and
conferences.
Renowned for informative orchard tours, the McKeever family achieved the top CIE
honour based on high visitor feedback scores, highlighting their commitment to
showcasing local heritage and for sustainable production, key themes in the recently
launched Northern Ireland Food Strategy.
Alanna McKeever, Pat and Catherine’s daughter who is responsible for the
company’s marketing, says: “We are thrilled to receive this award and to hear that
CIE travellers rate a visit to Long Meadow so highly. Two years, two awards, one
incredible journey. To win gold once is special… to win twice in a row is truly
unforgettable.
“We love showing people around our orchards and how we produce our range of
successful ciders and natural juices that are sold throughout Ireland and to Great
Britain. Being a proud tourism partner with CIE means we get to welcome visitors
and share the very best of Ireland – our heritage, our culture, and the stories rooted
deep in our land,” adds Alanna. CIE Tours is one of Ireland’s leading travel trade operators.
Long Meadow has won a host of taste awards including the 2025 International Cider
Challenge medals (Silver for Rhubarb & Honey, Bronze for Oak Aged) and were
named 2024 Drinks Producer of the Year by Good Food Ireland.
