Armagh is the Orchard County. Apples have been grown here for centuries, and since the Bramley was introduced near Loughgall in 1884 it has become the principal variety, about 90 percent of the apples grown; Armagh Bramley Apples gained protected PGI status in 2012. Each May the orchards blanket the landscape in pink and white blossom – one Apple Blossom guide counts over 4,000 acres – and blossom-time events have included visits to local beekeepers working in the orchards.
Blossom is only part of the season. Springhill Apiaries, near Loughgall, notes that its lighter summer honey is likely to be mostly from lime trees, and These Little Hives, around Newtownhamilton in south Armagh, describes wildflowers, clover and hedgerows and also offers heather honey. Local beekeepers meet through the Armagh and Monaghan Beekeepers Association, which holds its own honey show.
Most honey here is bought at markets and fairs or from local shops. Loughgall Honey sells at craft fairs and markets around Northern Ireland; Marshall Beekeeping of Markethill, a Gold winner at the London International Honey Awards, trades at markets including Armagh and Balmoral; and These Little Hives is stocked by farm shops and butchers in south Armagh, including Clarkhill Farm at Mullaghbawn. Conway Farm Produce, a family vegetable farm at Loughgall, also sells Armagh honey.
Use the listing details to choose how to buy, then contact the producer before travelling.
The directory does not track live stock or harvest dates. Availability, collection, delivery, prices and seasonal varieties can change, so ask the producer to confirm what is currently available.
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