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.
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, is delighted with the accolade.
She 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 GB.
"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.”
CIE Tours is one of Ireland’s leading travel trade operators, offering a wide range of guided tours, transportation services, and travel experiences across Ireland and internationally.
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.