For the fourth year running, the Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival returns to the RDS in Dublin from the 4 – 7 September.
The craft beer and cider industry in Ireland has witnessed massive growth over the past 12 months and reflecting this, the festival has witnessed 300 per cent growth in both brewers and attendees since its conception in 2011.
This year’s line-up consists of over 40 breweries and cider makers – totalling over 200 Irish produced beverages on offer to attendees. Some of the breweries and cider makers participating include: Dingle, Dj’s Juice and Ciders, Eight Degrees, Galway Hooker, McGargles, O’Hara’s, Rascals and Stonewell Cider.
Seamus O’Hara, Co-Founder of the Festival and owner of the Carlow Brewing Company, feels that craft brewing in Ireland is becoming more established, "Working within the sector of Irish craft brewing is exciting. We are working in tandem with so many local organic markets, from the entrepreneurs and small businesses of the country, to collaborating with vintners, independent off-licences, retail outlets and some of the most creative marketing and distribution agencies - every day is different in brewing in Ireland at the moment.”
Surrounding the festival, Ireland will once again celebrate Irish Craft Beer Week. This year, as well as promotions throughout local pubs and off-licences, the team are also launching the first Fan Favourite – Irish Craft Beer Awards.
The festival will also offer an array of local Irish artisan food and local musical talent, as well as playing host to the launch of Ireland’s newest guide to Irish craft beer and food, written by Kristen Jensen and Caroline Hennessey, founders of the Irish Food Bloggers Association.
