Despite the industrial revolution bringing an end to most independent breweries across the country, Belfast was once regarded as one of the biggest beer exporting ports throughout all of Ireland - and it’s all thanks to the thriving distilling and brewing companies in the area and beyond at the time.
Now, with years of experience, dedication and passion under their wings, Northern Ireland is once again home to a wealth of breweries crafting a multitude of beers, ciders and flavour profiles.
Check out our guide of 13 breweries you can visit in Northern Ireland.
Additional reporting by Conor McAteer.
9. Mac Ivors Cider Company, Portadown
With a wide range of options to choose from, Mac Ivors Cider is lovingly crafted using hand-picked, Irish-grown dessert apples that offer only the most refreshing of flavours. Known to keep bringing people back for more, Mac Ivors started with its first apple orchard in 1855, inspiring generations of cider enthusiasts. For more information, go to macivors.com/ Photo: Image from Mac Ivors Cider Co via Facebook
10. 10 - hilden brewery.jpg
As the oldest independent brewery across all Ireland, Hilden Brewery offers more than just its infamous craft beers. Located in the picturesque five-acre Georgian estate of a previous Linen house, guests are invited to learn more about their refreshing options with a brewery tour. For more information, go to hildenbrewery.com/ Photo: Hilden Brewery, Lisburn
11. Walled City Brewery, Derry / Londonderry
Despite opening in 2015, Walled City Brewery has now crafted over 200 different varieties of beers for tourists and locals alike to enjoy. As a family-run company with a wealth of experience, courses are available to teach you how to craft your own beers from the comfort of your home. For more information, go to www.walledcitybrewery.com/ Photo: Image from Walled City Brewery via Facebook
12. Whitewater Brewery, Castlewellan
Established on a family farm that spans five generations, Whitewater Brewery remains dedicated to providing a new perspective on craft beer. This dedication and passion for crafting exciting and great tasting beers have gone on to win the brewery multiple awards and recognition around the world. For more information, go to whitewaterbrewery.com/ Photo: Image from Whitewater Brewing Co. Ltd via Facebook