Argory to kick off Good Food market

Broad beans crostini photographed for the book Simply Baking.

As 2016 celebrates the Year of Food and Drink, The Argory courtyard will showcase some of the best food and drink that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The courtyard will be filled with a number of artisan food stalls selling everything from chutneys and ja ms, homemade cupcakes and fudge, cordials, waffles, cider and home grown produce.

As part of the Year of Food and Drink, April is brewing and distilling month. In Northern Ireland there has been an explosion in the manufacture of unique craft ciders and The Argory will play host to a special demonstration from Greg MacNeice of MacIvors Cider.

‘Making Cider with Heart and Soul’ will showcase the history of apple growing and cider making in Co. Armagh and visitors will get a chance to taste this unique craft cider supplied throughout bars and restaurants in Ireland.

Live cooking demonstrations will also feature on Saturday’s programme.

Áine Boyle, Proprietor of Áine’s Kitchen is a qualified nutritionist and will be demonstrating how to produce tasty and healthy food.

The Argory would like to thank Flo Gas for sponsoring the cooking station for the event.

Live acoustic music will fill the Courtyard throughout the day and children can have a go on the kiddies’ food trail while the grown-ups take a tour of the house or see The Argory in a whole new light on a guided estate tour.

The Argory’s Courtyard Coffee Shop will also be open and visitors can enjoy a variety of homemade cakes, scones and paninis. Treat yourself to something nice in the gift shop, packed with an extensive range of products.

For the foodies among us, take a look at the range of kitchenware, including Harchwood Couture and the Cottage Garden kitchen range, inspired by the Gardens of the National Trust.

The Argory’s Good Food Market promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family.

The Good Food Market will take place on Saturday 9 April from 11-4pm and again on Saturday 4 June and Saturday 17 September.

Adult £5.50, Child £2.50, Family £13.50. National Trust Members Free.

Built in the 1820s,the Argory is a handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by its 130-hectare (320-acre) wooded riverside estate.

The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900.

The eclectic interior still evoking the family’s tastes and interests.

Outside there are sweeping vistas, superb spring bulbs, scenic walks and fascinating courtyard displays.