Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Whilst our orchard boasts a unique microclimate, unfortunately we cannot guarantee favourable weather conditions during your visit.
As your visit may include a trip to the orchards, we always recommend coming prepared, please ensure you are dressed (including your footwear) for the unpredictable Northern Ireland weather – where you can have four seasons in one day! After apples, the weather is our favourite subject and the opening line of many a conversation.
No matter the weather, you’ll find a warm welcome here.
When is the best time to visit?
The orchards have something to offer all year long, but to maximise your experience we recommend the best time to visit us is from blossom to harvest.
In spring, the orchards are beginning to bud and bloom, with the lush green promise of the new season. This is a beautiful time to catch the orchards with a crisp freshness in the air.
During blossom, you will have a full sensory experience. When the orchards are in full bloom, they are filled with the aroma of apple blossom and are maybe more picturesque than any other time of year. (Unfortunately, we cannot predict the exact dates that the blossom will be present.)
In summer, the orchards are looking beautiful with apples filling the trees. Our horses and Connemara ponies with their new born foals will be out enjoying the good weather so look out for them on your visit.
During our harvest season, the orchards are full of apples and bursting with natural goodness and our apple pickers are hard at work. Harvest season is a treat for the senses – the smell of over 30 varieties of fresh apples fills the orchards and there is a kaleidoscope of colour. Get your visit off to a delicious start by picking and tasting our fabulous ripe apples straight from the tree – you don’t get fresher than that!
Are there any age restrictions?
If you or one of your guests is lucky enough to look under 25, they will be asked to show valid ID before the tour begins.
Tours are primarily designed for adults, but, apart from the cider, they are quite suitable for children and we are happy for you to bring them along.
Pricing for children is as follows:
Under 10yrs free,
10yrs – 17yrs half price,
18yrs+ full price.
Impact of COVID-19?
In the event that your tour is cancelled by us due to Covid-19, your tickets will be honoured at a later date.
If you or anyone in your household is showing any symptoms prior to your tour – please call us to reschedule your visit.
Face coverings are required in all indoor settings and all Government guidelines, including social distancing, will be adhered to.
Will we get to experience all aspects of production?
Depending on the time of year, there are different things to see and experience. we cannot guarantee that all aspects of the cider making process will be working on any given day, because of maintenance and site developments, but if you have specific requirements, please telephone to discuss and we will be happy to help.
What is the refund policy
We are unable to refund any guided tours once they are booked.
How long does a tour last?
On average our tours last approximately 1.5 hours, this includes a full 30-minute tasting. The length of the tour may vary depending on how interested your group is in different elements of the tour. Your guide will be more than happy to answer as many questions as they can – if there is anything they are not sure about they will do their best to find out for you before your visit is over!
What about accessibility or other needs?
Our tours can be adapted for special circumstances, if you have any problems with accessibility please do let us know at the time of booking, this way we can ensure we include as much as possible for everyone.
We have full disabled access in all public areas. Disabled parking is available in the main yard
Where do we meet?
Please arrive at Ballinteggart approximately 10 minutes before your tour is due to begin. Once you have arrived, please report to the shop staff to let us know you have arrived, if we haven’t already seen you come in.
Are there any drinks/snacks available?
Hot drinks and tasty snacks will be available from our café both before and after your tour.
Is there a shop?
As well as all our own products made on the Estate, we have sourced all sorts of locally made produce including traybakes, biscuits, vinegars, jams and chutneys as well as some local pottery and wildlife pictures.
We hope you get a chance to take a look at our products and take away some treats for yourself or a gift for someone else.
Do you have parking facilities?
Yes we have ample free onsite parking.
Do you cater for large groups and coach parties?
We cater for large groups and coach parties.
All or our itineraries can be tailored designed around you and your preferences to give your group the best visit possible.
Please email us with your requirements and we’ll get back to you.