IT’S almost time to quench your thirst again at Ireland’s finest craft gatherings of craft brewers and distillers gathering as we prepare to gather up our ciders and head to The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair.

Returning again this year to Dublin’s Convention Centre, Sarah, Greg and the team will be part of this awesome event which celebrates the best of the best in the world of brewing and distilling.

This year, which is now the sixth year of this gathering, over 50 exhibitors will be pouring their favourite tipples into the glasses of thousands of enthusiasts from March 8 – 10.

The event will showcase the latest innovations and trends and there is also a new ‘Distillers Quarter’ which will capture the growing interest in craft spirits and cocktails.

For all of you who will be coming to see us, you will also be entertained by live music on the main stage, live Six Nations Rugby on three of the biggest screens in Dublin and a wide range of tasty eats to complement your favourite tipple.

Now, what is not to love about that?

Speaking about this year’s event, Conor Farrell, Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair spokesman said: “We are really proud of how our fair has evolved and grown over the last five years and it has been fantastic to witness the craft sector flourish in this time.

“Being an annual event, it provides a great benchmark to track key trends in the sector and of course to taste the latest innovations.

“In a positive outlook for the future almost two-thirds of our exhibitors have indicated that they are planning to increase their employee numbers in 2018 with many also expanding their offering into the growing food tourism area through the development of visitor attractions.”

Sarah and Greg are delighted Mac Ivors Cider Co has been announced as one of the 50 plus exhibitors attending this year. It’s going to be great craic, you’ll be able to sample our three Irish cider varieties – Traditional Dry Cider, Medium Cider and Plum and Ginger Cider.

So here’s what else you can expect!

Dublin Craft Cups & Brewers Lectures

On the opening night of the fair, the winners of the Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cup competitions will be announced by Head Judge, Brewmaster, Gearóid Cahill. The competition allows craft brewers and cider-makers to have their brews rated, tasted and analysed by an expert and international panel of judges.

The Fair will also host the sixth instalment of the popular Brewers Lectures, a series of live events from leading industry magazine the Brewers Journal. The half day event will feature lectures, delivered by six expert speakers, designed to inspire change, generate discussion and share brewing.

So come and see us at Stand B8 and also join in the conversation this year on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #AlltechBrews and don’t forget #followthefox

Sponsors and partners for the event include Alltech Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI), Fevertree, Three and Brewers Lectures.