7 of the Best Irish Cider Brands for 2025 and Beyond

Cider has been a part of Irish life for centuries, with apples cultivated on the island since at least 3000 BC. By the 12th century, Irish chieftains were being praised for their cider, and by the 16th century, it had become a major industry.

While Irish cider-making declined during the Great Famine, it saw a revival in the late 19th century and later expanded with industrial-scale production in Clonmel.

Today, Ireland consumes around 64 million litres of cider annually, with a growing craft cider movement adding to the country’s long tradition of apple-based brewing.

The best Irish cider brands

Ireland’s cider scene is packed with big names and bold flavors, from the iconic Bulmers to the barrel-aged brilliance of Dan Kelly’s.

Whether you’re after the crisp refreshment of Rockshore, the rich tradition of Stonewell, or the keeved perfection of Cockagee, there’s an Irish cider for every taste.

1. Dan Kelly’s Whiskey Cask Cider

The first of our Irish cider brands is the excellent Dan Kelly’s Whiskey Cask Cider – a smooth, oak-kissed cider that brings a touch of bourbon-barrel magic to every sip.

Aged for six months in bourbon casks and matured for another twelve, it develops a deep, rounded character with rich notes of sweetness and woodiness.

Its light golden hue and gentle carbonation make it easy to sip, while the absence of artificial flavours or preservatives keeps it as pure as the apples it’s made from. A great choice for coeliacs and vegans, this is a cider that delivers depth without the fuss.

2. Rockshore Cider

Now, if you’ve read my guide to the best Irish beers, you’ll have seen me say that I’m not overly fond of the Rockshore Beer. However, their cider is pretty tasty.

Rockshore Cider is a crisp and refreshing Irish cider brewed at St. James’s Gate, the home of Guinness.

Made from freshly pressed apples—never from concentrate—it delivers a light, balanced sweetness without artificial sweeteners or colours.

At 4% ABV, it’s an easy-drinking option that goes down smoothly without being overly sweet. Whether you’re kicking back on a summer evening or sharing a few with friends, Rockshore offers a clean, refreshing take on Irish cider.

3. Stonewell Medium Dry Irish Craft Cider

We’re off to Nohoval – a gorgeous little corner of Cork that’s home to Stonewell Cider – next. Interestingly enough, the well used in the production of this cider has been in use since the 16th century.

The folks behind Stonewell buy in apples from farmers in Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and, of course, Cork, to produce a traditional Irish cider brand that ticks all of the boxes.

Five different types of apples are used to make these carefully created ciders. According to the makers, ‘Stonewell is Ireland’s ONLY Supreme Champion premium cider. Made with ONLY fresh apple juice by a small team in Cork, Ireland, it is free of all artificial additives & colourings.’

4. Bulmers

Made from 17 varieties of Irish apples and crafted in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Bulmers is one of the best Irish ciders when it comes to sales.

From its origins in 1935 under William Magner to its iconic status today, every bottle is a tribute to traditional cider-making.

A slow fermentation process and careful maturation give Bulmers its signature smooth and refreshing taste. Whether you prefer the classic Original, the lighter Rosé, or the bolder Dark Fruit, there’s a Bulmers for every cider fan.

5. Cockagee Irish Keeved Cider

If you’re in search of an Irish craft cider with a very unique name and a flavour that’ll get your lips smacking, look no further than Cockagee Cider (5% ABV).

This cider is produced in Meath and it’s one of a very small number of cider producers in Ireland that use the ancient keeving method of fermentation.

If you’ve never heard of Keeved Cider, it’s a naturally sweeter (no sugar or additives used – only cider apples) sparkling cider that’s popular in many places in north-western France.

Cockagee Cider boasts rich fruity flavours with a soft natural sparkle and a long dry finish. This isn’t a cider that you’ll be drinking by the pint – it’s recommended that you drink it as a ‘local replacement’ for prosecco or champagne.

6. Madden’s Mellow Cider

If you read my guide on the best things to do in Armagh, you’ll know that Armagh is known as the “Orchard County” because of the many apple orchards that it’s home to.

One of these orchards is run by the Armagh Cider Company. They produce several different ciders but the cream of the crop, in my opinion, is their Mellow Cider.

Madden’s award-winning Mellow Cider is made from apples that grow on the makers home farm at Ballinteggart in Armagh where the same family have been nurturing orchards for generations.

This cider is made from fresh-pressed apples and, like Cockagee above, contains no artificial ingredients. Well worth trying.

7. Orchard Thieves

Orchard Thieves, like Rockshore, is a relative newcomer on the Irish cider scene. Now, to be honest – I don’t like Orchard Thieves. It’s way too sweet for my liking.

With that being said, it’s being included here as many cider drinkers are fond of it (many… definitely not all!). This cider is made by Heineken and tastes a little like Cidona (an apple soft drink).

Since we published this guide, we’ve had a handful of emails from Americans asking where Orchard Thieves can be bought in the United States. It’s not available at the moment, although you can sign this petition if you fancy.

Sip beyond Irish cider

Now that you’ve a good sense of the best Irish ciders, it’s time to discover more Irish drinks.

Hop into my guides to the best beers like Guinness, the finest Irish whiskey brands and the tastiest Irish cocktails – cheers!