Get to know Ireland's rich apple heritage

Get to know Ireland's rich apple heritage and have a cracking good time at one of the many apple-related events happening around the country this month.

Apple growing is a long tradition in Ireland: local varieties include the crisp and juicy 'Kerry Pippin', tasty red 'Tipperary Pippin' and 'Holstein Cox' bred specially to do well in an Irish climate. Find out more at the Apple Day on 20 October at Peatlands Park in Co. Armagh, in the heart of orchard country, where you can sample 100 varieties of apple.

Meanwhile at Rowallane Garden, Co. Down, you can dunk apples in 'poisonous' chocolate, ready for Hallowe'en!

It's a great time of year to plant apple trees, so if all this talk of apples is making you want to grow your own pop down to our garden centre here in Co. Limerick. You'll find everything from tiny 'minarette' trees, small enough for containers, to espalier apples to train against a wall and neat orchard trees in dozens of different varieties. Don't know which to choose? Just ask our knowledgeable garden centre staff – we'll be glad to help!