Navan to stage Meath's first craft beer festival

The week of 11th to 16th August will see Meath's First Craft Beer Festival in Navan as part of the as part of the Boyne Valley Food Series. The Central Bar and Restaurant will host the festival featuring craft beer and cider specials, food pairings and gourmet food specials, all culminating in a unique Backyard Beer Bazaar on Saturday 16th August. The Bazaar will incorporate beer and cider tastings from lots of local and international breweries, food tastings, live music and beer cocktail masterclasses. Some of the Craft Brewers who will attend the Beer Bazaar include Cotton Ball, Brehon, McGargles, Gleesons, Bru, Alltech, Dan Kellys, Jack Codys, Cockagee Cider and Blacks of Kinsale.

'As Irish peoples palates become more and more adventurous and our awareness and interest in artisan pairings of local food produce with beer, wine & cider continues to increase we are delighted to hold Meath's first Craft Beer Festival,' commented Carl Rennicks, Head Chef at the Central.

Central Bar Manager Mick Nolan further commented: 'There is something for everyone throughout the week with lots of interest to date. The Central has developed a reputation for promoting Irish craft beer and believe it or not craft beers are a popular choice among female drinkers; the fact that craft beers are naturally brewed, chemical and additive free and low in calories contributes to this trend'.

On Tuesday evening 12th August, there will be a craft cider event with local producers Cockagee from Stackallen and Dan Kellys from Drogheda, on Wednesday 13th Porterhouse Brewery host an event and on Friday Beoir Irelands' Wayne Dunne will give a talk on Irish Craft Beer.

Most of the weeks' events are free and tickets for the Saturday event which runs from 1pm to 7pm are €20 to include five beers, live entertainment and a Gourmet BBQ are available from The Central (046) 902 7999.