Mayo craft breweries are on the map

TWO Mayo breweries are taking part in a nationwide initiative to promote Irish craft breweries with the launch of a new online Irish beer map.

The resource was created to highlight the abundance of quality, independent craft breweries located throughout the country and to generate public interest in beer provenance by linking craft breweries to specific destinations.

The map, which currently has 60 breweries listed, is available to view at https://irishbeer.ie/. Featuring from Mayo are the Mescan Brewery based in Murrisk, Westport, and Reel Deel Brewing Co. in Crossmolina.

Mescan Brewery is named after Mescan, the monk who was St. Patrick's friend and personal brewer. Situated on the slopes of Croagh Patrick, the brewery is owned and operated by Bart Adons and Cillian Ó Móráin who spent four years perfecting their original recipes inspired by the beers of Belgium, Bart's homeland, before starting to brew commercially in 2013.

Reel Deel Brewing Co. was established in 2013 by Marcus Robinson. Originally from the UK, Marcus moved to Mayo with his wife Catherine and family from Yorkshire to revisit Catherine’s Irish roots.

Marcus’ vision was to produce outstanding local ales using quality ingredients, building a differentiated position to lighter-flavoured available beers. Alongside brewer Paul Williams, they have created an award-winning range of craft beers after years of perfecting their craft.

Similar to ‘wine terroirs’ in other countries, the Irish Beer Map has the potential to build provenance of Irish beers and to directly link breweries to distinct regions for residents and holidaymakers.

Speaking about the campaign, Marcus said: “People who want to drink Mayo beer should come to Mayo to try it. Local beer is fresh beer and that is when it is at its best, so whether drinking on draught, from a bottle or can, it is best to get it as fresh as possible.

“There are already beer tourists, we just need to build on it here and let the world know how good Irish, local, independent beer is.”

The Irish Beer map aims to raise awareness of the vibrant Irish microbrewing industry and to encourage consumers to seek out local beers wherever they are. The Irish Beer map is created in conjunction with the Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland (ICBI) and is supported by Bord Bia.

Craft breweries who are not yet listed on the map are asked to register interest using the website contact form.