Highbank Orchards

24/06/2026

At Highbank, we truly understand the importance of creating unforgettable moments with those who matter most.

Nestled in the breathtaking Kilkenny countryside, our surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for all your group events, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature.

Imagine the gentle rustle of leaves in the crisp country air and the sprawling views of the Kilkenny countryside that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Whether you're taking a well-deserved break from the office for a team outing or cherishing precious family milestones, we are delighted to welcome you into the warmth and hospitality of Highbank Orchards.

We are passionate about ensuring that every detail of your event is thoughtfully executed, so you can focus on what truly matters: connecting with the people you care about.

Get in touch at HighbankOrchards.com

19/06/2026

Crisp, tangy and refreshing... what more could you want from a cocktail?

The Highbank Highball is a flawless addition to your dining table this season, the light flavours pair beautifully with a vibrant summer salad or a sticky barbecued meat of your choice!

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
50ml Vodka
100ml Highbank Organic Apple Juice
100ml Lemonade
1 lime (to garnish)

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝
-Fill a highball glass with ice
-Using a jigger measure 50ml vodka into the glass.
-Add 100ml apple juice and 100ml lemonade into the glass and stir with a long-handled spoon.

Find more cocktail recipes at https://highbankorchards.com/about/cocktails



Photo: Nadin Sh from Pexels

17/06/2026

We are delighted to announce that Rod will be part of a panel at the first National Farming for Nature Festival, which is taking place June 22nd–23rd!

The practical farmer-led event will be taking place in Ballykilcavan Brewery in County Laois. The evenings will be packed with inspiring panel discussions, practical field walks, and honest conversations about building a brighter, more sustainable future.

Whether you want to learn, share your own experiences, or just connect with a fantastic community passionate about food, nature, and resilient systems, you absolutely cannot miss this.

You can find Rod's full biography at:
📖 https://farmingfornaturefestival.ie/speaker/rod-calder-potts/

Get your tickets for the festival at:
🎟️ https://farmingfornaturefestival.ie/tickets/

15/06/2026

Allow us to (re)introduce ourselves! We're delighted to welcome new followers to our little organic corner of the internet and we want to thank you for joining us!

This is Rod and Julie Calder-Potts, the organic powerhouse couple from County Kilkenny, Ireland 👋

Rod and Julie have been farming organically since 1994 and they produce 16 products from their organically grown apples including their multi-award-winning Organic Orchard Syrup

The first apples were planted on Highbank farm back in 1969 by Rod's family. The farmyard holds a great deal of local history and was at one time the home of the great 18th-century patriot, Henry Flood.

Upon a visit to Highbank, you can choose to take an owner-led Taste & Tour where Rod & Julie will tell you firsthand about their beloved orchard and the history of Kilkenny or you may choose to take their self-guided Red Gate Tour, where a virtual Rod will guide you through the farm via a series of 12 QR-coded gates & gateposts!

Learn more at HighbankOrchards.com


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Tastekilkenny

11/06/2026

Recently named one of the 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁'𝘀 𝟭𝟬𝟭 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 list and being awarded the 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 at the Irish Restaurant Awards, 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚛ú in New Ross is a must-visit on your next culinary outing

The award-winning restaurant and café gets it's name from the River Barrow on which New Ross is situated.

Combining a daytime café and evening contemporary restaurant, Bearú places an emphasis on seasonal, local, and wild foods.

Their team of talented chefs are great supporters of Highbank Orchards and use our Organic Orchard Syup and award-winning Apple Cider Vinegar in their delicious dishes

HighbankOrchards.com

Bearú

07/06/2026

“Complex, mysterious and quite unlike anything I’ve tasted before” - Tom Molloy

Grannie's Organic Fortified Irish Apple Wine is a rich, dark apple wine that was passed down from Rod's grandmother, Elsie Iago. This aromatic, naturally sweet fortified wine offers wonderful notes of baked apple, caramel and warm spice from a cherished family recipe.

Best served slightly chilled alongside blue cheese, aged cheddar and a charcuterie selection. An ideal drink to bring along to any and all gatherings this Summer!

Grown and Bottled in Kilkenny. ABV 20%. Batch 2016

Get your bottle at https://highbankorchards.com/shop/irish-apple-wine

03/06/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐁𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Bumblebees and honeybees both live in colonies. They each have a body of female worker bees, a single egg-producing queen HOWEVER bumblebee colonies are annual and die out at the end of summer, while honeybee colonies can live for decades.

For this reason, bumblebee colonies never have time to grow very large tend to be small in comparison to honeybees. The most populous bumblebee colonies max out at around 250 individuals, which is nothing for a honey bee colony. The average honey bee colony boasts 50,000 bees.

Our precious honeybees live on our organic farm and produce our award-winning Highbank honey, which is a beautiful addition to both sweet and savoury foods including drizzled over cheese, mixed into marinades or as a natural sweetener to teas and coffees.

How do you like to enjoy honey? Let us know in the comments!

You can get our Organic Orchard Honey at https://highbankorchards.com/shop/highbank-orchards-organic-honey

Tastekilkenny

28/05/2026

Al Pastor originated in Mexico in the 1930s among Lebanese immigrants. The popularity of the dish continues to grow thanks to its delicious combination of flavours

This utterly delectable recipe is a great addition to the table at the many BBQs that will surely be taking place this coming summer!

The prep time is just 15 minutes with 5 hours in the slow cooker, allowing you to prepare the meal ahead of time

Find the full recipe at https://highbankorchards.com/about/recipes/slow-cooker-al-pastor

24/05/2026

The good ship Zephyr, built by Edward Potts, returning from Jamaica in 1822 with Eliza Calder was taken by pirates. Thus began the story of The Dark Doyle Apple Rum...

Taking inspiration from this family story, we bring you the Dark Caribbean Mule cocktail. The below recipe makes 2 drinks

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝:
-1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
-2 medium limes, juiced
-2-4 tablespoons of simple syrup
-120ml Dark Doyle Apple Rum
-120ml ginger beer
-Crushed ice

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝:
-Muddle the sliced ginger in a cocktail shaker and add 2-4 tablespoons simple syrup, lime juice, and the Dark Doyle Apple Rum.
-Shake well, then strain into two copper mugs filled with crushed ice.
-Top each with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge.

Find more cocktail recipes or shop our organic orchard spirits at HighbankOrchards.com

22/05/2026