In 2019 The North Mayo Heritage centre began a collaboration project with the Reel Deel Brewery in Crossmolina. Working together, they have grown the ingredients for an organic craft beer.
"Market research has shown us that consumers are now looking for an organic craft beer," said Marcus Robinson of the Reel Deel Brewery. He added: "My problem has always been where to find the ingredients that were organic, local and would produce a really good quality end product."
An area of the garden has been set aside to become the new Hop Plot, as Marcus explained: "We researched the variety of hop to ensure a healthy crop, and we already knew that the walled garden has its own unique microclimate which allows the plants to do extremely well here in the West of Ireland.’ During last summer a support trellis was constructed as the ground was prepared for planting in the spring. Hops grow very fast and very tall, each year our variety will grow at least 4m in height before being harvested.
"In the craft brewing industry you have to know everything about your ingredients, where they came from, how they have been grown and the quality of the handling. What we are doing is called a green brew. This means the hops will be harvested in the morning and transported the 5km to the brewery for the process to start immediately. You can’t get much fresher than that."
Hugh Trayer, Manager of the North Mayo Heritage Centre, said: "I am always on the lookout for new sustainable community projects. It means that as well as creating this unique organic craft beer from locally grown hops, we are encouraging job creation and upskilling. We have become very good at identifying, developing and delivering new opportunities which will further enhance this community."
