International recognition for Northern Ireland's Hilden Brewery

Hilden Brewery in Northern Ireland has been named in the Lonely Planet's Global Beer Tour. Based near Lisburn in county Antrim, Hilden, a family-run business, is Ireland's oldest independent brewery.

The latest edition of the world renowned travel guide book explores the vibrant world of craft beer. It recommends the finest taprooms, bars and breweries for thirsty travellers to visit in more than 30 countries around the world.

Hilden Brewing Company, run by father and son Seamus and Owen Scullion, is ranked alongside some of the best taprooms and breweries across five continents and is the only recognised brewery in Northern Ireland to make the list.

The influential guide details Hilden's impressive range of beers, as well as its taproom, restaurant and weekly entertainment, making it well worth a visit.

The brewery celebrated the 35th anniversary of its establishment last year. The recognition came as something of a surprise to the family-run business. They noticed it on the internet! "We didn't even know the Lonely Planet writers had been, but it's great that our beers got such a positive reaction," Seamus Scullion said.

"It was quite a surprise for us and we're obviously very pleased. It's a good thing to happen to us and it is good recognition for us, in fact I suppose it's international recognition for us after 35 years in the business. It will obviously be good for the beer business, but hopefully it will also be good for bringing more visitors to Hilden and the Lisburn area."

Brewery manager Owen Scullion added: "It's amazing to be included alongside some pretty legendary names in the field of brewing. We will be keeping up our end of the bargain by brewing more great beer and hoping to welcome more visitors to Hilden for sampling of our food as well as the beers."

Hilden Brewing Company was established by Seamus and wife Ann 1981 in the courtyard of Hilden House the former home of the Barbour linen barons. They reintroduced into Ireland the tradition of a local brewery making beers of distinctive character and taste.