Northern Irish gins in all Ireland promotion

Two Northern Irish craft gins are among 14 from across the island of Ireland taking part in the second annual Irish Gin and Tonic Fest 2017. They are Boatyard Gin from Enniskillen in county Fermanagh and Shortcross, which is based at Crossgar in county Down.

Boatyard, produced in a craft distillery overlooking Lough Erne, recently won business to supply the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel in London. Shortcross, produced at Rademon Estate Distillery, was Northern Ireland's first to market craft gin. It has won significant business in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The event has also attracted a tonic producer and a raft of bars, restaurants and hotels from across the island. It reflects the rapid growth in small batch gins in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the past five years.

Organised by Great Irish Beverages and Fáilte Ireland, the Irish tourism organisation, the festival takes place from 25 June to 1 July and sees on-trade establishments in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland showcase an Irish G&T serve.

The public can vote for their favourite on Twitter using the #IrishGnT hashtag, and on the Festival's Facebook page

Other Irish brands taking part include Bertha's Revenge, Blackwater No. 5, Bonac 24, Brennan's Old House Gin, Dingle Gin, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin, Hapenny Gin, Mór Irish Gin, Old Carrick Mill, Silver Spear Gin, Thin Gin, Von Haller's Gin and tonic from Poacher's Premium Beverages.

It is free for venues to join in, and all participating sits will be listed on the Great Irish Beverages website.

In addition to the G&T activity, brands will each host their own festival event. Bertha's Revenge will host a ukulele concert and G&T dinner at its Cork distillery, Mór Irish Gin is to hold a G&T demo at IdleWild in Dublin, and Gunpower Gin will launch a Gin-Joyment Club at Tigh Nora in Galway city.

The Ireland activity will be complemented by a #LondonIrishGnT party at Southwark's Flat Iron Square on 1 July, featuring tastings from all the gin brands.