Longford horticulture enthusiasts' interests grow after visit to brewery

Bridgeways’ horticulture class in Ballymahon took a trip to Wide Street Brewery to learn about the beer-making process, from fermentation, storage to tasting. Clare Murphy Lynch, a member of the group, proposed the idea as her neighbours happen to be the owners, Seán Colohan and his partner, Carla. Having bought his beer at the outdoor market in Skelly’s, Clare pitched the trip idea to the group’s teacher, Syra.

What started off as a proposal by Seán became an experience for the whole group of the horticulture group to share and learn. Meeting at the Bridgeways centre, the group took a shared commute. This visit took place on Friday, November 28.

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Many did not know about Wide Street Brewery’s existence, and fascination was continuous throughout the visit. Having expected their arrival, the brewery had cheese and crackers prepared on a table, as well as tasters of the beverages that the brewery provides.

“We spent an hour there, explaining everything and answering questions,” described Clare. “Seán’s the main one, since Carla has another job, but he’s the one who runs the brewery. His brother sometimes helps him, and Carla does the books. She designed some of the labels for the cans.”

Wide Street Brewery was founded in 2019, with the aim to create innovative beers with alternative fermentation methods.

“We saw the whole process. He has a machine that bottles and cans the beer in the little brewery. To the other side were barrels, ordered from France. Certain types of beer are left for a certain amount of time. Some of them are a specialised beer in a bottle that has gone through four different barrels over four years. It’s a strong, fifteen percent alcohol beer. He doesn’t add any carbon, as every other beer or IPA would do. It’s all very natural.”

Clare said that the visit was short and sweet. Despite being a cold day, the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere made the experience worthwhile for all those who appreciate plants, and growing them. Afterwards, the group had the opportunity to relax, have something to eat, and leave with greater knowledge about the Longford brewery industry.

Although the horticulture class educates on gardening and plants, this high-in-demand group is currently fully booked, according to Clare. This group meets in Bridgeways from 11am until 1pm, with a single payment of three euros.

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“I joined because I moved here a few years ago and had a blank canvas in my garden. I’ve built up a whole garden over the three years. That’s why I went to the class.”

There is currently a waiting list in case anyone does leave the class, so anyone interested can reach out to Bridgeways to see if there is the possibility of joining. There is another class on the website from 10am-12:30pm.