What a
Wonderful
Apple Year
2025
There are years when nature shows a particularly generous side, and 2025 was certainly one of them, a true apple year here at Andresna House on the shores of Lough Arrow. Although our small orchard delights us with a beautiful display of blossoms every spring, it doesn’t always guarantee an abundant harvest. This year, however, the blossoms were not only plentiful, they truly lived up to their promise. Our seven apple trees, three cooking varieties and four dessert apples, produced more fruit than they have in many years.
As you can see in the photos, the branches were heavy with bright, ripe apples that delighted far more than just the eye. The harvest thrilled us all. Neighbours, friends and visitors stopped by, and no one left without a bag of apples or a jar of freshly made apple jam, lovingly prepared here at the B&B.
This little orchard is part of what makes life at Andresna House so special. It connects us to the seasons, to the landscape, and to the people who share this peaceful corner of the Irish countryside with us. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that reflects the easy pace and natural beauty our guests so often remark on during their stay.
With the apples we’ve stored in the shed, we’ll have enough for many winter breakfasts served in the house, a taste of our own land shared with guests from near and far. And perhaps even more importantly, the apples left on the trees and on the ground support the birds and insects in our garden, a quiet yet meaningful contribution to local biodiversity here along Lough Arrow.
