tour of tayto factory

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Tayto Factory

Tandragee Castle Main Street, Tandragee, County, Armagh BT62 2AB

www.tayto.com

(028) 3884 0249

[email protected]

Tayto Castle in the Ulster countryside is where the terrific Tayto crisps are made. The castle is over 500 years old and was originally the home of the O’Hanlon clan, one of the mightiest and most powerful clans in all of Ireland. In 1619 King James I of England confiscated the castle from the O’Hanlon’s because they took part in a rebellion against Hugh O’Neill in County Tyrone. The ruins of the property were then passed into the hands of other families and became the home of the Duke of Manchester in the 1800’s.

In 1955 the castle needed repair and was bought by a visionary local businessman, Thomas Hutchinson. In 1956, he had the clever idea to make a new potato product called crisps, and started making Tayto crisps, creating one of the world’s best loved brands of crisps and snacks. Tayto became one of the first companies to sell different flavours of crisps with Smoky Bacon and Prawn Cocktail being two of the most popular as well as Cheese and Onion.

On the Tayto Factory Tour visitors will get the opportunity to meet Mr Tayto and experience the full magic of Tayto and see how our fantastic crisps and snacks are made. Pre-booking is required.

An enduring feature of Tayto has been Mr. Tayto, the brand’s lovable mascot. He’s a well-known and well-loved face across Northern Ireland and has travelled all over the world promoting Tayto, starring in many of his own advertisements.

Tours are conducted on Monday to Thursday 10.30am & 1.30pm and Friday at 10.30am only. The factory is closed on public holidays e.g. Christmas, Easter, May Day Bank Holiday and 12th July etc.

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Tayto Tours

Tayto Tours - Crisp Factory Tour in Tandragee Tayto Castle in the Ulster countryside is where the terrific Tayto crisps are made. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience the full magic of Tayto. They will get to see how our fantastic crisps and snacks are made and even meet Mr. Tayto. Join one of our Tayto Tour Guides as they guide you through our modern and fully operational factory to see first-hand how locally grown potatoes turn into our famous crisps. Walk with them as you follow the spud’s journey down the production line, through the flavouring station, and straight into one of our iconic packets, with, of course, some sampling along the way.

Opening times

Monday - Thursday: 10:30 & 13:30 Friday: 10:30 Starting 01/01/2024 Finishing 31/12/2024 Monday: Open from 10:30 to 12:00, from 13:30 to 15:00 Tuesday: Open from 10:30 to 12:00, from 13:30 to 15:00 Wednesday: Open from 10:30 to 12:00, from 13:30 to 15:00 Thursday: Open from 10:30 to 12:00, from 13:30 to 15:00 Friday: Open from 10:30 to 12:00 Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed BankHoliday: Open

https://www.taytotours.com/book/

Tayto Tours Craigavon Co Armagh BT62 2AB

Attractions in Co Armagh

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Adventure O'Clock

See the World Differently

Tayto Castle Tour: Realising The Dream

“Um, what? Where?” was my response the first time I heard about Tayto Castle. Despite being one of the UK's largest crisp manufacturers, I'd never even heard of Tayto, let alone their castle. I was assured this was a highlight of Northern Ireland, right up there with the Giant's Causeway. It was only when we were parked outside the castle however, that we realised the high walls and leafy trees completely obscured the view. We couldn't go in, couldn't see anything and ended up consoling ourselves with a packet of Tayto's crisps instead. Many years later, we finally realised the dream and joined a Tayto Castle tour to see their factory in action.

Welcome To The Tayto Castle Tour

After the safety briefing, our group was joined by a surprise visitor, Mr Tayto. Looking remarkably dapper in a smart red suit, the potato-headed mascot happily greeted us and a photoshoot ensued. It was then time to get dressed for the factory. We were each issued a blue plastic apron and an attractive shower cap style hat. Earrings were taped up and anyone with even the slightest hint of designer stubble was handed a beard net as well. With a healthy dollop of hand sanitiser for good measure, we were ready to go.

The Potato Store At Tayto Castle

First up was the potato store, a dingy and largely empty shed. Up to 400 tons of potatoes can be kept in one room here. They wrap the potatoes in a frost-protecting blanket, and leave them 'sleeping' in the dark until they're needed. It sounds like a lot but with Tayto Castle producing a million bags of crisps a day, they don't last long.

We dodged a forklift that zipped past us, depositing a crate of potatoes into a cradle suspended over a huge machine. The cradle flipped, dumping the potatoes into the hopper where they started their journey through the factory. Next, the spuds were de-stoned, washed and sliced before disappearing inside.

Ready For Our Tayto Tour

Keen to keep waste to a minimum, Tayto try to recycle wherever possible. The potato peelings are sold to farmers and used to make animal feed. Even the starch washed off the freshly sliced potatoes is dried out and sold to glue factories. This extra washing process doesn't happen to all of the crisps though. The poshest varieties are left with the starch intact.

Making Corn Snacks

As we walked on to the factory floor, we spotted a steady stream of crisps flying through transparent tubes.  The maize starch is shaped and baked in one part of the factory.  The freshly cooked corn snacks are then blasted elsewhere for flavouring and packing.

The Frying Room

Next up was the best bit, the frying room. We skidded and slid across the wet, oily floor to see the sliced potatoes disappearing into one end of the fryer. Just a few minutes later a torrent of freshly cooked crisps came flying out of the other end at around 30 mph. Surprisingly this didn't seem to damage the crisps.

They flew through the optical sorter, a machine that detects overcooked or burnt crisps. Any crisps that aren't up to scratch are shot down by a quick puff of air and discarded. One of the factory workers has the important task of scanning the conveyor belt, picking out any rogue crisps missed by the machine. With the opportunity to eat freshly baked crisps all day, we wondered how she managed to stay so slim. We were told the workers at Tayto Castle very quickly get over the novelty of the crisps. Most of them prefer chocolate instead.

At this point, we found out why our protective clothing was so important. We were shown how to tie up the bottom corners of our aprons to form a sizeable bowl for carrying crisps around. Our new bowls were filled with fresh, unflavoured crisps still warm from the fryer. They were delicious. We snacked on these as we learned about the flavouring process. Crisps and their flavourings rotate together in a large drum until the crisps are properly coated. They are then sent for packing.

Packaging Tayto Crisps

We saw carefully measured portions of crisps being dropped into long tubes of packaging. A couple of hot rods simultaneously seal the bag and cut it off from the main roll. The bags are then packaged by hand into boxes labelled WIP, or Work In Progress. Our bowls were refilled with the WIP crisps and we continued munching as we walked.  We passed a small lab where the WIP crisps are tested to ensure they are up to scratch.  They certainly tasted ok to us.

Once Tayto are happy that the crisps are perfect, they're properly packaged in branded boxes. A couple of robot arms were constantly whirling around, grabbing boxes and stacking them onto palettes. A giant spinning machine then wrapped the full palettes in plastic, much like the baggage wrapping machines at an airport.

The Number One Tayto Flavour

How many crisps can we eat.

Our guide ran around collecting different flavours and types of crisps for us to try. We sampled many of Tayto's original flavours along with their corn snacks, low-fat options and fancy crisps specifically branded for local supermarkets. They fed us so many crisps that even our guide was joking about the risk of tour participants being sick on the way home.

When we couldn't eat any more we were given bags of crisps to stuff in our pockets for later. And at the end of the tour, we were invited to choose yet more crisps from their shop to take home. In a moment of madness, they had nominated Chris as a responsible adult. He had to wear a high viz vest and help herd our tour group around the factory. The reward for his efforts? More crisps!

Who Are Tayto?

After being used by the US Army in WWII, Tandragee Castle was sold to Thomas Hutchinson.  He had come across the newfangled idea of potato crisps while travelling the world and was keen to get involved in this up and coming industry.  Shortly after, Tayto was born.  The first crisps produced at Tayto Castle were sold in tins and were only available in one flavour.  Over 60 years later, the original cheese and onion flavour is still the most popular.

Tayto make crisps and snacks for many of the big supermarkets in the UK but they're mainly sold under the supermarkets' own brand names.  They also export crisps to the USA.  Called O'Hanlons after the original owners of the castle, these crisps have an authentic Irish theme.  Each packet is decorated with Celtic patterns, shamrocks and even a photo of Tayto Castle itself.

At Tayto Castle Entrance

How to take a tayto castle tour.

Tayto Castle only offer tours on weekdays.  Monday to Thursday there are two tours a day.  There is only one tour on Fridays.

Tours can be quite busy so book in advance.  You can book a tour on the Tayto Castle website, or phone Tayto directly.

The tour lasts around 90 minutes and there can be up to 45 people in a tour group.  When we visited, there were about 25 people but we were split into 2 groups when we entered the factory.

Tayto Castle Tour Tips

We were asked to fill in a couple of forms before our tour.  Arrive early so you have time to complete the paperwork before the tour starts.

You will have the chance to meet Mr Tayto so have a camera ready if you want a photo.  After that, you will be asked to leave your camera, and other belongings, at the front desk.  You will not be allowed to take photos inside the factory.

If you have any visible piercings, it's a good idea to remove them before the tour.  Otherwise you will be expected to tape them up.

The information we were given in advance stated that all jewellery had to be removed before entering the factory.  In practice, anyone wearing rings was given a pair of gloves to wear.

The factory floor was wet in several places and the frying room was particularly slippery.  Wear sensible closed-toe shoes for your Tayto Castle tour.

How To Get To Tayto Castle

Tayto Castle is on the main street in Tandragee.  Use the smaller of the two gates next to the war memorial.

The easiest way to get to Tandragee is to drive yourself.  However you can take a bus from Portadown, Lurgan or Newry.  Coming from Belfast, take a train or bus to Portadown.  Then change to the No. 63 bus to Tandragee.

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Tayto Factory Tour

Opening hours.

9:30am - 7pm

Explore how the nation’s favourite crisps are created on this self-guided tour. Through unique viewing windows, get an intimate peek at the plant. You’ll undoubtedly learn some of Mr. Tayto’s most closely kept secrets.

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Tayto Castle to relaunch famous crisp tours of Co Armagh factory for first time since pandemic

"People will go a long way for Tayto crisps"

• 14:46, 24 APR 2024
• Updated 14:48, 24 APR 2024

Tayto has announced the reopening the reopening of its Famous Tayto Castle tours.

The iconic Northern Irish crisp brand is set to relaunch its popular attraction next month after closing during the pandemic over four years ago.

Located at the Tayto factory on the grounds of Tayto Castle in Tandragee , over 250 people work with the capacity to make 1,000,000 packs of Tayto every day.

Read more: Hollywood actor adopts NI lingo as he bids farewell to 'epic' time in Belfast

The reopening of the castle ours has created at least five new jobs and will offer visitors "a real treat".

Elly Hunter, Marketing Director, Tayto , said: “We had to close early in 2020 due to lockdown and we are incredibly excited to be in the position to reopen our doors.

“Following a NI wide search for tour guides, we’re delighted to report that we have found some incredibly enthusiastic people to join the Tayto team and ensure visitors have the best time possible when they’re with us.”

Tayto tours have attracted visitors from far and wide and are especially popular with school groups, colleges, universities, clubs and societies, together with family groups, and can accommodate all ages from 5 upwards.

Elly continued: “We’ve welcomed people from all over the globe, with a large number from GB, Canada, the USA and as far away as Australia and South Africa. People will go a long way for Tayto crisps.

“It’s lovely to see families on the tour and more often than not mum and dad did the same tour when they were children. It’s very touching to see them passing on the tradition.

“The Tayto factory is located within the grounds of a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee - A truly unique and stunning setting for everyone who comes to see us.”

Tayto Tours will be running from 7th May. There are two tours daily from Monday to Friday.

“On a tour, visitors will see firsthand how our famous crisps and snacks are made and get the chance to meet Mr Tayto," Elly added.

"They will see the production process from start to finish, witnessing the transformation of our local potatoes into packaged, delicious Tayto crisps. They will also see how our snacks and popcorn are made.

"We are so looking forward to welcoming visitors back once again and introducing a new generation of Tayto fans to our famous Tour.”

To find out more, see www.taytotours.com

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THE FAMOUS TAYTO CASTLE TOURS REOPEN

Northern Ireland’s iconic crisp brand, Tayto, has announced the reopening of The Famous Tayto Castle tours, just in time for the summer.

The relaunched attraction, which has created at least 5 new jobs, is at the Tayto factory in the grounds of Tayto Castle, where over 250 people work with the capacity to make 1,000,000 packs of Tayto every day.

Elly Hunter, Marketing Director, Tayto, said: “We had to close early in 2020 due to lockdown and we are incredibly excited to be in the position to reopen our doors.

“Following a NI wide search for tour guides, we’re delighted to report that we have found some incredibly enthusiastic people to join the Tayto team and ensure visitors have the best time possible when they’re with us.”

Tayto tours have attracted visitors from far and wide and are especially popular with school groups, colleges, universities, clubs and societies, together with family groups, and can accommodate all ages from 5 upwards.

Elly continued: “We’ve welcomed people from all over the globe, with a large number from GB, Canada, the USA and as far away as Australia and South Africa. People will go a long way for Tayto crisps.

“It’s lovely to see families on the tour and more often than not mum and dad did the same tour when they were children. It’s very touching to see them passing on the tradition.”

Visitors to The Famous Tayto Castle are in for a real treat.

“The Tayto factory is located within the grounds of a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee”, continued Elly. “A truly unique and stunning setting for everyone who comes to see us.”

“On a tour, visitors will see firsthand how our famous crisps and snacks are made and get the chance to meet Mr Tayto.  They will see the production process from start to finish, witnessing the transformation of our local potatoes into packaged, delicious Tayto crisps. They will also see how our snacks and popcorn are made.

“We are so looking forward to welcoming visitors back once again and introducing a new generation of Tayto fans to our famous Tour.” concluded Elly.

Tayto Tours will be running from 7th May. There are two tours daily from Monday to Friday. Places are limited so you need to book ahead online at  www.taytotours.com . 

Visit  www.tayto.com  to find out more about Northern Ireland’s favourite crisps.

TAYTO – OUR STORY

Founded by Thomas Hutchinson in 1956, our family owned business selects the finest potatoes and uses local ingredients to produce great tasting crisps and snacks for everyone to enjoy a  #taytohappy  moment! 

‘Tayto Castle’, which is over 500 years old is in Tandragee, Co.Armagh. Within the Castle grounds is a closely guarded room where our distinct flavours, including our world-famous Cheese & Onion, are made to the same recipe since the beginning.

Our crisps are enjoyed (and seen) all over the world and we’ve some very famous fans including Jamie Dornan, Eamonn Holmes, Derry Girls, Ant & Dec, Snow Patrol and many more!

• Tayto is NI’s leading crisp brand with over 35% market share
• 1 in every 4 packets of crisps sold in Northern Ireland is Tayto Cheese & Onion
• The company was formed in 1956 by the late Thomas Hutchinson
• The company started with a workforce of 6 people
• On our first day of productions 972 packets of crisps were produced
• Tayto now employs over 350 people
• Tayto is capable of producing 1 million packs of crisps & snacks per day
• Tayto uses over 20,000 tons of potatoes each year
• Tayto uses 3000 litres of oil every day in the production of crisps & Snacks
• Tayto’s most popular flavour is still cheese & onion
• Tayto’s most popular Snack is Bikers
• Tayto has agents in several countries and exports to the USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, Bahrain, Andorra, with ongoing enquiries from other countries round the world
• Tayto now distributes to 43 different countries around the world via online sales to customers in Brazil, Malaysia, Jamaica, Oman, Syria, Vietnam and many more

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Tayto Set To Resume Famous Castle Tours For First Time In 4 Years

Tayto is set to resume the famous crisp tours of Co Armagh factory for the first time in four years.

After shutting down during the pandemic, the iconic Northern Irish crisp brand is set to relaunch next month, just in time for the summer.

Visitors will soon have the chance to tour the castle and the factory, where more than 250 people work with the capacity to make a million packets of crisps every day.

Over 500 years old, the castle was originally the home of the O’Hanlon clan, one of the mightiest and most powerful clans in Ireland. In 1955, a visionary local businessman, Thomas Hutchinson, bought it and decided to make a new potato product called crisps.

Speaking on reopening the castle tours, Elly Hunter, Marketing Director, Tayto, said: “We had to close early in 2020 due to lockdown, and we are incredibly excited to be in the position to reopen our doors.”

See Also: Here Are 15 Music Walking Tours To Explore in Belfast

According to her, the tours have created at least five new jobs and will offer visitors “a real treat”. In her words, “Following a NI wide search for tour guides, we’re delighted to report that we have found some incredibly enthusiastic people to join the Tayto team and ensure visitors have the best time possible when they’re with us.”

The Tayto tours attract visitors from all over and are popular with school groups, colleges, universities, clubs, societies, and family groups. The tours accommodate all ages, from 5 upwards.

Elly said, “We’ve welcomed people from all over the globe, with a large number from GB, Canada, the USA and as far away as Australia and South Africa. People will go a long way for Tayto crisps. It’s lovely to see families on the tour, and more often than not, mum and dad did the same tour when they were children. It’s very touching to see them passing on the tradition.”

On what to expect from the experience, the Marketing Director said visitors will enjoy the process of making the popular crisps and more.

“The Tayto factory is located within the grounds of a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee,” she said. “A truly unique and stunning setting for everyone who comes to see us. On a tour, visitors will see firsthand how our famous crisps and snacks are made and get the chance to meet Mr Tayto. They will see the production process from start to finish, witnessing the transformation of our local potatoes into packaged, delicious Tayto crisps. They will also see how our snacks and popcorn are made.”

Tayto Tours will resume on May 7, 2024, with two tours daily from Monday to Friday.

The post Tayto Set To Resume Famous Castle Tours For First Time In 4 Years appeared first on Craic Buzz NI .

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