On a sunny Wednesday in Kilkeel, our AVSPNI summer day began!  Almost 50 vets arrived ready to enjoy a day of beer tasting, eating good food and of course an element of learning!  The day kicked off with a visit to Seascope research centre, which is Northern Irelands first ever Lobster and Marine Hatchery.  We were greeted by our guide, Sarah, who had an extensive and extremely interesting knowledge of lobsters and the Kilkeel marine life and who showed us the process of the hatchery and the development of this very new and informative way of hatching lobsters within a research setting.  We then proceeded up the Mourne mountains to visit Gavin from Whitewater breweries who showed us the stages of beer making and most importantly, let us taste the produce!  It must have been an enjoyable tasting as many vets purchased and packed crates of Belfast brew into their cars!  After a tipsy trail down the road towards Newcastle (for passengers at least) we then went to the Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum where Aurelie Moralis from sponsors, Zoetis, gave an interesting and informative presentation on “Critical success factors for timed AI in beef cows and heifers – using the correct breeding protocols.”  We finished an enjoyable day by having a delicious meal with lots of people inspired to eat lobster and drink craft beer in keeping with the theme!  It was definitely a day not to be missed and AVSPNI Council and President Cahir King extends its thanks to Zoetis for their generous support for this excellent Summer Day.