At the core of the Big Arch® is 100% Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish beef, lightly seasoned with just a pinch of salt and pepper – no additives, no fillers, no fuss.

It’s a showcase of the natural quality, traceability and sustainability of Irish meat, brought to life by farmers from across the country.

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From farm to restaurant: farmers at the heart of the story

For McDonald’s, Irish farmers are one of its most essential ingredients. McDonald’s is proud to work with over 9,000 Irish farmers, all Bord Bia approved, who supply the high-quality cuts used in its beef patties.

This deep-rooted connection to Irish agriculture dates back to 1986, when McDonald’s began sourcing from Dawn Meats, a partnership that continues to thrive today.

Among these suppliers is John Phelan, who farms with his father Tim and brother Tadgh in Blanchville, Co Kilkenny. Their specialist finishing system for 300 continental-cross heifers feeds directly into McDonald’s supply chain via Dawn Meats.

Quality in every bite – without the additives

McDonald’s burgers begin with whole cuts of Irish beef, prepared by a skilled team at Dawn Meats, who mince and shape them without any binders or preservatives.

Thanks to a blend of fresh and frozen mince, there’s no need for additives – the burgers hold their shape naturally.

Cooking is equally straightforward. In McDonald’s restaurants, the patties are grilled on dual-contact hotplates, with no added oils or fats – just a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavour of the beef.

It’s this simplicity that lets Irish beef shine in every bite of the Big Arch®.

Celebrating provenance and pride

The Big Arch® is a celebration of flavour and quality, featuring two 100% Irish beef patties, perfectly grilled for a juicy bite in every mouthful.

Layered with creamy white cheddar cheese, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles and the iconic Big Arch® sauce, it delivers an unmistakable McDonald’s taste in a toasted poppy and sesame seed bun.

At the heart of this burger is the pride of Irish farming. Using 100% Irish beef ensures not only premium flavour and texture, but also supports local agriculture and sustainable practices.

Irish cattle are traditionally grass-fed and reared under high animal welfare standards to enhance both taste and traceability.

Use of 100% Irish meat reinforces McDonald’s commitment to local sourcing and gives customers the confidence that they’re enjoying a product made with care, integrity and community values. The Big Arch® isn’t just a meal – it’s a bite of Ireland.

From Blanchville to your local McDonald’s restaurant, every bite tells the story of 100% Irish beef – naturally delicious, responsibly produced and globally celebrated.

A sustainable future rooted in tradition

The Big Arch® is built on the strength of Ireland’s beef farming. Irish farmers have generations of experience producing beef in a way that combines tradition with modern standards.

Thanks to Ireland’s climate and grass-based system, cattle are reared naturally, with beef that delivers on quality and taste. This approach also supports sustainability by making use of natural grasslands and reducing the need for imported feed.

By sourcing 100% Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish beef, McDonald’s supports over 9,000 local farmers. Every Big Arch® sold helps sustain family farms across the country, many of which have been handed down through generations.

For farmers like John, Tim and Tadgh Phelan in Co Kilkenny, supplying McDonald’s is about producing high-quality beef while building secure futures for their families and communities.

Global reach, local pride

McDonald’s serves thousands of Irish people every day and Irish beef plays an important role in Irish restaurants and on the global stage.

McDonald’s long-standing partnership with Irish farmers and processors highlights the country’s reputation for producing world-class beef.

The Big Arch® shows how local farming and global brands can work together to deliver trusted and high-quality food.

A celebration on every plate

The Big Arch® reinforces McDonald’s ongoing commitment to Irish farming. With two 100% Irish beef patties, prepared simply with just salt and pepper, it’s about letting natural quality shine through.

Learn more about sustainable beef farming and the farmers behind the food at mcdonalds.ie.