Brewing your own?

I've been in Ireland the last few months and have really taken a liking to their cider. I was wondering if anyone on NS had experience making your own cider or wine? Or even Brewing? I think I'm gonna try a few batches of my own when I get back to the states and was wondering what experience NS had. So, who's a home brewer? are you part of a club? any tips for some one trying to dive in head first? Thanks!