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Upcoming Food & Drink Events

There’s so much happening on the food front in Northern Ireland these days that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. New inventive and talented chefs coming through. Local food and drink artisan businesses thriving. Here’s just a taster of what you’ll find when you get here...

Armagh’s Food & Cider Festival

The Orchard County comes into its own each autumn. That’s when the Food & Cider Festival hits town. Though, in truth, with its acres of orchards and appreciation of the Armagh Bramley Apple, every day here is a celebration of that wonderful fruit.

Still, to see just how much you can do with an apple, make a date for September. The city’s alive with open air markets, cookery masterclasses, tasting dinners and, of course, orchard and cidery tours. One of the highlights is the Bramley Apple Banquet.

Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival

Or should that be Bushmills Whiskey and Salmon Festival. Never mind, either way it’s a match made in heaven each June. There are cookery demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs, whiskey tastings at the world-famous Bushmills Distillery, tours of the Bushmills Salmon Station and the best of fresh local produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market. Plus mouth-watering live music and dance just to get you in the spirit of it all.

Belfast Mela at the Botanic Gardens

Every August, Belfast, and thousands of its visitors, come together to celebrate people and their diversity. Hosting music, dance, arts and culture from around the world, it transforms the Botanic Gardens, near Queen’s University, into a global space alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of the world.

The Slow Food Festival

Derry-Londonderry is where you’ll find this October festival of local, clean, fair food. The North West’s best producers will be on hand with their fantastic produce from farm, field, seas and rivers. There’ll be live cookery demos, street food tastings and plenty for the next generation of slow food cookers too – with kids’ activities, workshops, advice on healthy eating and more.

All things vegan

In June each year, Derry-Londonderry’s Irish Vegan Festival showcases everything from vegan dishes, cakes and desserts to housewares and bath and beauty products. Many from local restaurants, cafes, shops and traders, as well as from visiting producers and businesses. Plus there are talks, film screenings and advice on health and nutrition.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Food Festival

It would be hard to find a more spectacular setting for a food festival – or indeed any festival – than Hillsborough Castle. A working Royal Palace, it’s well worth taking a little time to tour the sumptuously refurbished State Drawing Room and Throne Room while you’re here. And, of course, the stunning gardens with their tranquil woodlands and heritage plants. Now, back to the food.

Northern Ireland’s vibrant food scene means there are hugely creative chefs and innovative food and drink producers wherever you turn. And many of them are right here, each July, along with international culinary stars and food experts. There’s live cookery on stage, inspirational talks and a whole lot of food tasting going on.

Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival

Celebrating the maritime heritage of the beautiful North Antrim Coast, the Festival, perhaps unsurprisingly, mostly takes place on the water towards the end of May each year. From sailing regattas to traditional currach racing, tall ships to Viking ships, there’s something for all seafarers out there. And, should all that sea air give you an appetite, something for all foodies back on shore.

On land there are guided walks and tours and a host of cookery demonstrations. Plus a craft and food market, featuring the mouth-watering local produce of this coastal region.

Taste Causeway

In a stunningly beautiful area that’s renowned for exceptional food and drink, cultivated by knowledgeable and passionate people, the Causeway Coast and Glens has a huge amount to offer visitors to these shores each October. Especially those with an interest in food.

Taste Causeway brings together all that’s happening in the local food world – from speciality markets to masterclasses and from workshops to supper clubs. So if there’s a food event on in the area, this is the place to find it.

A Potato Festival?

Yes, really. John Clarke, OBE, was a leading North Antrim potato grower. His story inspired the book ‘Potato Wizard’ by Maurice McHenry. It also inspired the formation of Potato NI and the introduction of the annual Northern Ireland Potato Festival each October – a tribute to the humble spud and a celebration of the life and work of John Clark.

A taste for something Georgian

Armagh’s Georgian Festival attracts crowds to the city every November. And it is quite an experience, taking in the best of Armagh’s Georgian history, heritage and architectural past. Merchants line the streets and artisan produce is on show in the dedicated food village.

The Great Georgian Banquet at Archbishop’s Robinson’s Palace is the star of the festival. It’s an evening of gastronomy like no other, with a sumptuous five-course dinner and fine wines, modelled on the menus of the time.

A Halloween Hotspot in Derry-Londonderry

Since its first Halloween carnival, 30 years or so ago, the city of Derry-Londonderry has grown to become pretty much the Halloween capital of the world. But even ghosts and ghouls have to eat.

Enter the LegenDerry Halloween Food Event – a cauldron of high quality ingredients and world-class authentic Irish food and drink. With a LegenDerry Food Village where you’ll find street food made with the finest autumnal produce to thrill all the family. And a LegenDerry Food Trail which sees the city’s chefs invite you in for a dish or two. It runs for a week. So that’s something new to get your teeth into every night.

St. George’s Twilight Market

The famous St. George’s Market, situated in a stunningly beautiful Victorian building, is one of Belfast’s oldest and certainly most colourful attractions. Always bustling by day, it becomes even more inviting as night begins to fall.

And so, at various times throughout the year, St. George’s Twilight Market takes place. It’s packed full of fantastic local artisan food and drink, inspiring cookery demonstrations, quirky arts and crafts, family entertainment and, of course, live music - well, it is Belfast. It’s a night out like no other, in a place like no other.

Indeed, much of Northern Ireland’s food-inspired events are like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. A bit like Northern Ireland itself. And that could just be why people seem to enjoy coming back.

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Love LegenDerry Food Month

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Various Locations, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6FA

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

This February, the historic city and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences. This year's event features a variety of activities for food…

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2025to28 Feb 2025

More Info
Afternoon Tea in Montalto House with Tour

Ballynahinch

Address

Montalto House, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Feel like a Georgian guest at Montalto House. Enjoy an elegant traditional afternoon tea all hand crafted at Montalto by the estate's pastry chefs.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:
22 Feb 2025Open 12:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Derry By Fork

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Meet outside Ebrington Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County londonderry, BT47 6FA

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Derry By Fork takes you on a flavourful journey, sampling iconic local dishes crafted by the city’s finest chefs and producers. As we weave through the vibrant heart of Derry, you’ll hear stories that bring to life the traditions and ingredients…

Dates

From:
22 Feb 2025Open 10:30 - 14:30

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Chocolate Box at The Chocolate Manor

Castlerock

Address

The Chocolate Manor, 3 Main Street, Castlerock, Derry/Londonderry, BT51 4RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7919 332 843

geri@thechocolatemanor.com

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Learn basic chocolate making skills with Geri at The Chocolate Manor in Castlerock. Led by Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin will help you create a selection of moulded chocolate treats.

Related

Économusée Artisan Chocolate Making Experiences at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock

Dates

From:
22 Feb 2025
From:
15 Mar 2025

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Electric Picnic

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
07909721898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Take a guided electric bike around the shoreline of stunning Strangford Lough, with a stop for an artisan picnic en route.

Related

Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Killinchy

Dates

From:
23 Feb 2025

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Roe Valley Speciality Market

Limavady

Address

Drumceatt Square, 24 Main Street, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0EL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7723 622 008

info@naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts, fine art, and speciality products, visit one a Speciality Market day in the centre of Limavady.

Related

Naturally North Coast & Glens Markets, Ballycastle

Dates

From:
1 Mar 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
5 Apr 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
31 May 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
18 Oct 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
1 Nov 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
6 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

More Info
Love Your Food

Lisburn

Address

Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Halftown Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RF

Telephone
02890665225

events@eikon.uk.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A haven for food lovers, the Love Your Food Show will showcase over 100 food exhibitors and stalls, featuring everything from freshly baked goods to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted preserves.

Dates

From:

7 Mar 2025to9 Mar 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Coast and Country Food Tour

Coleraine

Address

Departing from Coleraine Town Hall, 35 The Diamond, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7912 408 256

causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast. Enjoy this time together to eat, discover and take home an authentic taste of this beautiful place. In a tour that lasts 6 hours, you become familiar with the heritage and culinary…

Dates

From:
8 Mar 2025
From:
26 Apr 2025
From:
28 June 2025
From:
9 Aug 2025
From:
13 Sept 2025
From:
13 Dec 2025

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Taste Mid Ulster Restaurant Week

Mid Ulster

Address

Mid Ulster

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

You haven't truly experienced Mid Ulster until you've tasted it. Take a gastronomic journey around Mid Ulster, enjoying the satisfyingly short trip from farm gate to plate in this part of the world.

Dates

From:

10 Mar 2025to16 Mar 2025

More Info
Irish Whiskey Masterclass at the Home of St Patrick Festival

Armagh

Address

The Hole in the Wall Pub, Market Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BW

Telephone
0300 0300 900

stpatricksfestival@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The Tasting experience will provide an immersive dive into Irish whiskey, where you will sample six varieties and be guided through each one by expert host, Ronan Collins, AKA Whiskey4Breakfast. You will sample whiskies from some of the most…

Dates

From:
14 Mar 2025Open 19:30 - 00:00

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Easter Themed Cake Decorating Workshop at Ballycopeland Windmill

Millisle

Address

Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

Telephone
028 9082 3207

ballycopeland.windmill@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Easter Events

A fun Easter-themed cake decorating workshop for children.

Related

Ballycopeland Windmill, Millisle

Dates

From:
22 Mar 2025Open 12:00 - 14:00

Price
Free

More Info
The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor

Castlerock

Address

The Chocolate Manor, 3 Main Street, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7919 332 843

geri@thechocolatemanor.com

Price
Price £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Make your own chocolate truffles at The Chocolate Manor

Related

Économusée Artisan Chocolate Making Experiences at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock

Dates

From:
22 Mar 2025Open 14:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea in Montalto House

Ballynahinch

Address

Montalto Estate, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
02897566100

info@montaltoestate.com

Price
Price £52.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Celebrate in style this Mother's Day with a delectable afternoon Tea in Montalto House.

Related

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Dates

From:
29 Mar 2025Open 12:00 -

Price
Price £52.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Portrush Tasty

Portrush

Address

Portrush Town Hall, 1 Mark Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7912 408 256

causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A walking food tour celebrating iconic local produce where fun is the dish of the day! You will be introduced to unique people, flavours & the character of this coastal gem.

Dates

From:
11 Apr 2025
From:
23 May 2025
From:
5 Sept 2025

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Easter Market at Castle Ward

Strangford

Address

Castle Ward, Park Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7BA

Telephone
02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Hop over to Castle Ward this Easter weekend for a vibrant market filled with local crafts, tasty treats, and family fun!

Related

Castle Ward, Strangford

Dates

From:

19 Apr 2025to21 Apr 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Spirit of the Bann Whiskey Tasting Tour

Coleraine

Address

The Cutts Pontoon, 40 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7912 408 256

causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Price
Price £79.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A unique, river boat whiskey-tasting experience. You will retrace the voyages of our ancestors with a journey along the River Bann on vintage vessel, 'MV Kingfisher'.

Dates

From:
19 Apr 2025
From:
16 July 2025
From:
6 Sept 2025
From:
31 Dec 2025

Price
Price £79.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market at Ballycastle Sea Front

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle Seafront Green, 1-3 North Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BN

Telephone
+44(0)7723622008

info@naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

The flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront. This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic…

Dates

From:
11 May 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
22 June 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
6 July 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
20 July 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
3 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
17 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
From:
21 Sept 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
Balmoral Show

Lisburn

Address

Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Halftown Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9066 5225

info@ruas.org.uk

Price
Price £26.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Agricultural Shows

The 156th Balmoral Show in partnership with the Ulster Bank is taking place on Wed 14th - Sat 17th May 2025.

Dates

From:

14 May 2025to18 May 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £26.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Wine Geese Festival

Enniskillen

Address

Various Locations, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 751 225 2862

mcnulty@live.co.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Join us in celebrating 300 years since Thomas Barton, one of the most famous Wine Geese, emigrated from Fermanagh to Bordeaux. This festival honours the Barton family's rich connection to the Fermanagh Lakelands and will showcase the finest wine and…

Dates

From:

31 May 2025to28 June 2025

More Info
Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival

Bushmills

Address

Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 0390

Visitor.Information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival has the recipe for success with plenty of fresh local produce, cookery demonstrations, whiskey tastings at the Distillery and Naturally North Coast and Glens Market Artisan Market, as well as plenty of…

Dates

From:

3 Oct 2025to5 Oct 2025

Price
Free

More Info