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The Bushmills Inn
County Antrim

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Food & Drink in Antrim

Visitors to Antrim are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. While Belfast is a lively city, it’s also surrounded by small market towns and villages that are awash with artisan food makers and top-class restaurants that pride themselves on using fresh local produce.

New food discoveries in Newtownabbey

A mere fifteen minutes north of Belfast you’ll come across Sleepy Hollow in Newtownabbey. This old inn serves fresh Irish food with a modern twist and has garnered high praise as one of the best restaurants in Antrim among those in the know back in the big smoke.

Much of the food served at Sleepy Hollow comes from a farm just twenty minutes up the road in the picturesque village of Gleno. The farm in question sits beside a favourite local watering hole called Billy Andy’s, and yes you’ve guessed it, they are owned by the same people. With its peat fires, low ceilings, fine selection of beers and whiskies, Billy Andy’s is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the Saturday Irish Music Session. Of course, if you’re sticking around the menu has quite a bit to offer too.

Gleno is also home to The Dairy, a farm shop and café famous for its delicious pancakes, Belfast Baps and luscious milkshakes filled with ice cream from the multi award-winning Maud’s in Carrickfergus.

Ice-cream and more in Carrickfergus

John Wilson opened his first ice cream shop in 1982, Maud's, naming it after his mother as a Mother’s Day gift. The shop remains as popular as ever. Those wishing to sample more gelato can do so at the nearby Castello Italia. This spot is beautifully laid out, very comfortable and overlooks the shores of Belfast Lough. It offers up classic Italian primi like risotto and pasta and offers great mains like rabbit and pan-fried seabass.

Enlightened food in Whitehead

The Lighthouse Bistro in nearby Whitehead is one of those unassuming spots that you really only want to tell your closest friends about. We consider you friends. Sitting just off the village's scenic promenade this small, cosy, award-winning family run restaurant makes everything from scratch. That includes the handmade pasta, the homemade bread, and the health range of pickled produce. Smoked pork belly and lamb shank are regular features on the menu, but it all depends on what’s in season.

The bar to be in in Ballygally

Don’t be fooled by the simple interior of Mattie’s Meeting House. This Ballygally bar is a favourite with the locals and has been in the hospitality game since the early 1800’s. They still know what they are at and they like to keep it simple. Whether you’re just stopping in for a pint or Boxer Jim’s Guinness Pie, you’ll get a warm welcome, a bit of craic and some great intimate live music.

Cosy in Cushendun

If you’re on the lookout for somewhere even more intimate, then Mary McBride’s in the scenic village of Cushendun might be the place for you. This is the perfect spot to wind down after a day trekking the Antrim coast and the location is beautiful. The pub itself is tiny but big on atmosphere. It is also host to a rather recent curio. In 2016 the famous tree-lined avenue known as the Dark Hedges were badly damaged by a storm. Many of the trees were destroyed but instead of being disposed of, the wood was used to create ten Game of Thrones® doors which are now housed inside pubs and restaurants dotted around Northern Ireland. The door in this spot tells the story of season six.

Delicious bellyfulls in Bushmills

On the town’s Main Street you’ll find the beautiful Tartine restaurant with its 3 beautifully appointed, interconnecting areas each hosting a contemporary selection of local artists original paintings and prints. The lighting is low, the atmosphere romantic and the service attentive and friendly. Best of all Tartine are committed to selecting ingredients that are both local and seasonal for the creation of dishes that are refined, yet simple and full of flavour.

Clocking in at Ballymena

A little further west in Ballymena you’ll find The Clockhouse in the stately Leghinmohr House. Chef William Mills keeps it seasonal and again only uses local produce. Expect to see the likes of oxtail terrine and venison on the menu. And you can get it all for next to nothing if you go for their aptly named Beat the Clock offering - their version of the early bird.

A tavern for all in Toome

About fifteen minutes south of Ballymena is the wonderful Crosskeys Inn in Toome. This tiny thatched tavern dates back to 1654 making it the oldest pub of its kind on the island of Ireland. This place oozes old world charm. Its small rooms are heated by peat fires and its worn-down floors have witnessed many late night stomps to Irish music. There are regular sessions to this day and we’d recommend you try to catch one if you can.

With so much food to savour and so much drink to swill you’ll need another holiday just to work it all off. Don’t worry, we have that covered too.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 153

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Slemish Market Supper Club

Ballymena

Address

Various Locations, Ballymena, County Antrim

Telephone
+44 (0 7547 804 975

slemishmarketsupperclub@gmail.com

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Join award-winning chef Rob Curley for a once-per-month fine-dining extravaganza as he guides you through a meal made with only the best ingredients, all sourced from the Slemish Market Garden and surrounding areas. This is a pop-up culinary…

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
548 reviews
Dining at Rosspark Hotel

Kells

Address

20 Doagh Road, Kells, County Antrim, BT42 3LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2589 1663

info@rosspark.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in 10 acres of grounds in the beautiful County Antrim countryside within easy reach of the airport and harbour, formal and informal dining is excellently catered for at the Rosspark Hotel, where a world of wonderful cuisine is waiting for…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
145 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Lisburn Road

Belfast

Address

322 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9066 6000

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Little Wing we tirelessly search for the finest fresh ingredients which we cook using time honoured methods in our traditional Wood Stone oven, all served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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Whiskey Experiences at The Harbourview

Carnlough

Address

The Harbourview Hotel, 20 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5255

reception@theharbourviewhotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

At the Harbourview Hotel, step into a world where whiskey culture and Irish hospitality unite. Choose from an array of unique whiskey experiences tailored to your tastes. Join intimate fireside gatherings where you can share stories with master…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
490 reviews
Bert's Jazz Bar

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ZY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713

berts@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
789 reviews
Deanes at Queens

Belfast

Address

1 College Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 2111

deanesatqueens@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Deanes at Queens on College Gardens can be found in the heart of the University Quarter, overlooking Methodist College and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Deanes at Queens is a short walk from Queens University Belfast and many…

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Nemesis Asian Fusion

Portrush

Address

39, 41 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7053 1233

nemesis@marcusportrush.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A bold new dining experience in Portrush.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30

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The Muddlers Club

Belfast

Address

Unit 1, Warehouse Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3199

info@themuddlersclubbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago. With carefully considered menus, wine list and an…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1627 reviews
Fratelli Belfast

Belfast

Address

60 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BB

Telephone
+44 (0 )28 90 310862

info@fratellibelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge. Fratelli welcome guests into a family friendly, informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome

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Babushka Kitchen Cafe

Portrush

Address

South Pier, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8FN

Telephone
+447787502012

babushkafoods@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Babushka is a Speciality Coffee shop and Brunch Restaurant by day and Thursday - Saturday a Natural Wine Bar. In this small, quirky venue; homemade is key and allows for unique experiences, day and night

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1850 reviews
Home

Belfast

Address

22 Wellington Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6GE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4946

info@homebelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The food at Home is vibrant and bold yet familiar and comforting making customers happy. Made fresh every day, free from preservatives and colourings, they always try to source their foods locally from Northern Ireland serving feel-good food using…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
203 reviews
Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant

Ballintoy

Address

21 Main Street, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2241

Type

Type:

Bar

This restaurant in Ballintoy features stunning views of Sheep Island, Rathlin Island and even Scotland!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Ursa Minor Bakehouse

Ballycastle

Address

45 Ann Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6AA

ursaminorbakehouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Ursa Minor aims to stand amongst the best bakers on the island. Using high quality ingredients, sourced locally and only when in season, to create unique bakes that stand out in flavour and appearance.

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Bistro at the Courthouse

Bushmills

Address

75 Main Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QD

Telephone
0044 7776192185

trudy@bistroatthecourthouse.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Bistro at the Courthouse serves local produce, homemade breads like sourdough and focaccia, with local beers and fine wines.

Dates

From:

5 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

From:

5 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
109 reviews
Paper Cup

Belfast

Address

13 Block, 11 ARC Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Antrim, BT3 9DH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 766 400

Paper.cup@aol.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Paper Cup is located overlooking Nomadic & Titanic Belfast. Open from 8am – 6pm we serve Breakfasts, lunches, homemade soups, stew, paninis, ice-creams & homemade treats. Sit in or takeaway.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Millar's Bar Ballycarry

Ballycarry

Address

46 Main Street, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2042

info@millarsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1754, Millar's Bar in Ballycarry offers traditional fare and refreshing drinks in an historic setting. Patrons can also enjoy live sports and entertainment in this cosy establishment with a rich history. Dog and family friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - In certain areas only
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
112 reviews
The Garden Restaurant at Ballygally Castle

Ballygally

Address

274 Coast Road, Ballygally, Co Antrim, BT40 2QZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 1066

dm@bgc.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Garden Restaurant situated within Ballygally Castle Hotel has the character and charm you would expect of a 17th Century Castle.

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1135 reviews
OX

Belfast

Address

1 Oxford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 4121

info@oxbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, with menus designed to showcase excellent meats and sustainably sourced fish whilst equally careful attention is given to seasonal vegetables and fruit.

More Info
The Reporter Bar Belfast

Belfast

Address

Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JF

holly@thereporterbarbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated on Union Street, neighbouring the Irish News offices and the old Belfast Telegraph building, the intimate bar’s warm and welcoming interior is clad with artefacts and memorabilia, illustrating the city’s colourful history through the eyes…

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The Heritage Cocktail Bar

Portrush

Address

39, 41 Main St, Portrush, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7053 1233

reception@marcusportrush.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Sip on expertly crafted cocktails in a bar steeped in character, blending timeless elegance with a twist of adventure.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 23:30

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside