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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: 146

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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
536 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
The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4888

thegreatroom@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Great Room Restaurant offers a sumptuous space evoking timeless grandeur. A fitting setting for gastronomic delights inspired by the classics. One can taste the subtle flavours of each component, each element complementing one another perfectly.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2492 reviews
James St.

Belfast

Address

21 James Street South, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7GA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 0700

hello@jamesst.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

James St is a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. The charcoal grill still plays centre stage, cooking not just some of the best steaks and prime cuts Northern Ireland has to offer but also…

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
147 reviews
LUNA

Carrickfergus

Address

2 North Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7AQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9013 9241

dineatluna@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Luna, nestled near Carrickfergus Castle along the Causeway Coastal Route, offers a unique dining experience. From brunch, lunch & dinner. Luna crafts culinary delights to savour. Join for comfort food, stories, and memorable moments.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
The Front Page Bar

Ballymena

Address

9 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 1953

frontpagebar@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A “traditional-meets-modern” award winning and innovative pub in the centre of Ballymena, which offers a friendly welcome and has established itself as a popular drinks and entertainment venue with celebrities, locals and visitors of all ages.

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The Nook At The Giant's Causeway

Bushmills

Address

48 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 2993

ross@portnaboe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

In an historic listed building, dating from 1850's, built as the original school house; this sympathetically restored and renovated edifice encapsulates all the original Victorian features. Found right at the entrance to the Giant's Causeway.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
Avenue 22 Bar and Restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast

Belfast

Address

Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 8HS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 8511

Info.belfast@claytonhotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dine in our Avenue 22 restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast which uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively, relax and unwind with a bar snack in the lounge.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
187 reviews
The Bank House Whitehead

Whitehead

Address

12 Edward Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 3021

thebankhouse12@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Bank House café and gift shop is a lively, warm, inviting destination, specialising in good, quality, local food, crafts, art, live music and craic. Find this hidden gem in the centre of Whitehead, on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
The National Grande Café

Belfast

Address

62 - 68 High Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1130

info@thenationalbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

From coffee and fresh pastries on the go, delicious soups and sandwiches for lunch and exquisite evening meals with wine or cocktails – there is something to satisfy every palate at any time of day. We also have one of Belfast's biggest beer gardens.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Waterman Restaurant

Belfast

Address

5-23 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9043 4310

dine@waterman.restaurant

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Opened in June 2022 by Niall Mckenna and his team, and awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2025, the Waterman restaurant offers a no-frills dining experience in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Serving a local,…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
559 reviews
Kelly's Cellars

Belfast

Address

30-32 Bank Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90246058

Type

Type:

Bar

In the heart of Belfast's city centre, this pub has maintained the friendly atmosphere of over 250 years ago. With a long tradition of quality beer and fine food, Kelly's Cellars offers all customers a chance to enjoy the perfect pint of Guinness.

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The Belfast Empire

Belfast

Address

40 – 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 9276

info@thebelfastempire.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A converted church in the heart of Belfast, boasting the city's most diverse offering of entertainment. Regular gigs include the Comedy Club, Blues Club and Supper Club.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6811 reviews
Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast

Address

46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3187

info@crownbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Landings Restaurant @ Dobbins

Carrickfergus

Address

6/8 High Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 1905

enquiries@dobbinsinn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dobbins Inn, with its unique 800 year history is located in the heart of Carrickfergus on the High Street, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, from the log fire in the bar lounge to the quality service and top-class food in Landings restaurant.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 reviews
Tullyglass Hotel Dining Experience

Ballymena

Address

Galgorm Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 2639

info@tullyglass.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Tullyglass Hotel we offer our guests both informal and formal dining options throughout the day. From early morning coffee with freshly baked scones, to a gourmet dining experience, all of our food is prepared, using locally sourced produce.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Greedy Gannet @ The Gobbins Visitor Centre

Islandmagee

Address

c/o The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 277750

thegreedygannet1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Set in the heart of Islandmagee and within the world class Gobbins Visitor Centre, The Greedy Gannet offers hearty breakfasts, tasty lunches, sweet treats, and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. You'll deserve to treat yourself, if you've just…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
177 reviews
Carriages Bistro

Larne

Address

105 Main Street, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 5132

carriagesbistro@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Carriages in Larne is a family run, fully-licensed restaurant offering traditional Irish and Italian cuisine with steak, pizza and seafood specialities. As for the name, you'll see original train seats, windows and carriage booths!

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2676 reviews
Ginger Bistro

Belfast

Address

68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5EE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 4421

info@gingerbistro.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Ginger Bistro retains an informal yet slick atmosphere.
Now tucked away on Hope Street off Belfast’s bustling Great Victoria Street, Ginger specializes in fish dishes.

More Info
Elephant Rock Cocktail Bar

Portrush

Address

17 Lansdowne Crescent, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7087 8787

info@elephantrockhotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The cocktail bar at Elephant Rock Hotel exudes a chic and sophisticated ambiance, offering panoramic ocean views that perfectly complement its dramatic Art Deco interior. Afternoon Tea is served in the cocktail bar 12:00 -16:00 on Fridays and…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available