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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: 144

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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
528 reviews
Dining at Rosspark Hotel

Ballymena

Address

20 Doagh Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co. 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…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
913 reviews
Harry's Restaurant

Cushendall

Address

10-12 Mill Street, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2177 2022

hello@harryscushendall.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim serving the finest sustainable local seafood and beef that Northern Ireland has to offer and a range of exceptional wines in a relaxing setting.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
296 reviews
Rococo

Ballymena

Address

56-58 Mill Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 7910

d.adams9@icloud.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fantastic family owned restaurant, in the heart of Ballymena town centre, offering a great selection of food, wine, beers and cocktails.

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The Pantry & The Galley Café at Titanic Belfast

Belfast

Address

Titanic Belfast, Olympic Way, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Café

Choose from a wide range of hearty menu options in The Pantry featuring the very best of local Northern Irish produce. For a lighter bite, stop by The Galley Express Food Bar for a range of speciality teas, luxury coffees and local delicacies!

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Catering
- Licensed
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (charge)
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviews
Gillies Grill at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1EA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 2590

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Gillies Grill offers a casual style of dining with menus catering for a wide range of tastes, including brasserie dishes, a grill selection and Asian-inspired creations. Live music in Gillies pub 7 nights a week adds a jovial atmosphere.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
654 reviews
The Grouse Restaurant & Bar

Ballymena

Address

74-76 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 5234

info@grouseballymena.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Grouse Restaurant & Bar has long been a favourite for food, drinks and live entertainment in the heart of Ballymena’s bustling town centre. It is renowned for its great location, luxurious traditional décor, roaring fires and relaxing atmosphere.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
322 reviews
The Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant

Broughshane

Address

57 Main Street, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 1366

thatchinnfo@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Bar

18th century thatched, family friendly bar and restaurant set in the award winning village of Broughshane with a great choice of menu and unique historic features.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2668 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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
709 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Ann Street

Belfast

Address

10 Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 7000

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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2495 reviews
Ramore Restaurant

Portush

Address

1 The Harbour, Portush, County Antrim, BT56 8DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7506990345

booking@ramorerestaurant.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Renowned for its fantastic tasting fresh food and lively atmosphere, Ramore is situated on the stunning causeway coast in the seaside town of Portrush. Here you'll find a unique range of restaurants & bars serving highly renowned dishes & drinks for…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
479 reviews
Kiwi's Brew Bar

Portrush

Address

47 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2402

kris@kiwisbrewbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Something is most definitely brewing in Portrush. Beer is making a quiet and classy comeback.

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Fire, Feast & Folklore

Newtowncrommelin

Address

15A Craigdunloof Road, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, BT43 6RQ

Telephone
+ 44 (0)7857 579710

willowandlore@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Capture the spirit of the past through Fire, Feast and Folklore, authentic Irish fire side feasts and experiences on this Heritage Farm in the Antrim hills.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Arcadia Delicatessen

Belfast

Address

378 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1779

info@arcadiadeli.co.uk

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

As the oldest retail business on the Lisburn road, the Arcadia is a local institution having operated from the same unit since 1933. We at Arcadia pride ourselves in stocking local artisan products and the finest food from across the world,…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
812 reviews
PaPa Browns Grill

Carrickfergus

Address

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7FG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9336 8889

info@papabrownsgrill.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Relaxed colonial-style diner and bar serving an all-day menu, within easy walking distance of Carrickfergus Castle and located on the main Causeway Coastal Route.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
654 reviews
The Smoking Monkey Cocktail & Sports Bar

Ballymena

Address

74-76 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 5234

info@grouseballymena.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Ballymena's newest cocktail and sports bar, The Smoking Monkey, is a space like no other in the heart of this bustling market shopping town.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
429 reviews
Malmaison Bar and Grill

Belfast

Address

34-38 Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9600 1405

jlynch@malmaison.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The heart and soul of every Malmaison. Iconic dishes are prepared with a modern twist and served with passion and personality, including sublime steaks, the awesome MalBurger, locally inspired blackboard specials and a mouthwatering wine list.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 21:00

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
165 reviews
Dining at Ballygally Halfway House Hotel

Larne

Address

352 Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, Co. Antrim, BT40 2RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7808 193 842

halfwayhousehotel@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The family run Ballygally Halfway House Hotel, nestled on the Causeway Coastal Route, offers historic charm, panoramic views, and warm hospitality. Enjoy delicious food, including gluten-free and kids options, in the Maidens Lounge Bar.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
51 reviews
The Crosskeys Inn

Toome

Address

40 Grange Road, Ardnaglass, Toome, County Antrim, BT41 3QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7965 0694

info@crosskeys-inn.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Crosskeys Inn c.1654 is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and one of Ireland's most famous traditional Irish music pubs. You can hear traditional music most Saturday nights and impromptu sessions on some Friday and Sundays.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
The Galley @ Cairndhu Golf Club

Larne

Address

192 Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 3324

office@cairndhugolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Experience unforgettable dining amidst breathtaking views at The Galley at Cairndhu, nestled within Cairndhu Golf Club on the Causeway Coastal Route. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, Steak Night Fridays, monthly Sunday Carvery, and elegant…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking