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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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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…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
232 reviews
Nobel Café

Ballymena

Address

102-104 Church Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 4302

nobelcafeballymena@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Café

Nobel is an award winning contemporary café located on Church Street in the heart of Ballymena. selling fantastic fries, tasty breakfasts and luxury lunches with friendly, fast service.

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McCuaig's Bar

Rathlin Island

Address

2 Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 0011

Type

Type:

Bar

After a day of exploring the island or a family trip to the beach, a much-needed drink or snack can be found at McCuaig’s. Name plates from unfortunate ships, that were wrecked around the shores of Rathlin, adorn the walls of the pub. Outside, you…

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The Lookout Bar and Restaurant

Ballycastle

Address

39 Dunamallaght Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6PF

Telephone
02820510000

info@thesalthousehotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Discover The Lookout, the culinary gem on the North Coast in Ballycastle. Opened in summer 2023, this restaurant offers a stunning view and a menu that fuses beloved Italian classics with local ingredients.
Enjoy stone-baked pizzas, tantalising…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviews
Marconi's Bar & Bistro at the Marine Hotel

Ballycastle

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2222

reception@marinehotelballycastle.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Marine Hotel occupies an unrivalled seafront position in the heart of the Causeway Coast & Glens. It offers an ideal place to relax and unwind; enjoying some of the best Irish hospitality the north coast has to offer.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
209 reviews
Sawers Belfast

Belfast

Address

5-6 Fountain Centre, College Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 2021

sawersltd@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

Sawers is a family business established in 1897 that has always prided itself on stocking an extensive range of quality foods. Described as an Aladdin's Cave of culinary delights, Sawers is as famous in Belfast as the Titanic.

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Tartine at Distillers Arms

Bushmills

Address

140 Main Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1044

info@distillersarms.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Tartine aims to provide an experience. The ambiance of the surroundings, experienced staff and quality seasonal food makes for an exceptional night out.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Halfway House Country Pub

Broughshane

Address

143 Carnlough Road, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 7JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2568 4225

info@eventbarsolutions.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic country pub and restaurant located halfway between Ballymena and Carnlough at the foot of impressive Slemish Mountain, offering a friendly welcome to the weary traveller and locals alike serving great food and drink!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
329 reviews
Fountain Lane

Belfast

Address

16-20 Fountain Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4769

hello@fountainlanebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

With a wealth of history as a tavern for the city, call in for good food, great drinks, local music, live sport

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The Causerie at The Europa Hotel

Belfast

Address

Europa Hotel Belfast, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9027 1066

causerie@eur.hastinghotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With some of the best views in Belfast, this bustling contemporary bistro has provenance stamped all over its menu. The a la carte menu is available all day. Signature dishes include Glenarm Organic Roast Salmon and Northern Irish Dexter Sirloins.

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The Glensway Bar

Martinstown

Address

67 Glenravel Road, Martinstown, County Antrim, BT43 6QQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2175 8831

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located in the Glens of Antrim, the Glensway Tavern is an attractive 74 seater restaurant, lounge bar and traditional Irish bar with live music at the weekends and quality fresh produce on the menu, complemented by local beers and whiskeys.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Safehouse Café Bar Portrush

Portrush

Address

60 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AN

Telephone
028 7053 1476

natasha.kirke@bankapartments.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The Safehouse Café Bar Portrush a restaurant which provides hearty food including stone-baked pizzas, drinks including handcrafted cocktail and rich barista coffee, a pet-friendly environment and live music every weekend.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
212 reviews
Dining at The Harbourview Hotel

Carnlough

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5255

reception@theharbourviewhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Harbourview Hotel invites you to experience an area of outstanding natural beauty, nestled by the sea in a village called Carnlough. Immerse yourself in the luxurious surroundings, spectacular beach walks, dolphin spotting on the Sea of Moyle…

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
The Dancing Goat Cafe

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre, Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9332 9492

angela@kilcreggan.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Located in the grounds of Carrickfergus Urban Farm, The Dancing Goat Café is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise offering work opportunities to adults with learning disabilities, providing high quality and healthy breakfasts, lunches & sweet treats.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1082 reviews
2Taps Wine Bar

Belfast

Address

42 Waring Street, Cotton Court, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1414

info@2taps-winebar.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A Spanish and European inspired tapas restaurant, our aim has always been to make you feel at home with a relaxed and casual dining experience along with all the excitement of a summer celebrations.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Secret Garden Cafe

Ballymena

Address

Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7QA

Telephone
07974257627

finance@bigoccasionscatering.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The Secret Garden Cafe located in the grounds of Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena operates 7 days a week, providing refreshments alongside hot and cold food.

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
820 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
433 reviews
Bittles Bar

Belfast

Address

70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1088

Johnbittles@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bittles Bar is one of Belfast's more curious pubs located close to the bustling Victoria Square. Red-bricked and 'flat-iron' in shape Bittles is a wonderful example of a traditional Victorian Bar. Founded in 1868.

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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