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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…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 23:30

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1728 reviews
Bushmills Inn Restaurant

Bushmills

Address

9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 3000

info@bushmillsinn.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Bushmills Inn Restaurant is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from Royal Portrush Golf Club, The Giant’s Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, it is one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
998 reviews
McHugh’s Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

29-31 Queen’s Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9999

info@mchughsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

McHughs is within a grade A listed building, built between 1710 and 1720, making it officially the oldest building in the city of Belfast, enjoying a long history and a sometimes colourful reputation.

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Orisha

Belfast

Address

19 Fountain Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5EA

Telephone
02896209618

info@orishabelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Orisha is an intimate city centre venue for cocktails, coffee and everything in between. Sister bar of Voodoo Belfast, the venues name draws inspiration from an ancient Afro-Carribbean faith.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
302 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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
706 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
The Cloth Ear

Belfast

Address

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4888

clothear@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Cloth Ear is The Merchant Hotel's comfortable public bar. The warm and welcoming interior provides the ideal environment to relax and enjoy yourself in style. Combining both modern and traditional design features with a healthy dose of eccentric!

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2535 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
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
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

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
53 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
22 reviews
Winnies 1975

Broughshane

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 2226

info@winnies1975.co.uk

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Winnies 1975 is a quaint café and gift shop set in the heart of Broughshane, which was crowned UK Village of the Year 2018.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
432 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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
425 reviews
Castello Italia

Carrickfergus

Address

28 Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9332 1377

info@castelloitalia.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Italian restaurant, coffee shop and gelato emporium in Carrickfergus, ideally positioned on the Causeway Coastal route, with stunning views over Belfast Lough and an easy walk to Carrickfergus Castle.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off 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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
159 reviews
The Glencloy Inn

Carnlough

Address

1 Bridge Street, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0ET

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5226

theglencloyinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic family owned, traditional Irish bar and restaurant located in the picturesque village of Carnlough, offering great food, drink and hospitality on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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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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