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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
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
The Dock Cafe

Belfast

Address

ARC Retail, 2b Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9FD

Joachim@the-dock.org

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

The Dock Cafe opened its doors in March 2012 and has gone from strength to strength with a honest box policy, it offers a place to relax at a very low cost for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1725 reviews
Darcy’s Belfast

Belfast

Address

10 Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4040

info@darcysbelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Darcy’s of Belfast is a family-run restaurant offering quality traditional food made with the most local of ingredients.

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
474 reviews
Beechlawn House Hotel & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

4 Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 2010

info@beechlawnhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Beechlawn House Hotel is ideally situated in the suburb of Dunmurry, less than a ten minute drive from Belfast and Lisburn city centres. A busy eatery with a great reputation for freshly prepared traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA Rating.

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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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The Salthouse Bar and Restaurant

Ballycastle

Address

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

Telephone
02820510000

info@thesalthousehotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Salthouse Bar and Restaurant offers the perfect setting to eat, drink, and relax. Enjoy everything from morning coffees to classic cocktails and a variety of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner. Their…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
133 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 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 23:30

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Two Twenty Coffee House

Portrush

Address

220 Ballybogey Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NE

Telephone
07926 677220

gatherat220@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Open Monday - Saturday from 9am - 4pm & serving food until 3pm, we're open for all of your needs throughout the week!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
491 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
599 reviews
Fratelli at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 2590

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

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

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
188 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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
182 reviews
Castle Kitchen and Bar at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

Castle Kitchen + Bar, 200 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 1001

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The distinct warmth, and ambience of Castle Kitchen + Bar make it a space for all occasions and tastes. Serving up menus that fuse an eclectic mix with modern dining twists, daily chef specials and house-made desserts, Castle Kitchen + Bar offers a…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
175 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
70 reviews
Katy's Bar

Belfast

Address

17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 8HD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 7007

office@limelightbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Katy's Bar is at the hub of Belfast's most exciting music venue. In 2012 along with the whole complex the always welcoming Katy's Bar enjoyed a simple, subtle refurb. This was followed by The Rock Garden, a brand new roof terrace.

More Info
HALT - Weavers Cross

Belfast

Address

Former Europa Bus Station, 10 Glengall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5DL

enquiries@mrp.co.uk

Type

Type:

Street Food

HALT Weavers Cross is your one stop shop for Food, Drink, Culture, & Craic! From vibrant street food, craft beers, live music and community events, all in the heart of the bustling city.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 07:00 - 23:00

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside - Dogs on leads are welcome
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking - We are located next door the new Belfast Grand Central Station, so we recommend public transport. If coming by car, there are multiple neighbouring car parks.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
706 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
516 reviews
Ben Madigan's Bar & Kitchen

Belfast

Address

169 - 175 Cavehill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9692 2009

info@benmadigansbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Join us in Ben Madigans at the foot of Cavehill, belfast home of friendly atmosphere and award winning local food and drink, sure to make you want to stay a while at your new local.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside