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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Millar's Bar Ballycarry

Ballycarry

Address

46 Main Street, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2042

info@millarsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1754, Millar's Bar in Ballycarry offers traditional fare and refreshing drinks in an historic setting. Patrons can also enjoy live sports and entertainment in this cosy establishment with a rich history. Dog and family friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - In certain areas only
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Cups & Carriages @ Whitehead Railway Museum

Castleview Road, Whitehead

Address

Whitehead Railway Museum, Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+ 44 (0) 28 9358 6200

cupsandcarriages@steamtrainsireland.com

Type

Type:

Café

Step into nostalgia at the Cups & Carriages Tea Room in Whitehead Railway Museum on the Causeway Coastal Route – a casual haven for all. Whether you're museum-hopping or seeking a chill spot with friends, our menu offers tasty delights, including…

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
177 reviews
The Dairy

Gleno

Address

5 Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 8662

thedairy.gleno@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Rustic style bistro, butchers and farm shop set in the heart of the Gleno valley, within a few minutes walk of Gleno waterfall and an easy drive from Larne or Carrickfergus with a delicious menu and large range of local produce for sale.

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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
340 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
1135 reviews
OX

Belfast

Address

1 Oxford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 4121

info@oxbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, with menus designed to showcase excellent meats and sustainably sourced fish whilst equally careful attention is given to seasonal vegetables and fruit.

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McKendry's Lounge & Bar

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2588 1001

reservations@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in the heart of Galgorm, McKendry’s Lounge & Bar offers the warm ambience and atmosphere of an eclectic Irish pub.

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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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The Reporter Bar Belfast

Belfast

Address

Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JF

holly@thereporterbarbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated on Union Street, neighbouring the Irish News offices and the old Belfast Telegraph building, the intimate bar’s warm and welcoming interior is clad with artefacts and memorabilia, illustrating the city’s colourful history through the eyes…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6909 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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
186 reviews
Sunflower Public House

Belfast

Address

65 Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2474

sunflowerbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Sunflower is a simple corner pub, it is free of gimmicks or themes, and it is one of the few remaining. It is instantly recognisable by the security cage on its front door, a relic from 1980s Belfast. Music is very much part of the pub's life.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
109 reviews
Paper Cup

Belfast

Address

13 Block, 11 ARC Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Antrim, BT3 9DH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 766 400

Paper.cup@aol.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Paper Cup is located overlooking Nomadic & Titanic Belfast. Open from 8am – 6pm we serve Breakfasts, lunches, homemade soups, stew, paninis, ice-creams & homemade treats. Sit in or takeaway.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
390 reviews
The Conservatory at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 2590

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A magnificent bespoke glass creation that perfectly frames the stunning setting of the cascading River Maine and lush parkland of the Resort, The Conservatory serves a delicious Lobby Lunch and Afternoon Tea at its finest.
Special Offers
- An Evening with Ukiyo Spirits
  From £75 per person
  Enjoy An Evening with Ukiyo Spirits on Tuesday 27th January. Arrive at 7pm and begin your evening with a welcome drink and a tempting selection of canapés. From there, the night unfolds into a beautifully curated dining experience, featuring a four-course menu with each dish paired perfectly with a distinctive gin-based beverage. Expect a mix of expertly crafted drinks and inventive cocktails created to elevate every course. Throughout the evening, you'll have the pleasure of learning from Drinksology CEO, Richard Ryan who will share the history of Ukiyo Spirits and provide an in-depth explanation of each drink as it is served. To bring the evening to a memorable close, relax with live entertainment in McKendry’s, rounding off An Evening with Ukiyo Spirits in unforgettable style.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 17:30
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 reviews
The Bowery

Belfast

Address

701 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 7GU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9066 4442

info@thebowerybelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Set in the heart of the Lisburn Road, The Bowery is South Belfast’s newest neighbourhood pub for fantastic food, classic cocktails, live sport & entertainment. You can join us all year round, whatever the weather, on our fully heated covered outside…

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The Muddlers Club

Belfast

Address

Unit 1, Warehouse Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3199

info@themuddlersclubbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago. With carefully considered menus, wine list and an…

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The John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

51 Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 3768

info@thejohnhewitt.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt first opened its doors in December 1999. The bar is unique in its ownership as it is owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.

More Info
The Errigle Inn

Belfast

Address

Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2GE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 1410

info@errigle.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Errigle Inn, situated on the outskirts of Belfast city centre features five bars, roof gardens, a beer garden and live televised sporting games.
Known for its fabulous food and drink The Errigle Inn, provides a great location for any occasion,…

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mrDeanes

Belfast

Address

28-40 Howard Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6PF

Telephone
02890 331134

mrdeanes@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

mrDeanes Bistro Bar Social is a 90-seater restaurant offering a La carte menus featuring many Deanes' classics, reflecting Michael Deane's long running passion for hospitality.

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2025to1 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Feb 2025to1 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
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
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