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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
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
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
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
477 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
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.

More Info
The Morning Star

Belfast

Address

17-19 Pottingers Entry, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 5986

info@themorningstarbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Welcome to our beautifully restored Victorian 120-seater historic restaurant venue in the heart of Belfast city centre, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Perfect for weddings and special celebrations, our unique space offers a…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
The Front Page Bar

Ballymena

Address

9 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 1953

info@thefrontpagebar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A “traditional-meets-modern” award winning and innovative pub in the centre of Ballymena, which offers a friendly welcome and has established itself as a popular drinks and entertainment venue with celebrities, locals and visitors of all ages.

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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
The Northern Whig

Belfast

Address

2-10 Bridge Street, Town Parks, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9888

info@thenorthernwhig.com

Type

Type:

Bar

This specialist cocktail bar is bright, stylish and chic, with the square bar on the central floor being the focal point.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
930 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.

More Info
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
161 reviews
The Dark Horse

Belfast

Address

34 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 7807

darkhorse@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Dark Horse is a European style coffee house nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter.
Available for private hire Thursday - Saturday.

More Info
The Nook At The Giant's Causeway

Bushmills

Address

48 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 2993

ross@portnaboe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

In an historic listed building, dating from 1850's, built as the original school house; this sympathetically restored and renovated edifice encapsulates all the original Victorian features. Found right at the entrance to the Giant's Causeway.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
238 reviews
The Lighthouse Bakes

Whitehead

Address

2 Marine Avenue, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2447

bskcateringinfo@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Freshly baked buns, sourdough loaves and cakes are what you'll find at this delicious micro bakery in Whitehead. Why not sign up for one if their supper clubs and experience something delicious!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
The Port Kitchen and Bar

Portrush

Address

73 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 6100

frontoffice@interstatehotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located on Main Street Portrush with fabulous views overlooking the Atlantic Hotel, the Port Kitchen & Bar is the ideal location for your next family meal, catch up with friends or a celebratory dinner.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
10 reviews
The Fiddler's Rest Bar & Restaurant

Portglenone

Address

71 Main Street, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2548 3780

info@fiddlersrestbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Fiddler's Rest in Portglenone offers authentic Irish hospitality with tasty meals, local brews, cosy fireplaces, lively beer gardens, and live music—creating a welcoming, unforgettable pub experience.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
92 reviews
Pavilion Bar

Belfast

Address

The Pavilion Bar, 296 Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Down, BT7 2GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9028 3283

info@pavilionbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1899, The Pavilion or "The Big House" draws its clientele from all over the city and beyond, and is a must for all who wish to experience a traditional Belfast pub with three floors, three bars, in one Big House with five-star food.

More Info
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1165 reviews
Fish City

Belfast

Address

33 Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1000

events@fish-city.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Belfast's first sustainable seafood restaurant, you will enjoy an extensive menu of some of the finest seafood at Fish City, including fresh, locally sourced Carlingford oysters, Strangford Lough mussels, and the much loved and award-winning…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available