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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: 149

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviews
Curran Court Hotel Restaurant

Larne

Address

6 Redlands Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1FD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 5505

info@currancourthotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

For over four decades, The Restaurant at Curran Court Hotel has been a cherished culinary haven in Larne, celebrated for its locally renowned well-selected menu, home cooking, and friendly professional staff. Our chefs lovingly curate modern takes…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
The Greedy Gannet @ The Gobbins Visitor Centre

Islandmagee

Address

c/o The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 277750

thegreedygannet1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Set in the heart of Islandmagee and within the world class Gobbins Visitor Centre, The Greedy Gannet offers hearty breakfasts, tasty lunches, sweet treats, and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. You'll deserve to treat yourself, if you've just…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
70 reviews
Twilight Coffee

Carnlough

Address

54 - 56 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5510

hello@twilightantrimcoast.com

Type

Type:

Café

Independent coffee shop serving specialty coffee, teas and locally baked treats. Located directly across from the picturesque Carnlough Harbour, offering gorgeous views, comfy seats, and some of the best coffee in the Glens.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
179 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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
316 reviews
Cafe Vic-Ryn

Lisburn

Address

The House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 2RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9262 2649

hello@cafevicryn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The perfect pit-stop during a shopping session, Cafe Vic-Ryn is also a great destination for everything from brunch, lunch, coffee and dinner.
Everything is made in-house, using local produce sourced from local farms and suppliers.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
211 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
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
204 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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
83 reviews
Coastal Coffee

Whitehead

Address

12 Victoria Avenue, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2688

whiteheadvideo@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Coastal Coffee is a friendly café based near the railway station in Whitehead and renowned for their range of delicious breakfasts, served all day, speciality teas and coffees, traybakes and a tasty selection of hot and cold dishes.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1143 reviews
The Porthole Bar & Restaurant

Portballintrae

Address

2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8RZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 4100

info@bayviewhotelni.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning sea view, look no further than Porthole Restaurant. We offer a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to succulent steaks, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and cooked…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 14:45

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Fire, Feast & Folklore

Newtowncrommelin

Address

15A Craigdunloof Road, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, BT43 6RQ

Telephone
+ 44 (0)7857 579710

willowandlore@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Capture the spirit of the past through Fire, Feast and Folklore, authentic Irish fire side feasts and experiences on this Heritage Farm in the Antrim hills.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
988 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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Bistro at the Courthouse

Bushmills

Address

75 Main Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QD

Telephone
0044 7776192185

trudy@bistroatthecourthouse.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Bistro at the Courthouse serves local produce, homemade breads like sourdough and focaccia, with local beers and fine wines.

Dates

From:

5 June 2025to31 Oct 2025Various Opening Times

From:

5 June 2025to31 Oct 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Follow Coast

Portrush

Address

31 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
07745017007

followcoast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Follow Coast is a destination coffee shop on Portrush Main Street. They serve fresh food cooked to order, fresh locally roasted barista coffee along with some other speciality drinks and sweet treats.

Dates

From:

30 June 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:

1 Jan 2026to29 June 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
532 reviews
Cutters Wharf

Belfast

Address

Lockview Road, Stranmillis, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9080 5100

info@cutterswharf.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A unique location set in Stranmillis, on the bank of the river Lagan; Cutters Wharf is the perfect setting for all occasions.

More Info
The Belfast Empire

Belfast

Address

40 – 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 9276

info@thebelfastempire.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A converted church in the heart of Belfast, boasting the city's most diverse offering of entertainment. Regular gigs include the Comedy Club, Blues Club and Supper Club.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
The National Grande Café

Belfast

Address

62 - 68 High Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1130

info@thenationalbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

From coffee and fresh pastries on the go, delicious soups and sandwiches for lunch and exquisite evening meals with wine or cocktails – there is something to satisfy every palate at any time of day. We also have one of Belfast's biggest beer gardens.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
177 reviews
Carriages Bistro

Larne

Address

105 Main Street, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 5132

carriagesbistro@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Carriages in Larne is a family run, fully-licensed restaurant offering traditional Irish and Italian cuisine with steak, pizza and seafood specialities. As for the name, you'll see original train seats, windows and carriage booths!

More Info
EDŌ Restaurant

Belfast

Address

3 Capital House, Upper Queens Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6FB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3054

info@edorestaurant.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

EDŌ (Aye-Doh) is a stylish modern bistro in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The menu features an extensive variety of small plates, taking influence from the best ingredients and cooking techniques from across Europe, whilst using the top local…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available