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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: 152

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
265 reviews
Glenarm Castle Tea Room

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Estate, 2 Castle Lane, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1984

Samantha.glenarmtearoom@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Step into the heart of Glenarm Castle's estate and discover our cosy Tea Room, nestled in the historic Mushroom House within the enchanting Walled Garden. Open daily, it's a rare gem in Northern Ireland, offering visitors the unique experience of…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6902 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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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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Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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.

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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.

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The Spaniard

Belfast

Address

The Spaniard Bar, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2448

spaniardbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hidden within the Cathedral Quarter is this little gem of a bar. We pride ourselves in offering the most intimate atmosphere along with an outstanding selection of Rum. Join us and sip on our famous Dark n Stormy or Extraordinary! Not to be missed!

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Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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!

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviews
The Olderfleet Bar & Garden Venue

Larne

Address

42 Fleet Street, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 2007

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Olderfleet in Larne blends historic charm with modern flair, offering award-winning dining, live entertainment, a dog-friendly garden, and stylish event spaces - perfect for locals, visitors, and special celebrations alike.

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Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviews
Follow Coffee Co

Ballymena

Address

21-23 Greenvale Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
07745017007

followcoffeeco@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Freshly roasted locally produced speciality coffee and food in comfortable surroundings within the heart of Ballymena.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- 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
Nemesis Asian Fusion

Portrush

Address

39, 41 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7053 1233

nemesis@marcusportrush.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A bold new dining experience in Portrush.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 21:30

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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.
Special Offers
- Christmas Day at Fratelli
  From £180 per Adult I Child £70.00
  Celebrate Christmas the Italian way at our family-friendly ristorante, Fratelli. Enjoy a five-course traditional Christmas lunch filled with live music, rustic charm, and festive spirit.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Boxing Day at Fratelli
  From £62.95 I Child £30
  Relax the day after Christmas with a four-course festive lunch at Fratelli. Enjoy seasonal favourites served from 12 noon, while little ones delight in a visit from Santa and receive a special gift. From 5pm, our À La Carte menu offers the perfect option for evening dining.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
311 reviews
Mary McBride's

Cushendun

Address

Main Street, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2176 1511

cormacmckeegan@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
55 reviews
Kings Road Coffee Shop

Whitehead

Address

1 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7354 469104

Hello@wearekingsroad.com

Type

Type:

Café

Kings Road: Charming, historic café in Whitehead. Cosy atmosphere, dog-friendly with an outside decking. Diverse menu, including hearty breakfasts, sweet treats, and vegan options. Loyalty rewards available. Experience warmth and hospitality.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1563 reviews
Revolución De Cuba

Belfast

Address

25 - 39 Arthur Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4GQ

Telephone
02895909249

bookings-belfast@revoluciondecuba.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s authentic Cuban bar and restaurant within a breathtaking Art Nouveau building in the heart of the city. Freshly prepared Latin menus, inspired and innovative cocktails and – yep, you guessed it – plenty of rum.

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

24 Dec 2024to26 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

27 Dec 2025to1 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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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Daily Gin Tasting Experience

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2588 1001

reservations@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

An exclusive Gin Tasting Experience at Galgorm Resort, near Ballymena, as they showcase hand-selected gins every Monday to Sunday in the surroundings of The Gin Library, winner of Best Bar in Connacht/Ulster at the Sky Bar of the Year awards.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviews
Benedicts Restaurant

Belfast

Address

7-21 Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9059 1999

info@benedictshotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes offering the best local produce in an exquisite setting at an affordable price.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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.

More Info
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