Food & Drink in County Down

Where to eat and drink in County Down

In recent years celebrity chefs like Paul Rankin and Michael Deane have done a lot to boost Northern Ireland’s food and drink credentials. So successful have local efforts been that Northern Ireland was named 'Best Food Destination' at the prestigious International Travel and Tourism Awards in London in 2018. While many of their restaurants have made Belfast a culinary hotspot, their influence and that of others is felt across the country. Nowhere more so than in County Down.

Start at the top with fine dining

Hara in Royal Hillsborough is one of the newer stars on the scene. Taking its name from the hare that runs free across nearby countryside, the focus here is on using the finest locally-sourced ingredients. The menu carefully reflects the season and what’s available locally, and it’s all served up in a minimal, understated dining room.

Local is again the name of the game at Wine & Brine in Moira, where the restaurant offers three dining rooms and an open kitchen-restaurant experience. Combining age-old methods like brining and fermentation with contemporary cooking techniques, every dish and meal here is one to be savoured.

Casual and contemporary

Ashvale Farm Shop is a family run business nestled in the Bailesmills countryside close to Lisburn. Informed by a family farming heritage, the focus here is on casual, home-cooked food served to the highest standards.

Seafood for foodies and everyone

With such a spectacular coastline and so many fishing harbours dotted along it, it’s no surprise that the local seafood is so good.

Mourne Seafood in Dundrum has a phenomenal reputation for delivering one hell of a taste of the sea. One big difference is that they control their own shellfish sourcing and beds, so you can be assured that the ingredients here are second to none. From crispy whitebait to king prawn linguini to fried whole bream, every dish represents the very best the local seas and chefs have to offer. It might be just the place to reward a sub-par round of golf at nearby Royal County Down.

Seafood is also on the menu at Coq & Bull at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor. But alongside locally-caught fish and shellfish, you’ll find an equal emphasis on locally-sourced and farmed vegetables, fruit and meat. As they say themselves, ‘no tricks, no trends, no flimflam’, just good, honest soulful food.

There’s also a seaside influence at Noble in the popular village of Hollywood. But here the ambience is more varied, with simple, hearty dishes. Everything is beautifully plated and served up in a relaxed but very contemporary canteen-style room.

There’s bar food, and then there’s…

Naturally, The Tap Room restaurant at the Hilden Micro-Brewery near Lisburn, features drink as well as food. But the food’s the star in this room, while the drink is doing its thing in the vats, tanks and pipes next door. Although the brewery is Northern Ireland’s oldest, the food served here is nothing but contemporary. (closed until 2026).

Today, most public houses in County Down offer both eating and drinking options. So when it comes to finding the perfect pub, you might just find the perfect plate all at the same time.

The Maghera Inn in Maghera is just this kind of place. It’s a pub and a pantry with an almost 200-year-old history, but feel fresh and vibrant every time you set foot in it. The very first of Northern Ireland’s world famous linen mills was founded in Maghera in 1736, so it’s unlikely that any of the mill’s linen cloths are still used by the inn’s bartenders. But there’s no harm in asking!

Everyone seems to have heard of Daft Eddy’s on the shores of Strangford Lough. This happens to be the largest sea lough in Britain or Ireland. Which might explain why Daft Eddy’s has such a large following from across and around the bay, and beyond it too. The views are spectacular, and there might be no better place to savour a pint of local or international beer while taking in that expansive view.

Feeling hungry or thirsty now? Just take your pick from these selections or set off and discover your very own personal favourite.

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Number of results: 66

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience

Kilkeel

Address

Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 867 437

general@nearynogs.com

Type

Type:

Food Education & Experiences

NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1410 reviews
Burrendale Hotel, Lounge and Bar

Newcastle

Address

51 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2599

reservations@burrendale.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is a leading four-star Hotel in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, nestled beneath the Mountains of Mourne. Located just 45 minutes from Belfast or Newry, The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is…

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Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Vespers Restaurant

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 1066

res@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Vespers is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. It serves modern Irish Cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients.

Dates

From:

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

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
238 reviews
Coffee Yard

Holywood

Address

102 - 104 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 7210

info@coffeeyard.com

Type

Type:

Café

Coffee Yard is a family-run business that combines all our favourite things - coffee, art, tasty treats, and live music

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Hugh McCann's

Newcastle

Address

119 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2487

info@hughmccanns.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hugh McCann's has a spectacular location opposite Newcastle's new promenade with panoramic sea views. The two hundred year old building is fully restored with antique fixtures and fittings.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Villa Vinci

Newcastle

Address

31 Main Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3080

villavinci2008@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located in the popular seaside town of Newcastle, on the Co Down coast, Villa Vinci is an established restaurant with a reputation for sumptuous food and exceptional service.

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The Rostrevor Inn

Rostrevor

Address

33-35 Bridge Street, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4173 9911

therostrevorinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Famous for delicious, great value food & welcoming ambience, the award-winning Rostrevor Inn hosts a popular bistro, atmospheric traditional bar. The beautifully renovated 1800s building is yards from Kilbroney Park, the gateway to the Mournes.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The Dundrum Inn

Dundrum

Address

143-145 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 84375 1211

patterson@approachablegroup.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Dundrum Inn is situated in the beautiful village of Dundrum on the shores of Dundrum Bay. UK Pub of the Year 2022, best in County Down. Northern Ireland’s Pub & Bar of the Year 2025.

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Facilities

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

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Saltwater Brig

Kircubbin

Address

43 Rowreagh Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8435

info@saltwaterbrig.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The famous Saltwater Brig pub and restaurant lies just outside Belfast, between Kircubbin and Portaferry, on the Ards Penninsula. Established circa 1765.
"Destination Strangford Lough Tourist Information Point available in these Premises".

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Le Winters Bistro

Newtownards

Address

92 Church Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 4141

info@strangfordhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located at the tip of Strangford Lough and the heart of Co.Down, LeWinters has an established reputation throughout Northern Ireland as a popular eatery with an extensive menu of freshly prepared local, traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA rating.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
505 reviews
The Guillemot

Bangor

Address

2 & 6 Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EY

Telephone
028 9146 2037

rachel@theguillemot.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Guillemot is a warm embrace, a place to seek comfort, to eat, drink, catch up with friends, and relax. Taking its name from the resident seabirds at Bangor’s Eisenhower Pier, The Guillemot has now become an iconic and much-loved part of this…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
167 reviews
No.14 at The Georgian House

Comber

Address

14 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9131 1106

no14atthegeorgianhouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Award Winning 1790 Georgian building, lovingly restored with antique fireplaces, cornicing wooden floors and many more period details.

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The Plough Inn

Royal Hillsborough

Address

3 The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9268 2985

info@theploughhillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Plough Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a friendly pint in the bar, a hearty pub lunch or a gastronomic delight in the evening. The traditional surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to relax and dine in a welcoming environment.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
201 reviews
Maginns Bar

Castlewellan

Address

9-11 Main Street, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 8235

info@maginnsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated at the lower end of the town, 'Maginn’s of Castlewellan' is definitely the hot spot in Castlewellan with local and new customers, coming far and wide to enjoy everything this refreshing bar complex has to offer.

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Café IncredABLE @ Banbridge Leisure Centre

Banbridge

Address

15 Downshire Place, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 4560

banbridge@incredable.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Café incredABLE is a social enterprise operated from Banbridge Leisure Centre in order to facilitate training, employment and meaningful daytime activity for individuals with a learning/intellectual disability and/or autism.
Breakfast, lunch,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The Cultra Inn

Cultra

Address

Cultra Inn, 111 Bangor Road, Cultra, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

Cultrainn@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We pride ourselves on our high standard of food and service. Using only the finest local produce our wholesome menu has been created by our Head Chef, Mark McMahon, to satisfy all your culinary needs.

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The Maypole Bar

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 2588

Type

Type:

Bar

The Maypole Bar builds on its roots and keeps a tradition perfectly pairing alongside the rustic, classy and traditional interior. The Maypole Bar is a feel-good bar and you know fine rightly upon entrance you will be given a big greeting and made…

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The Primrose Restaurant

Ballynahinch

Address

30 Main Street, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8DN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 3177

theprimroserestaurant@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Primrose has been welcoming guests to our restaurant & bar for over 90 years and has enjoyed an enviable reputation for great food and service.

Dates

From:

11 Aug 2025to10 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Street parking is free after 18:00. Large public car park is a 3 minute walk away. Charges apply up to 18:00. Free on Sundays and public holidays.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
100 reviews
McBrides on the Square

Comber

Address

1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 91313969

irissmcbride@aol.com

Type

Type:

Bar

For over 35 years McBride’s have been providing quality traditional meals using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers, especially shellfish and seafood from Portavogie.

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Mynt Coffee Shop

Banbridge

Address

4 & 5 Scarva Street Shopping Centre, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3DA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 406 23003

Type

Type:

Café

Mynt coffee shop offers its customers a range of services from delicious lite bites to specialty coffees. Relax in this cozy atmosphere with a book, browse through the variety of movies to rent, or use the internet access to catch up on e-mails.

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