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: 65

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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)
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- Restaurant on Premises
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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
501 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…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
103 reviews
Kilmorey Arms Hotel Restaurant

Kilkeel

Address

41-43 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4BH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2220

info@kilmoreyarmshotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Our modern style restaurant provides a relaxed environment to enjoy the food for which the hotel is justly renowned. The staff offer a friendly and first class service.

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The Four Trees

Moira

Address

61 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LQ

Telephone
028 9278 0735

hello@fourtreesmoira.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Four Trees of Moira is a Gastro Pub in the beautiful village of Moira Co Down.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1410 reviews
Burrendale Hotel Dining

Newcastle

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2599

reservations@burrendale.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Vine at the Burrendale has a reputation for serving delicious food with the best of local produce in an intimate environment. Cottage Kitchen is a restaurant for all the family, offering a menu suitable for all in a relaxed environment.

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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
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- Restaurant on Premises
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
155 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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
215 reviews
Dufferin Arms

Killyleagh

Address

35 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4482 1182

dufferinarms@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Proper Irish pub est 1802. Famous for its traditional music sessions and singer songwriter evenings featuring many well-known artists. Our infamous and very popular seafood chowder is also not to be missed.

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The Old Post Office Tea Rooms - Pantry - Gift Shop

Newtownards

Address

191 Killinchy Road, Comber, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 6AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3335

info@opocafe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Opened in 2004 The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, County Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. This grade B listed thatched building dates back to the 1840s.

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McCartneys of Moira

Moira

Address

56-62 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1422

info@mccartneysofmoira.com

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

One of the oldest butchery businesses in Northern Ireland being over 150 years established, all this time it has been managed by the McCartney family. All McCartney meats are reared on Northern Ireland farms.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop

Bangor

Address

24 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3340

potterystaff@loafcatering.com

Type

Type:

Café

Our arts centre features a working pottery with an in house potter, pottery for sale, arts classes and activities for children. While our Café offers delicious artisan wood fired pizza, sharing deli boards and a range of sweet treats.

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The Halfway House

Banbridge

Address

80 Halfway Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 4HB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 2351

info@halfwayhouse.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Halfway House is situated on the A1 Northbound, halfway between Belfast and Newry making it a welcome stop off point for tourists and locals alike. This unique venue is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a party with friends.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
600 reviews
Sugarcane Cafe Bistro

Comber

Address

The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 3388

info@sugarcanecafebistro.com

Type

Type:

Café

Freshly prepared and locally sourced is our ethos. We use quality local suppliers to bring you fresh, tasty ingredients and then we work our Sugarcane magic of cooking with LOVE to bring our range of dishes to the plate.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1049 reviews
Pier 36 Restaurant

Donaghadee

Address

36 Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4466

info@pier36.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Pub On The Pier at Donaghadee, serving tasty bar snacks all day with fresh fish, delicious local beef, pork, lamb and game for lunch and dinner.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
667 reviews
Balloo House

Killinchy

Address

Balloo House, 1 Comber Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1210

info@balloohouse.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Balloo House is a beautiful country pub and restaurant that successfully combines history, tradition and comfort with a forward thinking attitude and passion for excellence in food.

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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 Dirty Duck

Holywood

Address

Kinnegar Road, Holywood, County Down, BT189JN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9059 6666

Type

Type:

Bar

The Dirty Duck situated looking over Belfast Lough, known for their delicious food and cold pints is a great spot to meet with friends and have great times while embracing the beautiful view.

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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 Old Inn

Crawfordsburn

Address

15-25 Main Street, Crawfordsburn, County Down, BT19 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3255

reservations@theoldinn.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We offer seasonal menus that blend classic dishes with modern twists, incorporating French-inspired cuisine, seafood, salads, and more. Our restaurant is a popular spot for those seeking a unique dining experience, while our Afternoon Tea and 1614…
Special Offers
- Summer Wine Night
  £70 per person
  Celebrate the season in style at The Old Inn Summer Wine Evening, where fine wine meets exceptional cuisine. Guided by our expert sommelier, enjoy a curated selection of summer-perfect wines — from crisp whites to light, expressive reds. Each wine will be expertly paired with seasonal small plates crafted by Executive Head Chef Andy Turner of The Old Inn's AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, creating a tasting experience that delights from the first sip to the last bite. Whether you're a passionate oenophile or just in it for the good vibes and great flavours, this is your invitation to unwind, indulge, and toast to summer. 7pm arrival. £15 per person deposit to secure the booking.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions
- Father's Day Dining at The Old Inn
  From £49.95 per person
  Celebrate this special day by taking your father out for a scrumptious meal at The Old Inn. Enjoy a cosy atmosphere and a delectable menu at AA Rosette The Restaurant, the ideal setting to express your love and gratitude to your dad in a memorable way. Adult Menu – 4 Courses | £49.95. Kids Menu – 3 Courses | £21.95. Gift for all fathers. £15.00pp deposit required
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions
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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Distiller's Rest Café

Kircubbin

Address

The Echlinville Distillery, 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Type

Type:

Café

Enjoy tea, coffee, sweet treats and walking trails at The Distiller's Rest Café on The Echlinville Distillery Estate. Everyone Welcome.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi