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
19 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
1427 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
The Bucks Head

Dundrum

Address

77-79 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4375 1868

info@thebucksheaddundrum.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Under new ownership, Bronagh McCormick and Alex Greene are thrilled to unveil an exciting transformation at The Bucks Head. The Bucks Head will welcome you with a fresh new look, promising an inviting atmosphere and unforgettable moments. Join us…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
269 reviews
Noble

Holywood

Address

27 Church Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BU

Telephone
+ (44) 028 9042 5655

info@nobleholywood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Noble is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Holywood, County Down. Featuring a changing, seasonal menu and an evolving, exciting wine list. The menu features an array of well-priced dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
273 reviews
Pretty Mary's Bar Foodhouse

Moira

Address

86 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1318

prettymarys@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Bar

We are a great local pub in the heart of Moira Village!

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

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
675 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 Garden Cafe

Downpatrick

Address

1st Floor, Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 5322

Denise.wilson@stepping-stones.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Dine out with a spectacular view at Downpatrick’s only roof top terrace with a stunning garden backdrop.
Enjoy the finest freshly cooked food using the finest local ingredients in Downpatrick’s hidden gem.

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The Parson's Nose

Royal Hillsborough

Address

48 Lisburn Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9268 3009

info@theparsonsnose.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Parson’s Nose comes with a pedigree that’s melded into the very fabric of the building. Built by the first Marquis of Downshire in the late 1700s, this simple yet elegant Georgian townhouse has today been transformed into an award-winning,…

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Facilities

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

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
239 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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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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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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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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Wildfowler Inn

Greyabbey

Address

1-3 Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8234

info@wildfowlerinn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A former coaching house with a cosy traditional atmosphere and log fire in picturesque Greyabbey, just three miles from famous Mount Stewart house and gardens. Fine food catering for all tastes. Families especially welcome.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
618 reviews
The Hillside

Royal Hillsborough

Address

21 Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 2AE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9268 9233

info@hillsidehillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The Hillside is a charming, rustic pub situated in the historic village of Royal Hillsborough, County Down, only 15 minutes drive from Belfast city centre. The Hillside first opened its doors in 1752 and has been enjoying a busy trade since, thanks…

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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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Nutty Chef Sandwich Bar

Newcastle

Address

10a Donard Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 6236

kevoo7@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Nutty Chef is a family friendly local cafe, dedicated to customer service and healthy eating! All our ingredients are fresh and sourced locally, with a wide range of sandwich's, soups and snacks.

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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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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 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
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.

More Info
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 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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