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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
585 reviews
Grace Neill's

Donaghadee

Address

33 High Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4595

info@graceneills.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Reputedly "the oldest pub in Northern Ireland", Grace Neil's offers a safe haven from both the weather and the hustle and bustle of modern life. It is the perfect spot for award-winning food, a welcome drink with friends or some old-world character…

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
682 reviews
Mourne Seafood Bar

Dundrum

Address

10 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4375 1377

dundrum@mourneseafood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Our aim is to provide locally sourced seafood at an affordable price. All our produce is sourced from local ports and delivered daily to ensure freshness and quality.

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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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The Poacher’s Pocket

Lisbane

Address

181 Killinchy Road, Lisbane, County Down, BT23 5NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1589

victoria@ballooinns.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
708 reviews
Brunel's Restaurant

Newcastle

Address

32 Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3951

info@brunelsrestaurant.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free car parking in Downs Road parking, across the road from the restaurant
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
835 reviews
The Cuan Restaurant

Strangford

Address

The Square, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1222

info@thecuan.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The success of The Cuan has been built on consistently serving excellent food and drink coupled with exceptional customer service. A strong emphasis is placed on using fresh ingredients and sourcing our produce locally. Stay over in our bedrooms.

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

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
NearyNógs Café

Kilkeel

Address

19 Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 867437

general@nearynogs.com

Type

Type:

Café

Welcome to NearyNogs Cafe.
Ireland's first Bean to Bar Craft Chocolate Company now has a Cafe and tea room space. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating available.
Try our range of hot chocolate drinks and flavours and our specialty coffee…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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 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
357 reviews
Blend & Batch

Banbridge

Address

104 Newry Street, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4023 8050

info@blendxbatch.com

Type

Type:

Café

We are an independent coffee shop - kitchen situated in Banbridge who blend locally roasted coffee, batch bake a range of sweet and healthy treats in-house and craft delicious food served everyday by our talented chefs.

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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
885 reviews
Daft Eddy's Bar & Restaurant

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1615

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality, Daft Eddy's offers fresh seafood and a host of other local produce.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
JJ Farrall's

Newcastle

Address

Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH

Telephone
02843721066

info@slievedonard.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Savour the very best seasonal and locally sourced beef, seafood and game, straight from Ireland’s larder, while enjoying the restaurant’s 19th-century architecture and open fire.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
231 reviews
Denvir's of Downpatrick

Downpatrick

Address

Denvir's Coaching Inn, 14-16 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 2012

info@denvirs.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A charming Coaching Inn dating from 1642 providing bed and breakfast with restaurant service daily and entertainment four nights per week. Meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms, suitable for larger…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
105 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.

More Info