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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 65

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
83 reviews
Midnight Haunt

Moira

Address

90 Main Street, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1391

midnighthauntrestaurant@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Touch the heart of Chinese culture - experience the delights of the Midnight Haunt.

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
563 reviews
Great Jones Craft & Kitchen

Newcastle

Address

Main Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3328

contact@greatjones.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Bringing a fresh and exciting spin to the restaurant scene in Newcastle, Co Down – Great Jones Craft & Kitchen deliver a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and style.

More Info
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.

More Info
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…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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.

More Info
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…

More Info
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
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
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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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.

More Info
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…

More Info
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.

More Info
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

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1427 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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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.

More Info
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
836 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.

More Info
Facilities

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