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Food & Drink

With lush green agricultural land, lakes and seas teeming with fish, you won’t be surprised to discover that Northern Ireland is home to some of the freshest and tastiest fine food on these islands.

The food industry is booming here. Chefs and restaurants in Northern Ireland present ambitious dishes such as goat or Lough Neagh eel to their discerning restaurant-goers. New takes on old favourites like fish and chips, soda farls and home-baked breads are broadening people’s view on local dishes. And there is of course still plenty of room for old favourites like the Ulster Fry and Tobacco Onions.

Aiming for the stars in Belfast - Michelin Stars

Belfast has seen a flurry of new and top-quality restaurants opening in recent years. You'll find them serving fresh, local meat and fish dishes and utterly divine desserts like rhubarb pavlova and chocolate mousse. OX and The Muddler's Club fly the flag when it comes to those highly coveted Michelin stars and if it’s the finest of fine dining you’re after, then look no further.

Seafood for seafoodies

In County Down, fish fans will love the simple fresh dishes at Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum - langoustines, spicy fried whole bream and smoked haddock risotto are among the favourites here and all with a fresh sea breeze. In nearby Newtownards, Balloo House is a top-quality bistro in an old country pub that serves good value tasty meals with mains like monkfish and sticky-glazed ox cheek. It has an interesting kids’ menu too by the way.

A gin distillery visit is just the tonic

You might want to leave the kids behind if you’re visiting the Rademon Estate Distillery. This is the home of Shortcross Gin, distilled using locally picked wild botanicals and fresh well water. Pre-book a tour and head distiller, David Boyd-Armstrong, will take you through the process and of course let you taste his gin.

Fermanagh’s fine food tradition

Whilst in Enniskillen, you must pop into the marvellous O’Doherty’s Fine Meats. This is the home of Fermanagh Black Bacon, cured from pigs allowed to roam free on their own private island on Lower Lough Erne. Those pigs were probably too busy feasting on fresh herbs and apples to realise that the leaders of the world had gathered nearby for the 2013 G8 Summit. Lough Erne Resort (5*) played host that year and you can rest assured that the world’s presidents and prime ministers enjoyed their meal. Noel McMeel and his culinary team have created a collection of menus which showcase modern Irish cuisine at its finest, using the very best of local, seasonal ingredients.

Venison like no other

In County Tyrone, the wild sika venison of the Baronscourt Estate takes pride of place. This produce has won several awards both in Ireland and the UK.

A twist on the usual in Derry-Londonderry

If you’re willing to taste great beer with a strange twist then the Walled City Brewery’s Derry Milk beer might just be the cream for you. Hand-crafted from chocolate stout and organic cow’s milk, this smooth alcohol experience is one you’re unlikely to forget.

A drink to the Derry Girls

Right inside the walled city sits The Exchange Restaurant - good spot for a family meal and the right place to try out the aforementioned Tobacco Onions.

After all the fine fresh food, sweet treats and alcoholic beverages, you might find it difficult to go any further.

But if there is one place we really think you should visit it’s Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil on Broglasco Farm in Limavady, County Londonderry. This working museum is run by Leona and Richard Kane. Richard’s family has tended this land for over 100 years. They have worked tirelessly to promote this homegrown cooking oil and the story of how it all came to be is one of the many you’re likely to hear on your journey through Northern Ireland’s flourishing food trade.

Your ultimate guide to Food and Drink in Northern Ireland

Embark on a culinary journey through Northern Ireland, where you can savour traditional dishes and contemporary creations, paired with local drinks and produce. Enhance your experience by enjoying food tours, farm-to-table dining, and immersive cooking classes that bring you closer to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

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Awaken your Giant Spirit

Best Hot Chocolate and Coffee Spots in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a haven for hot drink enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or just starting your hot chocolate journey, we're confident you'll going to find plenty of places serving hot beverages you'll love.
Top Food & Drink Experiences

Here's a short list of some of our favourite food and drink experiences from across Northern Ireland, which represent the best local produce.
Pubs of Northern Ireland

You’ll find welcoming bars across all corners of Northern Ireland and with a pub and club culture which stretches back over decades, there’s everything from the traditional to modern and quirky bars with some amazing nightclubs to help keep the festive party going.
Places to Eat in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is proud of its food and drink heritage because there’s so much that’s good here. The incredible local produce, the skill of its rising food stars and a commitment to holding on to the best of its traditional cuisine. In fact, all the ingredients for one of the most exciting food scenes around.
Northern Ireland Spirits Trail

With new distilleries added to the Spirit Trail in 2024, there's now 13 hidden gems located across Northern Ireland to explore. Use our interactive map to learn more about the passion for distilling that you'll uncover in this part of the world.
Michelin rated restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants are more than just places to dine; these are culinary destinations which deliver dedication, creativity, and passion beyond the everyday. Choosing to dine in one of these fabulous establishments is a wise decision, and the memories made her will linger long after the last course.
Food Tours & Experiences in Northern Ireland

Nothing takes you to the heart of a place like its food and experiencing it through local eyes is even better. Northern Ireland has an abundance of tours, trails and events that take you behind the scenes to savour all that its vibrant food scene has to offer. And you’ll be sure to have some fun along the way.
Places to Drink: Best Pubs in Northern Ireland

There’s no better way to find out about local life than in a local pub. Northern Ireland’s got all kinds - from those with ancient history to the new kids on the block. So settle in, strike up a conversation and make yourself at home.
Distillery & Brewery Tours

Northern Ireland has seen a renaissance in brewing and distilling in recent years. Nearly every county now boasts a top-class producer of beer and cider or whiskey and gin. Of course, some have been around for years and have moved with the times.
Make it Yourself

Food has a special place in all our hearts. Learn to make local dishes with recipes from local providers, including Fifteens, Irish Wheaten Bread and Christmas favourites including cookies, cake and cranberry and orange bannock!
Économusées - Artisans at work

There is very little that the innovators of this great land won’t turn their hand to. Apart from its reputation in linen and ships, Northern Ireland has always been a place with a love of the artisan. In recent years, with the resurgence of interest in everything local, bespoke and hand-crafted, the small producer has taken off again. There are now a plethora of économuseé across Northern Ireland and each has a story to tell about their community.
Upcoming Food & Drink Events

There’s so much happening on the food front in Northern Ireland these days that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. New inventive and talented chefs coming through. Local food and drink artisan businesses thriving. Here’s just a taster of what you’ll find when you get here...

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Awaken your Giant Spirit

Picnic Spots with Incredible Views

Northern Ireland puts the great in great outdoors. From golden coastlines to magical forests, there are so many spectacular places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. We've found spots for everyone – some with picnic tables, some where you'll need your tartan blanket, some that are easy to get to, and even some more challenging spots that are a bit of an adventure to find. So get outdoors and explore!
Pub Grub

We’ve listed just a few of our favourite pubs in Northern Ireland that are known for their delicious food, enough to rival any restaurant! Nothing beats the warm welcome and craic you’ll experience in these pubs, whether you choose city, town or countryside.
Afternoon tea

What is it about those dainty sandwiches, warm scones, fluffy cakes and pastry deliciousness that we just can’t get enough of? Northern Ireland has embraced Afternoon Tea in a big way, and these are some of our favourite places to enjoy it.
Vegan restaurants and places to eat

Welcome to our guide on vegan restaurants and places to eat in Northern Ireland! Whether you're a committed vegan or simply looking to discover delicious plant-based options, this region offers an array of culinary delights that cater to diverse dietary preferences. From trendy vegan cafes serving up scrumptious plant-based meals to upscale restaurants showcasing innovative vegan cuisine, Northern Ireland is a melting pot of flavors and creativity.
Food & drink itinerary

You could spend the rest of your life on a culinary tour around Northern Ireland and you still wouldn’t get to see all the food and drink that’s produced and sold here. From farmers markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, country kitchens to family tables, Northern Ireland’s food revolution is going from strength to strength – seemingly as fresh and seasonal as the produce that inspires it. These are just some of the highlights.
Unique Northern Ireland Foods

We’ve hand-picked some of the most unique and delicious delicacies that Northern Ireland has to offer. From sweet and savoury snacks to hearty main meals, there’s certainly something special to enjoy around every corner in Northern Ireland.
Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots

If we are to believe the experts, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here in Northern Ireland we try to be a little more diplomatic when it comes to our food - we believe that every meal is important but there’s no doubt, there’s nothing like a good brekkie to get you off to a flyer. Of course as the home of the Ulster Fry we have a bit of a love for our bacon, sausages and fried eggs sunny side up but we also know a thing or two about lighter morning indulgences. And there is always time for a brunch trip as well. So let’s get stuck in.
Cycle routes for foodies

If you’re searching for delicious food and stunning scenery, these cycle trails are the perfect way to make your way around Northern Ireland. Ready for a culinary adventure?