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.
Taste and Tour Belfast
Taste and Tour NI promises to take you ‘off the eaten’ track on a fun and four-hour walk through Belfast’s city centre. In the company of a very knowledgeable local guide, this award-winning Belfast Food Tour brings you on a foodie odyssey to experience the true flavours of the city. Starting in the historic St George’s Market, you’ll meet the local traders and food producers, then it’s on to visit the city’s traditional bars and world-class shops, before finishing up in one of Belfast’s top restaurants in the lively Cathedral Quarter.
Belfast’s St. George’s Market
The famous St. George’s Market has been the site of a Friday market since 1604. These days it’s added Saturday and Sunday markets to its roster. Situated in a stunningly beautiful Victorian building, it’s one of Belfast’s oldest and certainly most colourful attractions. Get there early to enjoy all the best of local produce under one roof - from fresh seafood, meat and vegetables to baked goods and preserves. And there’s often some local music thrown in for good measure.
A taste of the Titanic
The best way to drink in the atmosphere of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is on the Titanic Food Tour. It takes in highlights such as SS Nomadic, tender to the Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. You’ll see the Titanic Slipways and visit HMS Caroline, Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House, and the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices. And, of course, enjoy the delicious and varied cuisine that the Titanic Quarter has to offer.
All aboard for afternoon tea
Afternoon Tea in the opulent Titanic Suite by the Grand Staircase recalls all the glamour, luxury and 5-star service of a bygone era. Sandwiches, scones with fresh cream, savoury and sweet treats are served, along with a selection of classic tea blends. In replica White Star crockery, of course. Or, if you’re really pushing the boat out, enjoy a glass of Prosecco, Champagne or a cocktail to the sound of the live jazz band.
Belfast Oyster Experience
Lee and Aoife, the husband and wife team behind the Belfast Oyster Experience, are passionate about local food, especially the classic pairing of Guinness and oysters. Join them and you’re guaranteed to experience the best in good food, good times and good craic.
If whiskey’s your tipple
Irish whiskey is the fastest-growing drinks market in the world. You can hear all about the story of Northern Ireland’s unique place in its development on an Ulster Whiskey Tour. Whether that’s a guided Whiskey Walk through Belfast or a boat trip to a distillery. And, naturally, there’ll be chances to try it along the way, so that you really get a taste for what it’s all about.
Enniskillen Taste Experience
On a small island, separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen is the perfect setting for a food tour with a difference. Here, you start with a guided walking tour, pit-stopping along the way to try the deliciously seasonal fare from local food producers and food businesses.
Among them, Joe the Baker's sourdough, Pat O’Doherty’s famous black bacon, Tickety Moo Ice cream, Boatyard Gin, Sharon’s mouth-watering scones and Innishmacsaint beer. Leave some room, though, for your final stop and the stunning food produced by head chef Glen Wheeler at 28 Darling Street restaurant.
Just to note, as there is the odd drink involved, it’s best not to be a driver for the day.
Économusée – Artisans at Work
How would you like to meet some of the producers behind Northern Ireland’s artisan products, hear what inspires them and see them work their magic? You can. As part of the Économusée (it just means ‘working museum’), they’ll be happy to share their stories as you visit their place of work – which is often also their home.
So… tour the farm where the much in demand Broigher Gold rapeseed oil is produced. See sustainable farming in action at Broughgammon’s award-winning family farm and artisan butchery. Learn about the ancient craft of food smoking at the North Coast Smokehouse. Visit the farm’s ice cream workshop at The Creamery Can. Make sourdough with Ursa Minor. Or see how traditional craft IPAs, lager and sour beers are made at Hillstown Farmshop’s brewery.
Though you don’t have to do them all at once.
An invitation to The King’s Banquet at Winterfell
Join the King’s entourage as you leap into the world of Game of Thrones® at Castle Ward in County Down. You’ll be just in time to experience the grand banquet at ‘Winterfell’ that welcomed King Robert, Queen Cersei, Joffrey and all on their visit North to ask Stark to become the ‘King’s Hand’. Cloaks are essential (and will be provided). Taking photos of your experience is a good idea too.
The Mourne Trails and Ales Tour
It’s on your bike for this fully guided cycling tour. It takes in the Whitewater Brewery where you’ll sample a select batch of their iconic craft beers and ales. Of course, you’ll also experience the rich heritage, myths and legends of the Mourne Mountains – the inspiration behind the ales.
Cider Tasting in the Orchard County
From blossom to bottle is the promise of the Armagh Cider Company. The Troughton family have been growing apples on their farm near Portadown for five generations. They’d be delighted to welcome you for a tour and a tasting – where you can stroll through the orchards, visit the cidery and try out their award-winning ciders and juices.
Long Meadow Cider also produce award-winning cider. Join them for a guided tour of their 30-acre orchard and see how the famous Bramley Apple is grown, harvested and hand-pressed to make artisan ciders, apple juice and apple cider vinegar.
Bread-making down on the farm
At Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, in her 17th century thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, traditional Irish recipes rule. So it’s aprons on to try your hand at soda bread, wheaten bread and, local favourite, potato bread. Though if you feel like a wander out to meet her chickens and cows, she’s ok with that too.
Causeway Coast foodie tours
There’s nothing like local knowledge, and local guide (and passionate foodie) Wendy Gallagher is happy to share it all with you.
She offers tour experiences that showcase the best of the region’s artisan produce - including the unique ‘Catch and Sea’ tour. You’ll set sail at dawn, see the extraordinary Causeway coastline from a new angle and catch your own breakfast, which will be cooked for you back on dry land. Definitely a day out with a difference.
An Irish feast by the sea
Why have one when you can have three? Irish Feast offer three walking tours in and around the seaside town of Ballycastle. You’ll discover the town’s outstanding gourmet artisan food and drink, award winning local produce in Bushmills by the Giant’s Causeway or learn about the joys of seaweed on the Rathlin Feast and Forage.
Food Tours on the Lough
Tracey Jeffery, your NI Tours guide, takes you on a coach trip along the stunning coastline of Strangford Lough. On the way, you’ll meet award-winning local producers, hear their stories and sample the local food and drink – from single estate whiskey to artisan dulse wheaten bread. Best to bring your appetite.
Foodie Cycle Tour of Derry-Londonderry
Far and Wild’s Foodie Cycle Tour of Derry-Londonderry takes a leisurely approach to the city’s culinary highlights in a relaxed two-hour cycle through the streets. You’ll enjoy some delicious locally-sourced fare and experience a whole new side of city culture.
Made in Derry Food Tour
There’s no doubt that what’s on the plate tells the story of a place. On this gentle four-hour walking tour, you’ll get to know the city’s food producers and sample over 25 different tastes, from street food, charcuterie and craft beers to artisan cheeses and patisserie. Come hungry and leave the car at home.
Take afternoon tea like a Derry Girl
It’s time for a Derry Girls Afternoon Tea at the Everglades Hotel (4*)- with a menu inspired by the hit Channel 4 show. Featuring, of course, the cream horn shared by Granda Joe & his floosy, a cone of chips, the famous Derry sausage roll baps, a crisp sarnie and more.
Distilling and brewing something special
On the Causeway Coastal Route sits one of the oldest and most famous distilleries in the world. The best place to start your distillery journey is with an expert guided tour of Old Bushmills Distillery to see how this unique whiskey been made for centuries. And still is today.
From something old to something new. The Walled City Brewery in Derry-Londonderry is the first of its kind here. It has a fully functioning brewery, an inviting restaurant and a mission to provide an authentic taste of the north west. And there’s more.
Hilden Brewery in County Down is the oldest independent brewery on the island of Ireland. On your visit you’ll get to see all the stages of traditional brewing and, of course, sample the results – including its famous Molly’s Chocolate Stout and Scullion’s Irish Ale.
Echindale Distillery, also in County Down produces spirits from the grain grown on the estate - which you can enjoy after your tour, choosing from a range of whiskeys, gins and traditional Irish poitín. Hughes Craft Distillery, Copeland Gin Distillery, Killowen Distillery and Rademon Estate Distillery also run tours and tastings.
Wherever you go in Northern Ireland, you’re surrounded by fantastically fresh locally-sourced food and the people who grow and produce it. And part of the joy of visiting here is getting to know both.
