Explore the Best Food and Drink 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.
Discover Belfast’s Flavours on an Award-Winning Food Tour
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.
Experience the Best of Local Produce at 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.
Discover Northern Ireland’s Whiskey Heritage
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 you'll really get a taste for what it’s all about.
Eat, Sip and Stroll Through Enniskillen’s Culinary Delights
On a small island, separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen is the perfect setting for a food tour with a difference. On the Enniskillen Taste Experience 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.
Just to note, as there is the odd drink involved you will want to nominate a designated driver in advance!
Meet the Makers Behind Northern Ireland’s Artisan Foods
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 (which means ‘working museum’), they’ll be happy to share their stories as you visit their place of work – which is often also their home.
Tour the farm where the much in-demand Broighter 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.
Explore the Mournes and Sample Ales on the Trails and Ales Tour
It’s on your bike for the fully guided Trails and Ales 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.
Explore Traditional Cider Making on Guided Orchard Tours
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.
Bake Traditional Irish Breads at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen
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.
Taste Northern Ireland’s Artisan Flavours on a Guided Food & Whiskey Tour
There’s nothing like local knowledge, and local guide (and passionate foodie) Wendy Gallagher is happy to share it all with you. She offers immersive tour experiences that celebrate the very best of the region’s artisan food and drink. Along the way, you’ll visit a local artisan market, explore a rural farm, and enjoy an exclusive tasting of world-famous Bushmills Whiskey – crafted at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
It’s a day packed with flavour, fun, and friendly craic, all set against the stunning backdrop of Northern Ireland’s countryside. Expect locally sourced meals, hand-prepared snacks, and unforgettable tastes at every stop.
Explore Derry~Londonderry’s Flavours on a Foodie Cycle Tour
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.
Eat Your Way Through the City with Derry by Fork
There’s no doubt that what’s on the plate tells the story of a place. On these gentle walking tours, you’ll get to discover the city’s thriving food scene food. Sample the culinary delights across the city. Come hungry and leave the car at home.
Raise a Glass on Northern Ireland’s Best Distillery and Brewery Tours
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. (closed until 2026). 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.
The Echlinville 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. 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.
