Belfast and Causeway Coastal Route, 3 day itinerary
Find out why Northern Ireland was named World’s Best Food Destination at the International Travel and Tourism Awards 2018!
A great place for lovers of good food and drink, exceptional produce and award-winning chefs, discover some new experiences and hidden gems both in Belfast and on the Causeway Coast. This tour is focused on Northern Ireland’s world-renowned food and drink scene with a generous sprinkling of culture, activity and a few surprises along the way.
Day 1
Belfast Food Tour
Taste and Tour NI – home of the multi-award-winning Belfast Food Tour as well as five other signature food and drink tours and bespoke private and corporate tours, events and experiences. We believe the best way to get to know a city is through its food and drink – join us for a “taster” of our five-star Tourism NI-rated Belfast Food Tour. The Belfast Food Tour will take you “off the beaten track” on a food- and fun-filled guided walk through Belfast City Centre. No need for breakfast, nor will you need lunch! Our enthusiastic, local expert guides will ensure you get a flavour for the city and the magnificent and authentic produce of Northern Ireland.
Beyond the Bridge – Salmon Fishermen Tale
Warming your hands by a turf fire in an 18th century fisherman’s hut, you learn of the men who once earned their living here, on this deserted island beside the precarious Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Experiences don’t get more authentic, or more memorable, than this.
Whiskey on the Rocks/Bushmills
Sitting on basalt rocks in a quiet spot on the Giant’s Causeway, you take a sip of Bushmills 12-Year-Old Distillery Reserve whiskey and let the salty sea wind envelop you. This is a truly unique, and intimate, way to experience the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, and to savour the world-famous whiskey distilled just a few miles away.
Day 2
Toast the Coast with Portia Woods
Depart for your Causeway Coastal Route Drive along the coast shaped by Fire and Ice, where you will meet the 9 Glens of Antrim, hugging each Glen with spectacular view. Arriving at Glenarm Castle Estate you will meet Portia Woods of Toast the Coast Food Tours & Experiences where she will guide you into the forest to sample Fire & Feast. We’ll then introduce you to local produce cooked on the open fire, share stories of food heritage, encourage you to have a go at spear throwing or flint knapping, while learning about the renewed connection locals are experiencing with the foraged environment. Onward along the coast you’ll meet each bend with new insight into light local history before stopping off at the 1625 Ballygally Castle for Northern Ireland Tapas plates and Craft Gin Tasting, then afterwards exploring the highest room in the castle or the beach by foot.
HMS Caroline – Meet The Crew
The First World War battleship HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship from the 1916 Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the conflict. Now a floating museum, it invites its visitors to experience the highs and lows of life at sea. Stepping on deck, you are stepping back in time.
Day 3
Black Cab Tour Belfast
The Black Cab tour takes you around areas of North and West Belfast synonymous with years of conflict. Here you will see murals, described by Simon Calder of The Independent as “The world’s greatest open air art gallery” that relate to events from an historical perspective. You can follow the example of Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama and write your own message on the Peace Wall that separates the Loyalist Shankill and Republican Falls.
Hilden Brewery
Discover the magic of brewing by visiting Ireland's oldest independent brewery, in the 19th century courtyard of Hilden House, near Lisburn. A working craft beer brewery with licensed restaurant in a beautiful and historic setting, now that’s a foodie destination. First, learn about the craft from the master brewer at Hilden Brewery. Brewery tours include tastings, but you should then also linger on in the Tap Room restaurant to try the beers paired with the excellent food. It's also worth checking out Molly's Yard Restaurant in Belfast, which is attached to Hilden and holds loads of food and drink matched events.
Belfast Cookery School
The Cookery School is a purpose-built interactive kitchen and is the perfect location for sharing a passion of produce and cooking. The School is dedicated to helping those who want to share a passion and learn more about food and the way it should be prepared. The aim is to encourage students to enjoy their cooking experience and to create an atmosphere of fun and learning that stays with them long after the class is over. All of our classes take place under the expert guidance of our handpicked resident and guest Chefs, each recognised experts in their culinary fields. Our experts provide easy-to-follow step-bystep lessons and friendly direction, equipping you with all the information needed to create a delicious meal which you can recreate time and again to astound family and friends.
Enjoy the multi award-winning Belfast Food Tour or choose from a variety of other tours including Sensorium, an interactive sensory cocktail experience, as well as bespoke private tours and corporate experiences.
Follow in the footsteps of generations of fishermen when you cross the bridge from the present to the past.
Sitting on basalt rocks in a quiet spot on the Giant’s Causeway, you take a sip of Bushmills 12-Year-Old Distillery Reserve whiskey and let the salty sea wind envelop you. You’re awakening your senses, committing this moment to memory, and enjoying it at your own pace. Welcome to Whiskey on the Rocks.
The World War One warship HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship from the 1916 Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the conflict. Now a floating museum, it invites its visitors to experience the highs and lows of life at sea. By stepping onto its marvellous original deck, you are stepping back in time. Enjoy exploring real parts of the ship on your visit, like the Captain's cabins, the ward room and deck areas. Or try your hand at code breaking!
Try this for an interesting tour of Belfast city, which takes place in a black cab, and it's your driver who brings the story of the city to life, combining the history and character of the place with the personal experience of people who have lived there all their lives.
Hilden Brewery is Ireland's Oldest Independent Brewery. We have been running for over 40 years and in the last seven have added a second brew house, a bottling line and a canning line.
The School is dedicated to helping those who want to share our passion and learn more about food and the way it should be prepared.
