About
Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival will make a welcome return this autumn to celebrate the food, drink and local heritage of the area. The village will host the festival on the weekend of 4th – 6th October, with lots to look forward to.
The programme includes a wide variety of activites and events - including fantastic food and drink samplings and cookery demonstrations, unique bespoke hosted foodie tours and experiences, a self guided Taste Trail to sample delicious festival dishes, cocktails and specials. There'll be live music as well as great street entertainment, a range of fun kids activities, craft activities and workshops, fly casting and tying and much more!
Foodies will be able to indulge in the wonderful locally produced food and drink, with a focus on salmon and whiskey. Visitors will be enjoy the local warm hospitality of the village at both the Bushmills Distillery and the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market and at all the venues throughout the village.
The Distillery will be open during the festival weekend running regular tours, while the Artisan market and showcase and samplings will offer the opportunity to meet the makers behind the local produce, purchase unique handmade crafts and more.
The Visitor Information Centre will be open throughout the weekend to provide festival information.
Click here to download the full festival programme
Click here to download the Taste Trail map
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Opening Times?
The self-guided Taste Trail will serve dishes throughout the weekend. Saturday’s cookery demos and entertainment program will run from 12pm to 5pm. The Outdoor Street Foodie Festival runs from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday.
When do the cookery demonstrations start?
The Main Street Car Park cookery marquee will host its first demo at 10:45am on Saturday, with the last one at 3:45pm. Sharvagh House demos start at 12pm, with the last at 3:45pm. On Sunday, demos in both locations start at 12pm, with the last at 3:45pm.
Is the Festival child-friendly?
Yes, there will be activities for children on Sunday in Millennium Park, including circus skills, pancake making, and themed stilt walkers. Crafts will be available on Main Street, and older children may be inspired by the cookery demos to create their own dishes.
Quiet Time for Individuals with Additional Needs
A Quiet Time Session will be held in Millennium Park on Sunday starting at 11am.
Will there be disabled toilets and changing facilities?
An Accessoloo facility will be available at Main Street Car Park from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Other toilets can be found at Dundarave and Main Street Car Park.
What do I need to book?
Bushmills Whiskey Tastings: Saturday from 10am to 3:30pm and Sunday from 11am to 3:30pm (Over 18s only) – booking is recommended. Visit: https://www.bushmills.eu/distillery
Coast & Countryside Tour with Wendy Gallagher on Friday – pre-book at: causewaycoastfoodietours.com
The Bushmills Inn is offering a unique dining experience on Friday, 4th October, featuring a 3-course Salmon & Whiskey Menu. Call (028) 2073 3000 to book.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on leads are welcome at the open-air street festival on Sunday.
Can I buy alcohol?
Visit the new Whiskey Hub at Main Street Car Park to sample whiskeys and purchase a bottle to take home. The Bushmills Distillery also has a retail area, and you can buy drinks at local bars and restaurants.
Are there any admission charges?
The festival is free, but you’ll need to pay for the Taste Trail dishes at each establishment.
Parking
Parking is available on town centre streets and at Dundarave Car Park. Bushmills Presbyterian Church Car Park is available from 1pm on both days, and the Bushmills Distillery Car Park will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
