There’s so much happening on the food front in Northern Ireland these days that it’s sometimes hard to keep up... there's always something new and tasty popping up. New inventive and talented chefs coming through. Local food and drink artisan businesses thriving. From wine festivals to salmon and whiskey festivals, there is something for everyone. Here’s just a taster of what you’ll find when you get here...
As summer draws to a close, the seaside town of Newcastle becomes the vibrant home of the Eats & Beats festival, offering a spectacular array of flavours and incredible live performances. Beyond the main stage, events and festivities will take place across the town with dozens of food vendors and musical acts all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the nearby mourne mountains. Whether you're a foodie eager to explore new tastes or a music lover in search of your next favourite artist, the Eats & Beats festival is an experience for you!
The Orchard County comes into its own each autumn. That’s when the Food & Cider Festival hits town. Though, in truth, with its acres of orchards and appreciation of the Armagh Bramley Apple, every day here is a celebration of that wonderful fruit.
Still, to see just how much you can do with an apple, make a date for September. The city’s alive with open air markets, cookery masterclasses, tasting dinners and, of course, orchard and cidery tours. One of the highlights is the Bramley Apple Banquet.
Or should that be Bushmills Whiskey and Salmon Festival. Never mind, either way it’s a match made in heaven. There are cookery demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs, whiskey tastings at the world-famous Bushmills Distillery, tours of the Bushmills Salmon Station and the best of fresh local produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market. Plus mouth-watering live music and dance just to get you in the spirit of it all.
Join Slemish Market Supper Club this Halloween for a unique Samhain-inspired dining experience at Infuse Tea Bar in Coleraine. Enjoy a six-course menu crafted by Chef Rob Curley using local seasonal produce, with bespoke tea pairings from hosts Áine and Duncan Davis. Set in Northern Ireland’s first tea bar on the Causeway Coastal Route, with fancy dress encouraged, this one-night-only event is one you can’t miss out on!
Experience something different this Halloween with Dining in the Dark at Armagh County Club. Guests are blindfolded and served a three-course surprise menu by former Michelin-starred chef Barry Smyth, with drinks included. Hosted by food critic Joris Minne, it’s a unique way to explore food using only your senses of taste, smell, and sound. Book now!
Armagh’s Georgian Festival attracts crowds to the city every November. And it is quite an experience, taking in the best of Armagh’s Georgian history, heritage and architectural past. Merchants line the streets and artisan produce is on show in the dedicated food village.
The Great Georgian Banquet at Archbishop’s Robinson’s Palace is the star of the festival. It’s an evening of gastronomy like no other, with a sumptuous five-course dinner and fine wines, modelled on the menus of the time.
