Newcastle Food & Drink Tour

About

Join Mairead Sweeney a local tour guide on the Newcastle Food & Drink Tour, exploring  cafes, restaurants, and bars.  This 3 hour walking tour (1.4miles in total distance) visits 6 venues with 4 food stops and 2 cocktail/mocktails along the way.  Ideal for those who are passionate about food and drink. This experience will introduce you to the town’s people, history, and top tastes, through wonderful tasting experiences in the heart of the wonderful Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area.

Newcastle Food & Drink Tour will showcase the best of the region’s cuisine, providing locals and visitors with a deep appreciation for the exceptional produce and the passionate creators who bring it to the table.

The food tour in the coastal town of Newcastle incorporates a rich tapestry of traditions and cultural history through its seven stops and detailed stories. Each dish highlights time-honoured recipes and innovations, offering a sensory journey that connects the past with the present.

The tour offers a cocktail and another wonderful alcoholic beverage, although non-alcoholic versions are available. If you opt for the former, why not leave your cares and your car at home and arrange transport on the day?

However if you are bringing the car, we advise you to park half way between the meeting point  (South Promenade Brew Bar) and the end point (Slieve Donard) for ease of access to your car after the Newcastle Food Tour.

Every bite tells a story of traditions passed down through generations, weaving a captivating story that reveals the very essence of the this coastal town.

The food tour with its curated stops and detailed narratives, serves as a bridge, connecting the past with the present, and the cultural with the gastronomic. Each dish is a revelation of flavours and textures, echoing tales of time-honoured recipes and innovations.

Stops include:

South Promenade Brew Bar

A cherished family-run establishment operated by the Connolly family for over 40 years, is nestled in a historic area of Newcastle. Housed in a 19th-century building, the inn offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.  It has become a local favourite for its vibrant breakfast and brunch culture, with locals raving about the delicious meals made from locally sourced produce.  Overlooking the sea, the inn provides stunning views that enhance the dining experience. In the evenings, it is renowned for its seafood specialties, attracting both residents and visitors with its fresh and flavourful dishes.  The bar at Harbour House Inn is particularly noted for its cocktails, crafted using the freshest regional ingredients and quality local spirits, adding a touch of sophistication to the inn's offerings.

Avoca Hotel - The Wild Hare Bar

Visit the boutique hotel that is home to The Wild Hare Bar, a beloved local establishment, has been operated by three generations of the same family. Housed in a 200-year-old building, it exudes rustic charm while seamlessly integrating contemporary style. The bar's unique character is enhanced by countertops sourced from the historic O’Hagan & O’Hare chemist in Newry, relatives of the current owners. Visitors can admire the original brickwork and the antique fireplace, both of which contribute to the bar's distinctive and welcoming atmosphere. The Wild Hare Bar stands as a testament to the blend of history and modernity, offering a cozy yet stylish retreat for its customers.

Pubs aren’t just about the drinks; they’re repositories of memories. Within their ancient walls, countless tales have been shared, friendships formed, and milestones celebrated. Taste an amazing cocktail, made especially for this tour.

Nugelato

Nugelato offers a unique gelato and chocolate experience, standing out as the first establishment in Northern Ireland to feature a hot chocolate tap. Renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, Nugelato draws on 100 years of family experience in the art of Italian gelato making. This heritage ensures that every scoop is crafted using authentic Italian methods, resulting in classic flavours that evoke nostalgia, alongside creative flavours that delight the adventurous palate. Whether enjoying a simple cone or indulging in a rich, hot chocolate, visitors can taste the dedication and craftsmanship that define Nugelato's offerings.

The Hatch

Owned by Colin and Bronagh Johnstone from Castlewellan in County Down, The Hatch showcases their passion for innovative and delicious food. Massive foodies at heart, they bring their creativity to life with unique menu items. Colin, who worked as a chef for 18 years before setting up The Hatch with Bronagh, emphasizes the use of local ingredients, including Mourne shorthorn beef and their fries are triple-cooked to perfection. The Hatch prides itself on smoking all its meats in-house, ensuring a rich, authentic flavour in every bite.

Fish & Farm 

Fish & Farm, owned by Alex Greene and Bronagh McCormick. Alex, a Michelin Starred Chef & Great British Menu finalist first opened Fish & Farm in 2019, and after partnering with Bronagh, they expanded its offerings and relaunched the business in January 2024. The primary focus is a retail shop where customers can choose from a variety of freshly prepared dishes to enjoy at home. These include locally sourced fresh fish, lasagnes, pies, chowder, soups, sausage rolls, and breads, all meticulously prepared in-house by Alex and his team of chefs. In addition to these offerings, the deli counter now features an array of homemade treats such as scones, salad bowls, breakfast toasties, croissants, mini pies, and tray bakes. Customers can enjoy these delights in-house or take them away, accompanied by tea or coffee. This expansion has enhanced Fish & Farm’s reputation as a go-to destination for quality, locally sourced, and freshly prepared foods.

Slieve Donard Hotel

Built in 1857, this late Victorian building boasts 180 ornate bedrooms and has been a highly sought-after retreat. . With so many dining opportunities available the choice is all yours. The restaurant is named after Slieve Donard's architect, J.J. Farrall’s and it is a distinguished restaurant located at the heart of the hotel. Guests can savour the finest seasonal and locally sourced beef, seafood, and game, all sourced straight from Ireland’s larder. Stop by the Lighthouse Lounge for Mediterranean-inspired light bites, pastries, choice teas and coffee, along with hearty seasonal lunch and dinner options. Warm and inviting, the restaurant boasts fine views across the bay to Newcastle and the mountains. Intimate and richly decorated, Wolf Bar is the hotel’s social centre. Their cocktail menu features classics with a Slieve Donard twist, inspired by local history.  At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, local favourite The Percy French serves pub classics, regional fare, bar snacks and a traditional Sunday roast — all with a focus on in-season and local produce.

Meeting Point: South Promenade Brew Bar, 8 South Promenade, Newcastle BT33 0EX. (A 15 minute walk from the Newcastle Centre. Parking nearby)

Finishing Point: Slieve Donard Hotel, Downs Road, Newcastle, BT33 0AH

Car Parking available in Newcastle Town.