Visitors enjoying refreshments in the Tallow House tea-room at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh — Visitors in the Tallow House tea-room at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Places to eat in Northern Ireland

Tuck into a great day out with our places to eat and drink across Northern Ireland. Enjoy classic scones in the Courtyard Cafe at The Argory, seasonal selected soups at Mount Stewart or a pub lunch at Mary McBride's in Cushendun. From a cosy corner in a quaint tea-room to a traditional pub which was once the oldest in Ireland, dine in a doorway to nature, beauty and history.

Find all the best tea-rooms, cafés, pubs and restaurants to eat and drink this winter season.

The Tea-room at Mount Stewart, County Down

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Mount Stewart

Tuck into a menu of freshly prepared dishes made with local and seasonal produce in the tea-room, and treat yourself or someone special in the gift shop.

A barista is making coffee in Rowallane Garden's café

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Rowallane Garden

You can come to Rowallane Garden for a long stroll in nature and stay for a cuppa and light bite in the café.

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The Argory

Treat yourself to a delicious snack or lunch in the Courtyard Coffee Shop and browse the second-hand books at the Blackwater bookshop. Visit 'The Coach House Collective' artisan pop-up shop, supporting local artists at The Argory.

A baking tray with 8 freshly baked sausage rolls

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Florence Court

Enjoy seasonal dishes made with local produce in the Stables Tea-room. The second-hand bookshop is stocked with a wide range of pre-loved books to take home.

Person's hand reaching for shop display of wooden carvings depicting the Giant's Causeway

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Giant's Causeway

Refuel for a giant adventure in the cafe, and discover handcrafted ranges made by local artisans in the shop. Find something unique to take home.

The Stableyard tearoom at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland

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Castle Ward

Tuck into a seasonal menu and treat yourself or someone special in the shops. Watch artists in action or pick up a Game of Thrones memento.

Takeaway coffee cup and brownie in the cafe at Divis and the Black Mountain, near Belfast, County Antrim

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Divis and the Black Mountain

Stop by the café at Divis and the Black Mountain to grab a hot drink and snack before, or after a walk along one of the sites trails.

A view of Mary McBride's pub in the village at Cushendun, Northern Ireland, with the Cushendun tea-room in the foreground

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Cushenden

When exploring Cushendun village be sure to pop into the Corner House Tea-room or Mary McBride's Pub and tuck into a seasonal menu of tasty meals and refreshing drinks.

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Divis and the Black Mountain

Stop by the café at Divis and the Black Mountain to grab a hot drink and snack before, or after a walk along one of the sites trails.

On a sunny winter day there's plenty of spaces to roll out a blanket and enjoy a flask of hot soup and food outdoors.

Visitor at the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

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Giant's Causeway

This iconic World Heritage Site offers plenty of unique picnic opportunities. From the stone columns, to the lesser-explored coastal path, you are guaranteed a picnic with a view.

View of Cushenden Bay near Strand House, Northern Ireland

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Cushendun

You’ll struggle to find a more picturesque picnic spot than the coastal village of Cushendun. This quaint historic village has been in our care since 1954 and is steeped in character and folklore with white washed cottages lining the harbour.

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Castle Ward

Admire the classical architecture of the mansion house as you roll out a picnic rug on the front lawn. Alternatively, take a stroll along the shore, relax by the quayside with a picnic and see if you can spot any wildlife on Strangford Lough.

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Mount Stewart

The famous gardens at Mount Stewart have plenty of space for lunch in the fresh air. If you're lucky you may spot one of the red squirrels foraging for food as you feast on your picnic.

The Argory pictured on a bright, frosty winter morning

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The Argory

Work up an appetite with a stroll along River Blackwater and up through Lime Tree avenue. Picnic on the rolling lawns in front of this Irish gentry house or seek shelter and solitude.

The surrounding are of Florence Court Rose Cottage, County Fermanagh

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Florence Court

With miles of walking trails, the beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy. Take a stroll into the forest to visit the mother of all Irish Yew trees or just relax with a picnic in the peaceful gardens surrounded by space and nature.

Wide view of the Clock Tower from Rowallane House in the snow at Rowallane Garden

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Rowallane Garden

A mix of formal and informal garden spaces, Rowallane is dotted with picnic spots. Roll out a rug by the lake or find a quiet spot among the trees. Dogs will love the freedom of the exercise area and kids of all ages can have fun outdoors..

Light in the Beeches at Minnowburn, Belfast, Northern Ireland

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Minnowburn

Close to Belfast, Minnowburn is an idyllic picnic spot in the heart of Lagan Valley Regional Park. Enjoy riverbank and woodland walks, follow the natural play trail and see if you can spot a kingfisher as you picnic by the water’s edge.