I'd love to try an Irish foodie experience when I visit, what kinds of things can I do?

With our versatile flavours, local ingredients and innovative techniques, it’s no wonder the island of Ireland is fast becoming a haven for foodies all over the globe. On your next visit, these delicious experiences cannot be missed. 

For those with a sweet tooth, make your way to Wilde Irish Chocolates in County Clare. If you’ve always dreamt of owning your own chocolate factory, or if you’ve always wondered what one looks like on the inside, now’s your chance to discover what a real working chocolate factory does! Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at how Wilde Irish chocolates are made, as well as the history behind chocolate and the factory. You’ll also get the chance to make your own creations, and have the hard task of testing the chocolates… 

If you’re looking for something to wash down all the yummy chocolate, make a stop at the Armagh Cider Company in County Armagh for a tour and tasting. The Troughton family are very proud of their ‘blossom to bottle’ philosophy, and you’ll see this passion reflected on the tour. See the apples being fermented and the bottling process before sampling a selection of the refreshingly fruity ciders at the end of the tour.  

Because of our fresh waters, there’s an abundance of wildlife that swim beneath the waves around the island. Head to Connemara in County Galway where you’ll find DK Connemara Oysters, one of the oldest oyster farms on the island of Ireland. Learn how these oysters are harvested over three years, growing from seed to plate in carefully cultivated oyster beds, and try one fresh from Ballinakill Bay. Or, as an extra treat, try an extended tour in spring where you can see the beds where the oysters are grown! 

If you’re looking for a great food experience that will teach you some practical skills, then try Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in County Down. Just 30 minutes outside of Belfast, Tracey offers a real down to earth experience, where you’ll feast on tea and cakes before rolling up your sleeves to knead your very own doughy creation. Tracey is always on hand to help and you’ll learn how to make your very own Irish soda bread! 

Can our Community members recommend any other foodie experiences to try?

Food experiences are well–established and constantly evolving in an exciting way in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. 

For example, treat yourself and your friends to a food walking tour in a town or village.  The local tour guide will not only introduce you to the people who make good food, but they will also share their knowledge of the locality, and the produce and processes which make it taste great. Their passion is infectious and at the end of the tour you will feel full – enriched! – having enjoyed good craic as well as information and wonderful new taste sensations. 

Why not combine a coach tour, whereby you can enjoy the fantastic local scenery as you visit farms and establishments specialising in fine food?

There are also food experiences which essentially are creative collaborations among several people, each having an area of expertise.  For example, the fisherman can help you catch fresh fish, which a chef can then cook and serve up to you in the stimulating company of the tour guide whose local and food knowledge adds to the whole experience. 

For more information check out https://www.irishfeast.com/,  https://www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com/ and https://www.toastthecoastni.com/

Catch some of the speciality food markets which run throughout the year in different venues across the area or indeed the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival (June), the Portrush Beer and Food Festival (4th-5th October 2019) or the Randox NI Potato Festival (5th October 2019).

All this besides food outlets serving great food for all palates and pockets!  Come, taste and see for yourself!

Mary