The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion hosts a rich talent of producers, artisans, bakers, brewers and more. Expert makers can be found in every town and village, creating delights for the senses from locally sourced ingredients. Our food markets are the perfect chance to meet these masters in person, and learn the stories behind your food.
Fresh Fish and Seafood
The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to some of the finest seafood in Northern Ireland. Seasource provide fresh seafood, with sustainability at the core of their mission.
The Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum and the Cookery School in Kilkeel both bring the finest Irish seafood to the plates of visitors from around the world.
The Seafood Bar has been lauded by prestigious critics like the Observer Food Monthly, while the Cookery School aims to build the confidence of home cooks, by helping them to learn professional techniques, under expert guidance.
Taste the fresh delights which our waters have to offer. Millbay Oysters are widely regarded as amongst the best in the world by chefs, critics and customers alike.
Handmade Chocolate from Neary Nogs
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be well catered for at Neary Nogs. This family owned company is Northern Ireland’s oldest craft chocolatier. With ethically sourced cacao beans and a solar powered-factory, Neary Nogs are bringing traditional confectionery into the 21st century.
Book a tour and discover the process for creating a variety of favourites, including chocolate bars, fudge hot chocolate, truffles, and a dairy free range. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to sample some of Neary Nog’s wares, and purchase souvenirs to take home to your friends and family.
Traditional Spirits from Killowen Distillery
Set in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, the Killowen Distillery combines ancient techniques with modern sensibilities. Using two traditionally shaped stills, and mash tub condensation, Killowen’s whiskeys, gins and Poitín are putting Irish spirits back on the map.
Take a tour with founder, Brendan Carty, and hear how his unique approach to distillation combines art and science, to create world-class small batch spirits.
Craft Beers from Whitewater Brewery
Established in 1996, Whitewater have been leading the charge for Northern Ireland’s craft beer revolution for over two decades. Set on a farm which has been in the family for five generations, each of Whitewater’s brews is shaped by the local landscape.
From humble beginnings in a simple farm shed, today you can tour Whitewater’s modern brewery and meet their master crafters. Along the way, you’ll sample their core range. Afterwards, head over to the taproom for another round.
Ireland’s Most Awarded Gin Distillery
Over the last few years, Shortcross Gin has become a household name throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. Set on a 500 acre estate which dates back to 565AD, the distillery is housed inside a modern glass building.
Take a tour and learn how the Shortcross brand conquered the world, or book a private cocktail master class for up to ten people to hone your own mixology skills.
Scenic Markets in Castlewellan
Held on the second Monday of each month, Castlewellan Market is your chance to meet some of the finest food producers and artisans that Visit Mourne has to offer.
Twice a year, in May and November, the Castlewellan Fair is held, drawing flocks of visitors to peruse the stalls, and enjoy a wide variety of street art and musical performances.
Meet Artisan Makers in Downpatrick
Downpatrick Artisan Market is held on the third Saturday of each month. Treat yourself to a fresh treat from one of the hot foot stalls, or take home jams, confectionary, fruit and vegetables from one of many artisan producers.
You’ll also encounter some of the region's top artists, makers and craftspeople, making the Downpatrick market the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs and mementos.
Warrenpoint and Newcastle markets offer Meet the Maker events, making them the perfect chance to get up close and personal with some of Visit Mournes top producers and artisans.
An 18th Century Market House in Ballynahinch
Ballynahinch is a historic market town on the edge of the Mournes. The market house has been at the centre of life in the town since its construction in 1795. To this day, a fresh produce market takes place in the square each and every Thursday.
A Hive of Activity at Newry Market
Every Thursday and Saturday, over seventy sellers, craftspeople and makers flock to Newry to ply their trade in a busy market environment. Browse the stalls for fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
Artisans also host stalls, selling the best of Visit Mourne’s locally produced preserves, baked goods, arts and crafts.
Twice Monthly Market in Crossmaglen
On the first and third Fridays of each month, Cardinal O’Fiaich Square in Crossmaglen transforms into a spectacular variety market. Along with artisan food and drinks companies, fashionistas will love browsing Crossmaglen market for used and vintage clothing, as well as antiques.
