Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to countless expert chefs, artisans and restaurateurs. Our local landscape offers unparalleled fishing grounds, farmlands and fresh produce. The region is heaven for foodies of all tastes from around the world.
NEWCASTLE
Local Flavours with a View
Brunel’s in Newcastle is a celebrated restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and dedication to showcasing local produce. Situated in the scenic town of Newcastle, with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop, Brunel's offers a dining experience that pairs modern culinary techniques with the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and fishermen. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting. Renowned for its creative dishes, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere, Brunel's is an ideal spot for those seeking a high-quality dining experience that reflects the best of Northern Ireland's rich food heritage.
Elegant Dining Experience
The Burrendale Hotel Restaurant in Newcastle is known for its elegant dining experience, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. This well-loved restaurant offers a diverse menu that blends classic and contemporary dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, the Burrendale ensures quality and attention to detail. The welcoming atmosphere, paired with exceptional service, makes it a popular choice for both hotel guests and visitors seeking a refined dining experience.
Victorian Luxury at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
JJ Farrall’s is a refined restaurant located at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle, County Down. Named after the architect of the iconic Slieve Donard Hotel, this dining venue highlights the best of Northern Ireland's seasonal and locally sourced produce, including beef, lamb, seafood, and game. The restaurant's interior combines classic 19th-century architectural style with a cosy atmosphere, featuring an open fire and views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. From fine dining to a more casual gastropub experience in the Percy French, the one constant here is the quality and provenance of the Slieve Donard food.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Villa Vinci is located in the popular seaside town of Newcastle, on the Co Down coast, Villa Vinci is an established restaurant with a reputation for sumptuous food and exceptional service. This coastal restaurant offers the perfect stop for beach strolling couples or families on a day out.
CASTLEWELLAN
Traditional Fare and Modern Comforts
Housed in Hillyard House, the Yard Restaurant offers traditional favourites in a bright and airy modern setting. Try the locally reared rump of lamb, or Whitewater beer battered haddock and chips. After dinner, settle down in Mrs Coleman’s Bar for a digestif. With a range of expertly crafted gin, vodka and whiskey cocktails, you can spend your evening sitting back and relaxing in a friendly and comfortable environment.
DUNDRUM
Seafood by the Shore
Based on the shores of the Irish Sea, the Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum has been praised by top international food critics. The menu changes daily according to that day’s catch. For something truly special, sit down with a bowl of fresh chowder, served with a round of homemade wheaten bread. Mourne Seafood also stocks a range of craft beers, so ask your server for the perfect pairing.
The Bucks Head in Dundrum is a renowned dining destination celebrated for its warm ambiance and exceptional culinary offerings. Situated in the charming village of Dundrum, this establishment combines a welcoming, rustic atmosphere with a menu that highlights the best of local produce and seafood, much of which is sourced directly from the surrounding area. Known for its commitment to quality and seasonal ingredients, The Bucks Head offers a dining experience that showcases the rich flavours of Northern Ireland. Whether you're enjoying a hearty lunch, an intimate dinner, or just stopping in for drinks, the friendly service and expertly prepared dishes make it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
KILLYLEAGH
Coastal Charm and Cosy Dining
Boasting views of Strangford Lough, situated down by Killyleagh harbour, sits The Smugglers Table, a quaint bar and restaurant offering visitors a comforting glow and an excellent delectable menu. It is a quiet location for an intimate date with your partner or a family dinner, a great atmosphere with friendly staff and fabulous cocktails. For a really relaxed atmosphere, visit the Dufferin Arms in Killyleagh, enjoy delicious Irish cusine with a modern twist, you will be soaked into the warm friendly atmosphere of this pub/restaurant. On weekends the ambiance is enhanced by music. A perfect blend of music, atmosphere, delicious cuisine and a top-notch pint of Guinness.
DOWNPATRICK
Historic Inns and Hidden Gems
The oldest surviving coaching inn in Ireland, Denvir’s has been at the heart of life in Downpatrick for over two hundred years. Today it offers a warm traditional pub, complete with modern accommodation. A hidden gem situated outside the town of Downpatrick is The Barn Bar & Country kitchen, this newly refurbished bar/restaurant is the perfect place to take your family for a lovely dinner. With a diverse menu, reasonable prices, delicious drinks and great atmosphere, you are in for a wonderful evening.
STRANGFORD
Elegant Dining Beside the Lough
Head to Strangford’s The Cuan for a taste of elegance. With an extensive international wine menu, locally sourced seafood, and an authentic neapolitan pizza oven, it’s the perfect place to savour the finer things in life. The Lobster Pot located on the shore of the beautiful Strangford Lough offers a cosy vibe with its roaring open fire and friendly atmosphere. They offer a selection of seasonal dishes as well as a very popular selection of seafood
SAINTFIELD
Fireside Dining with Village Atmosphere
The White Horse Inn, located in the historic village of Saintfield, will enable you to cosy up in a comfy booth for a drink with your date or family and friends, enjoy some delicious cocktails or wine beside the burning fire Then move yourselves on over to the restaurant for some yummy traditional and modern cuisine.
NEWRY CITY
Modern Dining in the Heart of Newry City
Housed in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry’s Old Mill Restaurant overlooks the oldest man made waterway in Ireland. Their mission is to put a modern twist on classic dishes, using locally sourced ingredients. The chefs take their cue from French fine dining, with highlights including pressed chicken, served with a ham hock and foie gras terrine. Find out more about Food & Drink in Newry City here.
ROSTREVOR
Local Favourites
Rostrevor Inn is centred around providing local favourites with the finest ingredients. Their range of burgers, steaks and seafood dishes are complemented perfectly by warm and welcoming services.
WARRENPOINT
Relaxed Dining with Lough Views
The Whistledown Bistro offers an intimate and elegant dining experience, perfect for a romantic evening or a night with the girls With its stylish and contemporary ambiance, soft lighting, and stunning views of Carlingford Lough, it sets the scene for a truly special meal. The menu is a carefully curated blend of modern European cuisine with an Irish twist, crafted using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
RING OF GULLION
Sustainability Meets Luxury
Killeavy Castle Estate offers a mixture of fine dining and down to earth service in the tranquil and opulent setting of a 19th century castle grounds. With an onsite working farm and herb garden, Killeavy offers some of the freshest and most sustainable fare around. With four or seven course tasting menus, afternoon tea, and Sunday lunch options, the Killeavy team offer something to suit every taste.
