Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has over 400 million years of geological history. It is a treasure trove of natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural heritage. The Geopark's breathtaking beauty has been shaped by nature, fractured by volcanic activity, and carved by ice, creating a stunning backdrop.
Local cuisine and artisan products play a crucial role in Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, contributing significantly to the region's cultural identity, economic sustainability, and tourism appeal. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the region, highlighting the best local eats and artisan delights.
Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion has fresh produce at its heart. It is home to Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet and has a wealth of experienced farmers in the Region. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the freshest ingredients in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion.
Local Food Culture
The local food culture is a blend of fresh, locally grown produce and an abundance of seafood from the coastline. Many restaurants in Mourne Gullion Strangford are dedicated to offering customers freshly caught fish and shellfish, handcrafted produce, organic vegetables and traditional Irish recipes, which have stood the test of time and are often enhanced with modern twists.
Festivals and food events throughout the year showcase the best of Mourne Gullion Strangford’s cuisine, providing locals and visitors with a deep appreciation for the region's exceptional produce and the passionate creators who bring it to the table. Visitors must experience the Eats and Beats Festival and our monthly Artisan Markets.
Food Experiences in Mourne Gullion Strangford
Foraging in the Foothills with Brian Hoey in Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark allows locals and visitors alike to connect with nature and discover the wild, edible bounty the region offers. The diverse landscape provides a variety of foraged goods, from wild berries and herbs to mushrooms and sea vegetables. The walk is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness and mobility.
Try out the Masterclass Craft Chocolate Experience at Neary Noggs Ireland's first bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers tour, guiding you through the entire chocolate-making process. You'll experience each step, from bean sorting and gentle roasting to breaking and winnowing, stone-grinding, and tempering, showcasing the art of creating exquisite chocolate.
Bake some traditional bread or traybakes at Mrs C’s Kitchen in Dundrum where you will learn how to make traditional wheaten bread in her home kitchen, overlooking the stunning Mourne Mountains. With your wheaten bread safely baking in the oven it's time to pour the tea and sample some of Mrs C's own home baked goods.
Take your cooking skills to the next level at Mourne Seafood Cookery School learn to cook the freshest seafood on the harbour at Northern Irelands largest fishing port. Renowned chefs will be on hand to give their expertise and answer any questions you may have.
Tour the Whitewater Brewery Tours and Tap Room where you can explore the art of craft brewing in a behind-the-scenes tour. After the tour, relax in the Tap Room and sample a variety of handcrafted beers.
For more foodie experiences check out the Tours Trails and Experiences.
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Food Festivals and Artisan Producers
The Eats and Beats Festival in Newcastle is a vibrant celebration of food and music, blending the culinary delights with live performances by top artists. This festival is a must-attend for anyone passionate about exceptional food and fantastic music.
Discover the Artisan Markets in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion, where local producers showcase their handcrafted goods and culinary delights. These markets offer a delightful array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and unique crafts.
Held on the second Monday of each month, Castlewellan Market is your chance to meet some of the finest food producers and artisans that the destination has to offer.
Every Thursday and Saturday, more than seventy vendors, artisans, and creators gather at Newry Market to showcase their products in a bustling market setting. Explore the stalls to find fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
On the first and third Fridays of each month, Cardinal O’Fiaich Square in Crossmaglen transforms into a spectacular Crossmaglen variety market, along with artisan food and drinks companies.
Street Food Places to Try!
Mourne Gullion Strangford has plenty of options for a quick bite with restaurant-quality meals. Some of the places listed below even fall into the hidden gem and street food categories. You're sure to enjoy a delicious meal at any of these establishments.
Feast Food Trailer – Renowned for its delicious, high-quality meals. This mobile eatery specializes in gourmet street food, featuring an array of dishes that highlight local, fresh ingredients. You can usually find them in Rostrevor, Newry and Camlough areas.
Located in Downpatrick, Wackoz pride themselves on being a gourmet food service, they use quality ingredients and have skilled chefs to create meals that will warm your heart. With the option to sit in or take away Wackoz caters to all of your needs.
The Hatch Street Food, Newcastle is well known for their selection of ever-changing street food, burgers and loaded fries topped with smoked meats, which they smoke in-house using only fresh, local ingredients.
Try out Kanpeki on Central Promenade Newcastle, they pride themselves in blending diverse flavours from around the world into street food perfection.
Taste the wonderful flavours of the Squid Shack in Dundrum, indulge on classic fish and chips or gourmet seafood platters, all prepared with a modern twist.
Visiting the Geopark for Foodies
Create your own food itinerary when visiting! Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark offers a great opportunity to explore local flavors and culinary experiences while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Here's a suggested 3-day food itinerary:
Day 1: Mourne Mountains Area Enjoy an exhilarating hike in the Mourne Mountains and curb your hunger with some delicious foods around the town of Newcastle and surrounding areas, you are sure to find an establishment to suit your taste from cosy cafes, tasty takeaways, modern restaurants
Day 2: Ring of Gullion Area Take a scenic drive around the Ring of Gullion, stopping at key viewpoints and exploring local heritage sites. Finish off your trip to the Ring of Gullion at one of their nearby restaurants, bars and cafes just a short drive away.
Day 3: Strangford Area Sail on the shores of Strangford Lough, explore the diverse range of habitats, including mudflats, salt marshes and islands on a paddle board, kayak or book a boat tour. After working up an appetite Strangford and the surrounding areas have many delicious restaurants to choose from.
Have a look at our Food & Drink section for more inspiration.
Discover the latest culinary gems in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark by following us on social media. Our feeds are brimming with food discoveries and experiences from learning to cook fresh local fish with experienced chefs at Mourne Cookery School, learn the bushcraft way at Finnebrogue Woods Gourmet Wild Food and Foraging or chocolate lovers take part in the NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience and learn the history of this wonderful craft.
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Stay updated with mouthwatering posts from Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion eateries, plan your foodie trip and keep your taste buds happy, you are certain to find something delicious to enjoy when visiting our beautiful geopark.
The Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle, County Down is a celebration of food and music that brings together the best of both worlds. From delicious local cuisine to live performances by some of the hottest acts around, this festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves great food and great music.
Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland is a wild food enthusiast and folklorist and have been for all of his life. Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and experimentation, Brian will guide you on a foraging journey that reveals the hidden potential in even the most familiar of wild plants, those plants that surround you, the ones you walk past every day whether you live in the countryside, town or city.
Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish sea along the scenic Mourne Coast sits Ireland's first bean to bar artisan chocolate making studio with a GIANT heart and story.
The state of the art Mourne Seafood Cookery School offers a range of cookery courses and demonstrations on local seafood.
Join us for a look around our brewery, see how we make some of our award winning brews, then head back to the Tap House where you can try some ales and hear some tales.
Get a taste of the outdoors, local history and the finest craft brews.
