Food Markets & Producers

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. 

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. 

Gone Fishing with Mourne Seafood Cookery School 

Everyone loves fresh ingredients but are you willing to catch your own? Go on a giant adventure by joining Mourne Seafood Cookery School’s immersive cookery experience - Catch to Cook. Dine on a selection of fish including mussels, mackerel, cod, pollock, and cooley. Board the ship specifically sailing for you, the PISCES II, and head into Carlingford Lough to taste the best seafood you will ever eat.  

Mourne Seafood Bar, Dundrum

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 NearyNógs 

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be well catered for at NearyNógs. This family owned company is Northern Ireland’s oldest craft chocolatier. With ethically sourced cacao beans and a solar powered-factory, NearyNógs 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 NearyNóg’s wares, and purchase souvenirs to take home to your friends and family. 

Mrs C's Home Kitchen, Dundrum

Welcome to our home kitchen, the heart of our cosy space, where warmth and tradition blend seamlessly.

Here at Mrs C's Home Kitchen, we offer an array of culinary experiences for food enthusiasts. From traditional bread-making and homemade traybakes to s’mores around the fire, each experience promises an unforgettable welcome. Mrs C’s Home Kitchen is stocked with well-loved tools, each with its own story to tell.

Nestled on three acres of peaceful farmland in Dundrum, County Down, our home offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the surrounding countryside. It’s a beautiful, tranquil setting that we’re thrilled to share with you.

Newcastle Food and Drink Tour

If you're passionate about food and drink, join tour guide Mairead Sweeney on the Newcastle Food and Drink Tour for an immersive tasting experience. Discover the people, history, and standout flavours of the stunning Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion region.

Cycle for Your Pint around the Mourne Mountains 

You don’t have to travel far to sample the tastes of our wee country. Jump on two wheels and head on Trails and Ales cycling tour. A fully guided tour, you will sample a select batch of premium ales from Mourne Mountains Brewery while enjoying the majesty of the mountains of Mourne. Each beer is connected to the stops and, as the tour lasts five hours, there is plenty for you to try. Bikes, helmets, refreshments, and guiding are provided; the only thing missing is you.  

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 Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion 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 Artisan 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 Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion's 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. 

Newry Artisan Market 

Newry Artisan Market is usually held at John Mitchel Place, although there is no confirmed date for the next one. Traditionally Newry Artisan Market has over seventy sellers, craftspeople and makers flock to Newry City to ply their trade in a busy market environment. Browse the stalls for fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. 

The Quays Artisan Market

We’re thrilled to announce that The Quays Artisan Market will be held every Sunday. Join us for a fantastic selection of artisan food and craft producers showcasing a wide variety of high-quality, handmade products. The market will take place in the car park next to O'Neills at The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry City.*

Come by to experience some of the finest offerings from our local vendors, plus enjoy live music—it’s an event you won’t want to miss! (* Outdoor market is weather permitting.)

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.