Aficionados know that Bushmills is one of the finest Irish whiskies in the world. This is where it’s made at Ireland’s oldest licensed working distillery. It’s just down the road from the Giant’s Causeway on the spectacular North Coast. They’ve been making whiskey in these parts for more than 400 years. Those tried and tested methods are still used today.
See for yourself how the magic happens from grain to glass on a Bushmills Experience Distillery Tour. The mashing, fermentation, distilling, maturation, blending and bottling are all carried out on the same site. Their passion and expertise in whiskey-making are crucial in ensuring that every bottle of Bushmills produced really is ‘Irish at its Best’.
After your tour, you’ll be offered a whiskey or soft drink in the 1608 Bar. There is also a restaurant serving lunches and Bushmills-inspired treats throughout the day. Make sure to bring home a bottle and some gifts from the shop.
Based in the rural Glens of Antrim, this family run business has built up a reputation for quality, freshness and heritage over the past 40 years. It now employs 65 people full-time.
As a business, Glens of Antrim Potatoes continues to develop – adapting their offering to meet changes in market trends and consumer demand – and focusing their efforts on expanding their product range through a variety development programme.
Provenance is at the heart of the business and the company works closely with suppliers across the island of Ireland. This commitment along with Glens of Antrim Potatoes’ efforts to educate consumers on the various varieties, tastes and uses for their range through on-pack and in-store messaging sets them apart from their competitors.
In line with changes in market dynamics and consumer trends, Glens of Antrim Potatoes has developed an extensive product range and is at the forefront of ongoing product development. Their marketing strategy focuses on continuing to make potatoes relevant for all generations; to promote their health benefits, versatility and varieties and to reintroduce and reinvigorate heritage brands like the historically important Lumper.
Wilson’s Country is the leading potato brand in Ireland. They supply branded and own label prepack potatoes to leading retailers in Ireland and also supply a full range of peeled and chipped potatoes to a wide range of customers in the catering sector in Ireland.
The Wilson’s brand has a long and proud tradition. From its roots, starting off as a handful of lines serving a small section of the rural Armagh community, they have come a long way. Over the years their brand and range has evolved to provide customers with what they want. They continually listen to what customers are saying and offer potatoes to suit everybody.
The Wilson’s Country growers choose soil naturally high in nutrients, reducing the need for excess chemicals. Only cold air is used to store the potatoes and the crops selected for the Wilson’s Country brand are guaranteed to suit local tastes.
Everyone loves crepes and they’re the perfect portable snack- great for street food, which is why Ian Morrison set up the Corporate Crepe Company in 2012.
Whether you’re in Bangor or Broughshane, he will bring the authenticity and charm of the French countryside direct to your event. The company has quickly gained a reputation as a highly popular alternative catering option.
Start with something savoury like Chorizo, Cheddar and Red Onion and move onto the purist Lemon and Sugar and the kids’ favourite Nutella and Banana. Tres delicieux
Find them anywhere from music festivals, equestrian events, food festivals, corporate events, Christmas and farmers markets or why not hire them for your wedding or birthday party.
The Belle Isle Cookery School opened its doors in 2004 on the magnificent Belle Isle Estate on Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. This purpose-built state-of-the-art cookery school was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and now in its tenth year plays an important part in the life of this holiday destination.
With cattle and sheep grazing the meadows, free-range hens living happily beside the school and the adjacent walled kitchen garden, Belle Isle has the perfect ingredients for embarking on a culinary adventure in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland. Whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced cook they have courses to suit everyone.
Head Tutor, Joe Kelly has been a professional chef for over 20 years and a tutor at Belle Isle since 2005. Joe began his culinary career while growing up in America. He was formally trained in South Beach, Miami and San Francisco, California. In 2005 he returned home to Northern Ireland to start a family with his wife Jennifer. Joe has co- authored two cookbooks and also appeared on Channel 4’s Iron Chef and RTE’s Nationwide.
Chef Joe works closely with local Northern Ireland producers and growers to ensure that quality is always at the forefront of his food. What’s more you can stay on site in a Courtyard Apartment or Cottage. They’re self-catering so you can try out your new skills if you don’t feel like eating out.
A warm welcome awaits you in this luxurious 5* guesthouse nestling in the rolling countryside bordering Co-Down and Co-Armagh.
Owners Joyce and Steve want their guests to enjoy the tastiest food made with the best local ingredients. They get their meat from the award-winning Quail’s in Banbridge. The vegetables are grown by local farmers. They use Clandeboye Yoghurt, White’s Porridge, Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil and not forgetting the freshest of eggs from their own hens in the meadow and herbs from the garden. Feast on home cooked Granola, Irish Breads, Preserves and Bottled Fruit from the breakfast buffet before tucking into an Ulster fry made to order on the Aga.
We love the complimentary Cream Tea on arrival (between 3.00 and 4.00pm) .You can tuck into scrumptious, hot, freshly baked scones with lashings of fresh Irish cream and homemade raspberry or strawberry preserves.
There are lots of things to do close by, but if you feel like learning to cook your own pancakes or Irish soda bread on Great Aunt Maggie’s Griddle, which is over 100 years old, just book a slot with Joyce and the Aga Stove. Oh, and did we mention the turndown service with home-made truffles? So 5 star!
