Get a flavour of Northern Ireland on a food tour
One of the pleasures of exploring a new region is discovering the local food, and in Northern Ireland there are food tours aplenty to give you a flavour of the place.
Newcastle, Co. Down
Ask anyone from Northern Ireland which foods they miss when living abroad and the region’s famous Tayto crisps will feature high on the list. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about you can visit Tayto Castle and get a tour showing the making of the much-loved snack.
The factory is located in a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee, County Armagh, where Tayto crisps have been made since 1956. The tour takes you through the modern factory to see first-hand how locally grown potatoes are transformed into crisps passing through the all-important flavouring station where you can sample the end product.
Tayto Castle, Co. Armagh
The tour is just one of the many things to see and do on a visit to County Armagh. Armagh city, famous for its two cathedrals, is a historic gem and the ecclesiastical centre of Ireland.
Its annual Georgian Festival (28 November – 1 December) is a highlight of the calendar. It delves into the history of the city through events celebrating the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the eighteenth century.
Stay in stylish Armagh City Hotel or go outside the city to relax in self-catering accommodation such as Chestnut House, a beautifully restored barn.
Newcastle, County Down, sitting at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains, is the location of a three-hour culinary journey that will introduce you to lots of local specialties.
The Newcastle Food & Drink Tour, guided by local expert Mairead Sweeney, stops at seven venues to sample recipes and innovative dishes that reflect the region’s rich cultural history and showcase the top tastes of the area and the passion of their creators.
Newcastle Food Tours - Fish and Farm.
This experience will also introduce you to the town’s people and history, through a detailed narrative that connects the past with the present and the cultural with the gastronomic.
After indulging in the delicious food, you may want to walk it off with a hike in the Mournes, a walk along Newcastle’s gorgeous beach or a stroll down the promenade.
As a popular seaside holiday resort, Newcastle has plenty of accommodation options from guesthouses to self-catering and hotels. Stay right on the promenade in the elegant Avoca Hotel or self-cater in luxury at The Orchard.