Pubs, restaurants and places to grab a bite to eat, a drink or preferably both. We’ll list some of our favourite places for casual and less casual dining with reasons to visit.
Castle Ward: When a husband and wife vehemently disagreed on the ‘look’ of their planned mansion, they came to an unusual compromise.
The tale of the ancient Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus and its tumultuous past including an ill-fated romance and ghostly inhabitants
Today it is hard to imagine the grandeur of 19th century Victoria Street, once central to Belfast commerce. A few notable buildings remain.
Fountain Street, known once to locals as ‘water street’ was one of the most frequented streets in the town but where were the fountains?
Royal Avenue has existed from the 17th century but not as the broad commercial thoroughfare we know today. Read it’s colourful history…
The story of Winecellar Entry from its earliest incarnation as Bigart’s Alley to the entry of today, best known for its historic tavern.
Reported initially in 1913, the Cave Hill ghost proved a mystery and a source of fascination for years. What was the ghosts tale?
Lisburn Location The city of Lisburn sits on the river Lagan, the dividing line between Counties Antrim and Down. Situated in the barony of Massereene, less than 10 miles south-west of Belfast. The area has a long and varied history which is not widely known. “No town on the line Read more…
Kelly’s Cellars is one of Belfast’s oldest & most popular pubs having first opened it’s doors to the public over 300 years ago.
Cairndhu House, now derelict, is an impressive building with pointed roofs & ornate ironwork harking back to a time of glamour & charity.
The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast (est 1849) has been described as the finest example of Victorian Gothic décor to be found anywhere
Ardglass is a peaceful little village 34 miles from Belfast with a picturesque harbour, a healthy fishing industry & a turbulent history
The small alleys known as “the entries” are at the heart of historic Belfast. Pottinger’s Entry is one of the best known.
North Street, Belfast was originally known as Goose Lane, as farmers would drive their geese through the town and out the North Gate
County Antrim’s Crosskeys Inn is the oldest thatched public house in Ireland and offers a truly authentic traditional Irish pub experience.
A history of the Ballygally Castle Hotel situated in the village of Ballygally on the Antrim coast road with views over the Irish Sea.
Dundrum Castle is built on a hill looking south over the Bay of Dundrum, west towards Slieve Croob and east over the plains of Lecale.
Built in 1890, the Victorian St George’s Market remains a thriving market and with over 300 traders. In 2019 it was named the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market.
A look at some of Belfast’s ‘oldest’ pubs in the city centre. People debate which is the oldest and which is the best. Try them yourself
The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in Belfast city centre in the late 12th century. A second castle, made of stone and timber, was later constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611. This castle was subsequently destroyed with no existing traces outside Read more…