Local Flavours
Food & Drink
From the Irish Sea to the rolling farmland, the Mourne region produces some of Ireland's finest ingredients�fresh seafood, award-winning spirits, and artisan chocolate.
From Sea to Plate, Field to Glass
Kilkeel's fishing fleet brings in the freshest catch daily—langoustines, mussels, oysters, and king prawns hauled from the Irish Sea. Award-winning distilleries craft gin, whiskey, and poitin at the foot of the mountains using pure Mourne water.
And at NearyNogs, Northern Ireland's first bean-to-bar chocolate maker transforms raw cacao into artisan bars with Mourne Coast views as their backdrop. This is a region where provenance matters and flavour tells a story.
The Freshest Catch
Kilkeel is Northern Ireland's largest fishing port, where a proud fleet lands the day's catch at dawn. Langoustines, mussels, oysters, and king prawns—all hauled fresh from the Irish Sea and served at restaurants within hours.
Mourne Seafood Bar
• Lauded by Observer Food Monthly for exceptional seafood
Mourne Seafood Cookery School
"Catch to Cook" experiences�learn to prepare the day's fresh catch
Annalong Harbour
Charming working harbour with traditional fishing boats and sea views
Craft Spirits
Award-Winning Distilleries
Killowen Distillery
Whiskey, gin, and poitin crafted at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Small batch, traditional pot still methods create spirits with character and depth. Tours and tastings available.
Rademon Estate Distillery (Shortcross Gin)
Home of Shortcross Gin - Ireland's first craft gin. Set on a beautiful estate with gardens and orchards that inspire their botanical selections. Tours and gin school experiences available.
Mourne Dew Distillery
Pioneering cold-distilled spirits and whiskey production using modern techniques. Their innovative approach creates uniquely smooth and flavourful expressions.
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
Artisan whiskey blenders creating unique expressions. Join their blending experiences to craft your own bottle and discover the art of whiskey making.
Craft Beer & Artisan Chocolate
Beyond spirits, the Mourne region is home to pioneering craft producers who've put this corner of Ireland on the culinary map.
Whitewater Brewery
Craft beer pioneers since 1996, brewing on a working farm. Tours available to see how their award-winning beers are made using pure Mourne Mountain water.
NearyNógs
Northern Ireland's first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Their Mourne Coast location offers stunning views while you watch chocolate being crafted from raw cacao.
Dining
Where to Eat
Mourne Seafood Bar
Award-winning seafood restaurant lauded by Observer Food Monthly. Fresh catches from local boats, expertly prepared.
JJ Farrall's at Slieve Donard
Fine dining at the historic Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. Contemporary Irish cuisine with panoramic mountain views.
The Cuan, Strangford
Home to Door #1 of the famous Doors of Thrones. Traditional hospitality meets local flavours in a historic setting.
Quinn's, Newcastle
A beloved local favourite serving hearty Irish fare. The perfect refuelling stop after hiking the Mourne Mountains.
The Yard at Hillyard House
Contemporary dining in Castlewellan with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Relaxed atmosphere, exceptional food.
The Stories Behind the Food
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Taste the Mourne Region
From harbour-fresh seafood to award-winning distilleries, discover the flavours that make this region unforgettable.