10 local drinks to try when visiting Northern Ireland

No visit to Northern Ireland is complete without a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. This world-famous Irish stout has a dark, velvety texture and creamy head and is enjoyed all over the world. It pairs beautifully with hearty Irish stews, beef dishes and sharp cheddar.

Top tip: If you’re looking for the best pint of Guinness in Belfast, look no further than the bustling bars and cosy pubs of Cathedral Quarter.

A hot drink you must have when visiting Northern Ireland is an Irish coffee. This warming drink is made with freshly brewed coffee, Irish whiskey and a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect pick-me-up after exploring Northern Ireland.

This truly Northern Irish pairing blends small-batch Belfast gin with ginger ale and one of Ulster’s oldest traditional sweets. Yellowman is a handmade honeycomb-style toffee that dates back over two centuries and is most famously associated with the Lammas Fair in Ballycastle.

Located in the north coast of Northern Ireland, Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and has been producing Irish whiskey for over 400 years. Their signature whiskey is triple distilled and aged to perfection in oak casks, resulting in a distinctive flavour and unparalleled smoothness. A must-try for any whiskey connoisseur visiting Northern Ireland!

Copeland gin is a small-batch, traditional Northern Irish gin produced just a stone’s throw from the historic harbour in Donaghadee, County Down. This gin is a true reflection of the coastal surroundings that inspired it with 12 meticulously selected organic botanicals. If you’re staying at Clandeboye Lodge, why not enjoy a tour of The Copeland Distillery, just a 20 minute drive away.

A Jameson sour (Irish Sour) is a refreshing cocktail made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white. It's the perfect blend of sweet and sour flavours. You can taste a delicious Jameson sour cocktail at the Coq & Bull brasserie.

Bullhouse Brew Co is an urban brewery located in East Belfast. It opened Belfast’s first permanent brewery taproom in June 2022. Their taproom is the perfect spot to try some fresh, locally brewed beers, as well as an off-sales license where you can get your hands on some cans of craft beer to take home with you.

County Armagh is known as the orchard county and its apple cider reflects that heritage - fresh, lightly sparkling and beautifully crisp. There are many local producers of artisanal cider and apple juice in Northern Ireland who take great pride in using the finest apples from their own orchards in County Armagh.

Crafted by the skilled bartenders at the Coq & Bull brasserie, The Blackwood cocktail is made with Hennessey Brandy, Baileys, Tia Maria, chocolate syrup and crushed shortbread. The name of this cocktail is associated with the rich heritage of Clandeboye Estate which was once inhabited by the Blackwood family, who were well known for their prominence and influence in the local community.