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Through the centuries food has defined nations, and inspired travellers to seek out the world's finest epicurean delights. Ever since Sir Walter Raleigh shoved a spud in his backpack while visiting the New World, Gastro Tourism has proved a lucrative culinary lure.

And now, Northern Ireland is cashing in on the gourmet calling card by laying bare its delicious dishes and distinguished drinks for a new generation of pleasure-seekers. With a year-round menu of events, attractions and award-winning restaurants, here's just a tiny bite of what's out there for the foodie in you.

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Belfast | Sightseeing | Gastro Tourism

A wee loaf of Veda
Most of Northern Ireland's traditional dishes have their roots in potatoes and bread. Everyone has heard of wheaten, soda and potato bread, but not many visitors can claim to have buried their gnashers in a thick slice of Veda.

Invented by a brewery in Scotland in 1904, and brought across by Ulster Scots settlers, Veda is a small, soft, caramel-coloured malty loaf which is only baked in Ulster. The real recipe is patented, but Veda is an absolute classic and the unsung hero of Northern Ireland's loaves.

Veda tends to be overlooked by the usual gastro-tourism restaurants and eateries, yet it's easily available in most corner shops and small supermarkets. Eat it sliced with butter, or toasted with butter, cheese or jam. The delicious secret is out...

If you want to find out more about NI's staple diet, look for Our Daily Bread - A look at Ulster bakeries by James Davidson, published by Colourpoint Books, 2004. [...]


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Belle Isle School of Cookery
Belle Isle School of Cookery
Combining a holiday with cookery lessons at this beautifully located cookery school guarantees a sumptuous gastro-experience to remember. Not only do you get to eat lots of fantastic food in fabulous surroundings, but you also leave with new-found skills and an appreciation of all things gourmet.

With its enviable island location and unwavering devotion to the best Irish produce, Belle Isle is an ideal place to hone your kitchen skills. Classes are kept small, ensuring one-to-one tuition and a laid-back atmosphere, and week-long or weekend courses include luxury full-board accommodation on the Belle Isle Estate.

Mouth-watering themes encompass every aspect of cookery, and wine-tasting is included in the longer courses. Not only do you get to eat lots of fantastic food in fabulous surroundings, but you also leave with new-found skills and an appreciation of all things gourmet. [...]


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Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
tel. 6638 7231
CHOC-O-BLOC
CHOC-O-BLOC
Get to grips with gooey strands of melted chocolate and create your 'good enough to eat' take-away treat. Inspired by their three daughters, Natalie, Aimee and Rebecca, owners Stephen and Karen have invented the SNARK (using their initials) - a robot-like multi-coloured [...]


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Odyssey Pavilion, 2 Queen's Quay
tel. 9045 9749

City Centres Chocolates
City Centres Chocolates
How would you like to sink your teeth into the Shankill? Or eat your way through the Europa? This ingenious box of luxury chocs offers sixteen city-inspired sweets, each with a Belfast-themed centre. The Europa Hotel choc is infused with champagne and the Shankill has what else but an ora [...]


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tel. 9030 0777

Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery
Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery
Since King James l granted Co. Antrim a whiskey licence in 1608, Bushmills has been home to the world's oldest licenced whiskey distillery.

Set in the picturesque village of the same name, and a mere 3kms from the famous Giant's Causeway, Old Bushmills has long been an enduring icon for whiskey connoisseurs the world over.

Two centuries of emigration from Ireland to America ensured the drink's foothold in the New World, with only the 1930's prohibition temporarily stalling its US progress.

Today tourists with a taste for the 'water of life' flock to its hallowed doors to sample the range of award-winning single malts and original blends.

The guided tour takes you step-by-step through the distillation process, ending in a wee dram for your troubles. And with the gift shop, restaurant and 1608 Bar tempting visitors with all manner of liquid souvenirs, it's only right that you give into temptation. [...]


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Bushmills, Co. Antrim
tel. 2073 3218
April - Oct: Mon - Sat: 09:30 - 17:00, Sun: 12:00 – 17:00. Last tour 16:00.