DINING in Ireland’s county Armagh

The county’s dining landscape blends traditional Irish fare with modern twists, with casual and budget options dominating due to the region’s community-focused, accessible vibe. Fine dining is less prevalent but highly regarded, as seen with Wine & Brine. Budget dining thrives on value, but quality varies, as seen in mixed reviews for some takeaway

Fine Dining

Wine & Brine (Moira, Co Armagh). A beloved fine dining destination, Wine & Brine offers an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or business dinners. Run by Chris and Davina McGowan, the restaurant features a spacious, garden-facing dining room and a focus on imaginative, locally sourced dishes executed with precision. Expect attentive service and a menu that balances creativity with classic techniques, ideal for food enthusiasts seeking a refined experience. Legendary crispy olives, crubeens (pig’s trotters), pan-roasted stone bass, and glazed short rib are staples, showcasing bold flavors and local ingredients. Celebrating a decade in operation, Wine & Brine remains a standout in the 2026 101 Great Irish Restaurants guide. Expect new seasonal specials or tasting menus, incorporating more local Armagh produce like orchard fruits, aligning with their sustainability focus.
The Friary Restaurant (Armagh City Hotel, Armagh City). Located in the Armagh City Hotel, The Friary offers an intimate fine dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal produce. The elegant setting, combined with polished service, makes it ideal for romantic dinners or special events. Diners can expect sophisticated dishes that highlight Armagh’s culinary heritage in a modern context. Expect dishes like grass-fed Irish fillet steak or locally sourced seafood, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to quality. As part of the Armagh City Hotel, The Friary will introduce new tasting menus or wine pairings, capitalizing on Armagh’s reputation as the Orchard County with fruit-infused dishes or desserts.
Newforge House (Magheralin, Co Armagh). This historic family-run country house offers a romantic fine dining experience with warm hospitality. The intimate dining room features seasonal, local ingredients, many sourced from their own orchard and gardens. Diners can expect a polished yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special night out, with a focus on traditional Irish cuisine elevated by modern techniques. Desserts made with fresh fruit from their orchard, such as apple-based sweets, are a highlight, alongside classic dishes like roast lamb or beef. Newforge House will expand its gin list, featuring local options like Shawcross Gin, and introduce new orchard-inspired desserts or seasonal menus, leveraging Armagh’s apple heritage.

Casual Dining

Mulberry Bistro (Armagh City). Situated opposite St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Mulberry Bistro offers a vibrant, casual dining experience with a modern edge. The menu emphasises locally sourced produce, served in a lively atmosphere with spectacular views, ideal for families or groups. Diners can expect fresh, flavorful dishes and friendly service. Recent reviews praise brunch options like fresh, tasty paninis with local ham, suggesting a focus on hearty, local fare. Mulberry Bistro will introduce new brunch or dinner specials, incorporating more Armagh orchard produce, such as apple-based sauces or desserts, to enhance its local appeal.
Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant (Armagh City). A popular spot in Armagh’s heart, Keegan’s offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and a wide drink selection. The menu features traditional Irish dishes with generous portions, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends. The exceptional customer service, including kid-friendly touches like Kinder Eggs, makes it a local favorite. The lamb shank, described as “superb” and falling off the bone, and the Keegan’s steak burger are standout dishes, showcasing quality and flavor. Keegan’s will expand its live music offerings or introduce new Irish-inspired specials, building on its reputation for hearty, affordable meals.
Uluru Bar & Grill (Armagh City). Located in Armagh’s historic marketplace, Uluru is an award-winning casual restaurant with an Australian twist. The vibrant, neighborhood-style setting offers authentic cooking with locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a fun night out or family meal. Expect a lively atmosphere with a mix of Irish and Australian flavors. Expect dishes like kangaroo steak or Australian-style burgers alongside Irish classics, reflecting the unique fusion. Uluru will introduce new Australian-inspired dishes or seasonal specials, incorporating Armagh’s local produce for a fresh twist.
Sinton’s at the Bridge (Tandragee, Co Armagh). This modern-edged restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The welcoming atmosphere and contemporary take on traditional Irish food make it a great spot for a relaxed meal, with an emphasis on quality and flavor. Expect fresh, seasonal plates like roast meats or local seafood, emphasizing Armagh’s produce. Sinton’s will introduce new seasonal menus or outdoor dining options, leveraging Armagh’s growing food tourism scene.
Embers (Portadown, Co Armagh). A bustling, casual restaurant, Embers is known for its lively atmosphere and quality food, making it ideal for group dining or family outings. Diners can expect a mix of traditional and modern dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and generous portions. Reviews highlight dishes like fillet steak and chicken wings, praised as some of the best in Ireland. Embers will expand its menu with new comfort food options or seasonal specials, capitalizing on its popularity in Portadown.
The Groucho (Richhill, Co Armagh). A casual eatery and pub, The Groucho offers a no-frills, spotlessly clean dining experience with delightful staff. The focus is on quality comfort food at reasonable prices, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. Diners can expect a welcoming, community-oriented vibe. Reviews praise the quality of traditional pub fare, likely including burgers, fish and chips, or roasts. The Groucho will introduce new pub classics or local specials, maintaining its reputation for quality and affordability.

Budget Dining

The Scullery (Armagh City). A cozy, budget-friendly cafe, The Scullery is perfect for breakfast or lunch, offering filling, affordable meals in a homely setting. Diners can expect quick service and a menu of classic cafe fare, ideal for solo diners or families on a budget. The healthy breakfast option, described as delicious and filling, is a standout, perfect for setting up a long day. The Scullery will expand its breakfast or lunch offerings, adding new budget-friendly specials to attract local diners.
The Port Mor (Armagh City). A budget-friendly pub offering hearty, affordable meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Diners can expect traditional Irish pub fare with generous portions, ideal for a casual, low-cost meal. The friendly service enhances the experience, making it a local favorite. Rxpect classics like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie, praised for their quality and value. The Port Mor will introduce new budget specials or themed nights, aligning with Armagh’s vibrant pub scene.
Bagel Bean (Armagh City). Located within a hotel, Bagel Bean offers a budget-friendly breakfast and lunch spot with a focus on fresh, filling dishes. The casual, family-friendly setting is perfect for a quick, affordable meal while exploring Armagh. The breakfast bagel is noted as delicious and very filling, ideal for a budget-conscious start to the day. Bagel Bean may add new bagel or sandwich options, incorporating local ingredients like Armagh apple chutney.
The Midnight Haunt (Armagh City). The last remaining Chinese restaurant and takeaway in Armagh, The Midnight Haunt offers budget-friendly Asian cuisine in a casual setting. Diners can expect tasty, affordable dishes with quick service, perfect for a low-cost meal or takeaway. Expect classic Chinese dishes like sweet and sour chicken or fried rice, praised for value and flavor. The Midnight Haunt will introduce new takeaway deals or menu items to maintain its status as Armagh’s go-to Chinese spot.
Cafe One (Portadown, Co Armagh). A budget-friendly cafe offering a variety of affordable dishes, Cafe One is known for its reasonable prices and homely setting. Diners can expect classic cafe fare like burgers, chips, and breakfast options, ideal for a quick, low-cost meal. A simple meal of two eggs, beans, and chips, priced at £3.60, is highlighted for its value and quality. Cafe One will expand its budget menu with new breakfast or lunch specials, focusing on affordability and local appeal.
Zio’s Pizzeria (Armagh City). A budget-friendly pizzeria offering affordable, high-quality pizzas in a casual setting. Diners can expect a fun, laid-back atmosphere with fast, friendly service, perfect for families or groups on a budget. The Smokey Joe pizza with spicy wedges is a standout, praised for its amazing flavor and value. Zio’s will introduce new pizza toppings or combo deals, leveraging Armagh’s love for affordable, crowd-pleasing meals.

Dining in Ireland

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Award winning restaurants

County Armagh:

Ireland’s County Armagh is steeped in history and natural beauty, with the Navan Fort, an ancient ceremonial site, offering archaeological intrigue. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium provide stargazing opportunities, while the city’s two cathedrals reflect its ecclesiastical heritage. Other attractions include the nearby Slieve Gullion Forest Park with its hiking trails and panoramic views. Armagh is Ireland’s fifth smallest county by size (1,253 square km) and tenth largest by population (194,394). Population peaked at 232,393 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,815, in 1937. In terms of hospitality, Armagh is Ireland’s 26th most visited tourist county with around 57,000 international visitors per year.

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