DINING in Ireland’s county Down

County Down’s culinary identity is focussed on Mourne lamb, Strangford Lough seafood, and sustainability.

The food scene thrives on its coastal and agricultural bounty, with fine dining venues like The Buck’s Head emphasizing Michelin-worthy quality. Casual restaurants like Frae and The Dirty Duck leverage local produce in relaxed settings, while budget options focus on hearty, affordable fare, often in pubs or chippies.

Restaurants across all categories are likely to prioritise local, sustainable ingredients, with fine dining venues introducing foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends.

Fine Dining

The Buck’s Head (Dundrum, Co Down). A proper inn on the road to Dundrum’s south-facing coastline, The Buck’s Head offers a fine dining experience under chef Alex Greene and manager Bronagh McCormick, formerly of Belfast’s Eipic. The spacious, bright dining room with garden views creates an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for special occasions. The menu emphasises Irish produce, with creative dishes showcasing local seafood and meats. Seafood chowder packed with flavorsome fish and shellfish, beef bitterballen (crispy Dutch-style meatballs), and roast rump of venison with slow-cooked venison shepherd’s pie and porcini sauce are highlights, noted for their depth and composition. Featured in the 2026 101 Great Irish Restaurants guide, The Buck’s Head will introduce new seasonal tasting menus or expand its natural wine list, building on its sustainable ethos and local sourcing. New bedrooms are planned for 2026, enhancing its appeal as a destination.
The Poacher’s Pocket (Comber, Co Down). Part of the Lisbane Dining Collection, this fine dining restaurant and barn offers a sophisticated experience with a focus on local ingredients, served in a stylish, modern setting. Diners can expect high-quality dishes with Mourne lamb and Comber potatoes, ideal for foodies or romantic dinners. The attentive service and chic ambiance elevate the experience. Expect dishes like Mourne lamb with Comber potato puree or Strangford Lough seafood, reflecting the region’s bounty. The Poacher’s Pocket will introduce new tasting menus or chef collaborations, leveraging its Michelin Guide recognition and Comber’s culinary heritage.
Noble (Holywood, Co Down). A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, Noble offers fine dining in a relaxed yet refined setting in Holywood, a foodie hub near Belfast. Chefs Saul and Laura McConnell focus on local, seasonal produce, creating dishes that are both inventive and rooted in Irish traditions. Perfect for a special night out with warm, professional service. Rxpect offerings like Strangford Lough oysters or Mourne lamb, showcasing local flavors with creative twists. Noble will expand its seasonal menu or introduce new wine pairings, building on its reputation as a top Down dining spot.
The Parsons Nose (Hillsborough, Co Down). This 17th-century pub turned fine dining destination offers a luxurious experience with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The historic setting, with its warm ambiance, is ideal for discerning diners seeking high-quality cuisine. The menu highlights Mourne produce, perfect for a refined yet cozy meal. Expect dishes like roast Mourne lamb or local seafood, emphasizing regional quality. The Parsons Nose will introduce new chef’s specials or outdoor dining options, aligning with Hillsborough’s tourism appeal.
Balloo House (Killinchy, Co Down). A historic coaching inn with a fine dining restaurant upstairs, Balloo House offers a polished experience with a focus on local produce like Comber potatoes and Strangford Lough seafood. The elegant setting and attentive service make it ideal for special occasions or foodie travelers seeking Irish cuisine. Expect refined takes on Mourne lamb or fresh seafood, reflecting the inn’s locavore ethos. Balloo House will expand its tasting menu or introduce new local wine pairings, enhancing its fine dining credentials.

Casual Dining

Frae (Holywood, Co Down). Located in Holywood’s foodie Mecca, Frae offers a fun, creative casual dining experience with a constantly changing menu. Chef Shaun Tinman’s dishes draw flavors from across Ireland, served in a relaxed, welcoming setting with excellent natural wines. Ideal for groups or a laid-back night out. Veal scallopine with Gorgonzola butter and sherry sauce, chargrilled chicken Marbella, and crispy courgette fries are standout dishes, praised for their creativity and flavor. Frae will introduce new specials or expand its natural wine offerings, maintaining its cult status in Holywood’s vibrant dining scene.
The Dirty Duck Alehouse (Holywood, Co Down). Overlooking Belfast Lough, this award-winning gastropub offers a casual dining experience with stunning views and a menu focused on local produce. The cozy, nautical-themed setting and hearty dishes make it perfect for families or relaxed meals after exploring Holywood. Expect dishes like Strangford Lough mussels or Mourne lamb, paired with local craft beers. The Dirty Duck will introduce new seafood specials or outdoor dining events, leveraging its scenic location.
The Plough Inn (Hillsborough, Co Down). A traditional pub with a casual dining room, The Plough Inn offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a menu featuring local ingredients. The relaxed setting and hearty dishes make it ideal for families or casual dinners, with a focus on Mourne produce. Expect classics like beef and Guinness pie or local seafood chowder, emphasizing quality. The Plough Inn may add new seasonal menus or live music nights, enhancing its community appeal.
The Salty Dog (Bangor, Co Down). Located in a boutique hotel, The Salty Dog offers a casual dining experience with a coastal vibe, focusing on local seafood and meats. The relaxed, stylish setting is perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family, with views of Bangor Marina. Expect dishes like Strangford Lough crab or Mourne beef, showcasing coastal flavors. The Salty Dog will introduce new seafood platters or outdoor terrace dining, capitalizing on Bangor’s seaside charm.
Haptik (Bangor, Co Down). A modern bistro in Bangor, Haptik offers a casual dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The vibrant atmosphere and creative menu make it ideal for foodies seeking a relaxed yet quality meal. The service is friendly and the setting contemporary. Rxpect offerings like local fish or Mourne lamb, paired with innovative sides. Haptik will expand its menu with new small plates or local craft beer pairings, reflecting Bangor’s growing food scene.
The Guillemot (Bangor, Co Down). This deli and kitchen offers a casual dining experience with a focus on local, artisan ingredients. The relaxed, community-oriented setting is perfect for brunch or lunch, with a menu featuring fresh, seasonal dishes. Ideal for a laid-back meal after exploring Bangor. Expect dishes like Strangford Lough seafood salads or artisan sandwiches, emphasizing quality. The Guillemot will introduce new brunch specials or takeaway options, enhancing its deli appeal.

Budget Dining

The Lobster Pot (Strangford, Co Down). A budget-friendly pub and restaurant in Strangford, The Lobster Pot offers hearty, affordable meals with a focus on local seafood. The cozy, traditional setting and friendly service make it ideal for a quick, value-driven meal, perfect for families or tourists. Seafood chowder and fish and chips, featuring Strangford Lough catches, are highlights, known for their freshness and value. The Lobster Pot will introduce new budget-friendly specials or outdoor seating, leveraging its scenic Strangford location.
The Cuan (Strangford, Co Down). This family-run inn offers budget-friendly dining with a focus on local produce in a warm, traditional pub setting. Diners can expect affordable, hearty dishes, ideal for a casual meal after exploring Strangford Lough. The friendly atmosphere adds to its charm. Expect classics like Irish stew or local seafood, reflecting County Down’s heritage. The Cuan may add new budget specials or themed dining nights, enhancing its community vibe.
Cafe Fish (Newcastle, Co Down). A budget-friendly chippy in Newcastle, Cafe Fish offers fresh, affordable seafood in a casual, no-frills setting. Diners can expect quick service and tasty dishes, perfect for a seaside meal after exploring the Mourne Mountains. Beer-battered fish and chips, featuring local catches, are a standout, praised for their quality and value. Cafe Fish will expand its takeaway menu or introduce new budget seafood specials, catering to Newcastle’s tourist crowd.
The Maghera Inn (Maghera, Co Down). A traditional pub offering budget-friendly dining with a focus on hearty, homemade dishes. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere is ideal for locals or visitors seeking affordable comfort food in a rural setting. Expect pub classics like bangers and mash or local fish dishes, offering great value. The Maghera Inn will introduce new budget-friendly specials or live music events, enhancing its rural appeal.

Dining in Ireland

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Award winning restaurants

County Down:

Ireland’s county Down offers a mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes, with Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick Centre and cathedral providing insights into Ireland’s patron saint. The Mourne Mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while Strangford Lough provides kayaking and wildlife spotting. Other attractions include the historic Tollymore Forest Park. Down is Ireland’s 12th largest county by size (2,447 square km) and fourth largest by population (553,261). Population peaked at 361,446 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 204,303, in 1911. In terms of hospitality, Down is Ireland’s 18th most visited tourist county with around 127,000 international visitors per year.

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