- The Poacher’s Pocket (Lisbane, Comber): A gastropub in Lisbane near Comber, known for its cozy ambiance and exceptional food. Offers a seasonal menu with dishes like crispy pork belly and decadent sides, paired with a huge craft beer selection. Praised as one of Ireland’s cutest, coziest pubs. Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere with comfy booths, high-quality pub grub, and craft beers. Ideal for a hearty meal after exploring Strangford Lough or Scrabo Tower.
- The Cuan (Strangford): A welcoming pub and guesthouse in the scenic village of Strangford, overlooking Strangford Lough. Known for its fresh, local seafood and traditional dishes like Irish stew, served in a cozy setting with live music sessions. Offers accommodation for longer stays. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed meal with lough views, friendly service, and occasional music. Perfect for a coastal retreat or post-ferry dining from Portaferry.
- The Maghera Inn (Maghera): A historic pub in the village of Maghera, near the Mourne Mountains, with a modern gastropub twist. Features an award-winning menu with locally sourced ingredients, a wide gin selection, and live music. Known for its warm, traditional interior. Expect a cozy, community-focused pub with excellent food and drinks, ideal for a night out or a stop after hiking in the Mournes.
- The Pheasant (Annahilt): A rustic gastropub in Annahilt, celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Offers dishes like roast game and seafood, with a focus on fresh produce. Its elegant yet traditional setting makes it a standout in County Down’s culinary scene. Visitors can anticipate high-quality dining in a charming, rural setting. Great for foodies seeking a refined pub experience near Lisburn.
- The Portaferry Hotel Bar (Portaferry): A seafront pub within the historic Portaferry Hotel, overlooking Strangford Lough. Known for its fresh seafood, local beers, and cozy ambiance with sea views. Offers a traditional yet upscale dining experience. Expect a scenic, relaxed pub with delicious seafood and a warm atmosphere. Perfect for a meal after exploring the Ards Peninsula or taking the Strangford ferry.
- The Anchor Bar (Newcastle): A traditional pub in the coastal town of Newcastle, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Features live music, a wide drink selection, and hearty pub grub, with a focus on local hospitality. Its seaside location adds charm. Visitors can enjoy a lively, welcoming pub with music and good food, ideal for a post-beach or hiking pint.
- The Bucks Head Inn (Dundrum): A family-run pub in Dundrum, known for its warm hospitality and traditional setting. Offers a solid menu of pub classics like fish and chips, alongside local beers and occasional live music. Its proximity to Dundrum Castle adds historical appeal. Expect a cozy, friendly pub with hearty food and a community vibe. Great for a casual meal after exploring coastal Down.
- The Lobster Pot (Strangford): A renowned gastropub in Strangford, celebrated for its seafood and elegant dining. Specializes in fresh, local seafood like lobster and oysters, with a modern interior and lough views. Offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy upscale pub dining with stunning seafood dishes and a scenic setting. Ideal for a special meal near Strangford Lough.
- The Parson’s Nose (Hillsborough): A stylish gastropub in the historic village of Hillsborough, part of the Hilden Brewery family. Known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu, craft beers from Hilden Brewery, and elegant yet cozy ambiance. Popular for Sunday roasts. Expect high-quality food, great beers, and a refined atmosphere. Perfect for a meal after visiting Hillsborough Castle or Forest Park.
- The Plough Inn (Hillsborough): A historic pub in Hillsborough, dating back centuries, blending tradition with modern gastropub fare. Offers a mix of traditional dishes and contemporary cuisine, with a cozy interior and a reputation for excellent service. Visitors can enjoy a warm, historic setting with quality food and drinks. Great for a relaxed meal in a picturesque village.
- The Poacher’s Barn (Portavogie): A cozy pub in the fishing village of Portavogie, known for its seafood and community vibe. Features fresh, local fish and shellfish, with a traditional bar atmosphere and friendly service. Popular with locals and fishermen. Expect a welcoming, no-frills pub with delicious seafood and a laid-back coastal feel. Ideal for a pint after exploring the Ards Peninsula.
- The Salty Dog (Bangor): A modern gastropub in Bangor, located in a boutique hotel with seafront views. Offers a creative menu with dishes like seafood chowder and gourmet burgers, paired with craft beers and cocktails. Its stylish decor stands out. Visitors can enjoy a trendy, coastal atmosphere with high-quality food and drinks. Perfect for a meal after a seaside walk in Bangor.
- The Old Inn (Crawfordsburn): A historic thatched pub in Crawfordsburn, dating back to 1614, blending tradition with upscale dining. Known for its award-winning cuisine, cozy snugs, and open fires. Offers a mix of pub classics and gourmet dishes, with a fine wine selection. Expect a charming, historic setting with excellent food and a relaxed vibe. Ideal for a special occasion or a cozy pint near Belfast.
- The Dirty Duck Alehouse (Holywood): A popular pub in Holywood, overlooking Belfast Lough, known for its craft beers and seafood. Features an extensive craft beer menu, fresh seafood dishes, and a scenic beer garden. Its nautical theme adds charm. Visitors can enjoy a lively pub with great drinks, tasty food, and lough views. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or casual dinner.
- The Hillside (Hillsborough): A traditional pub in Hillsborough, known for its warm atmosphere and quality pub grub. Offers a cozy interior with open fires, hearty dishes like steak and ale pie, and regular live music. A local favorite for its welcoming vibe. Expect a friendly, traditional pub with good food and occasional entertainment. Great for a relaxed evening in a historic village.
Pubs
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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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