Sample sensational seafood in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will be serving a Year of Food and Drink in 2016 – 366 leap year days dedicated to its artisan producers, chefs and delicacies from every corner and county

by Shrutee K/DNS

26^th July 2016 : With the largest lough in the UK and Ireland, and flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea, it’s no surprise that Northern Ireland’s range of fish and shellfish is extensive. Lough Neagh is famous for its protected eel and the large and tasty brown trout called dollaghan, which is unique to Northern Ireland, while the rivers in the Lough Foyle and Bann estuaries are some of the top salmon producing systems on the island of Ireland. Add to that top quality king scallops, oysters, prawns, lobsters, crab, shrimp, clams, cockles, mussels and whelks harvested from the Irish Sea, and Northern Ireland is heaven for seafood lovers.  

Visitors to Ireland can sample and savour this watery bounty by treating themselves to a memorable meal in one of the many restaurants across Northern Ireland serving sensational seafood menus.

In Belfast, Tedfords for dishes with a contemporary twist such as curry roast monkfish, or Deane’s Love Fish for a relaxed atmosphere and a highly affordable, top-notch menu are must-visits. In Derry-Londonderry the stylish Pier 59 bistro offers freshly caught crab, mussels and oysters, as well as and hot and cold seafood platters, while the White River House Hotel on the banks of the River Bann in County Antrim is a superb location to try smoked eel.

For shell-fish lovers, the special lobster nights at Mourne Seafood Bar in beautiful Dundrum Bay or the Lobster Pot overlooking Strangford Lough are a must-do experience. Foodies can also follow the Lough Erne food trail in the tranquil Fermanagh lakelands, stopping off at one of the featured eateries such as The Catalina Restaurant at the Lough Erne Resort.  For a more casual way to enjoy the local catch, travellers can enjoy a takeaway from Morton's in Ballycastle, renowned not just for its traditional fish and chips but also for takeaway fresh lobster, crab meat, prawns and scallops.

For those who want to prepare their own signature seafood dish, a visit to one of the farmers’ markets across Northern Ireland is highly recommended. Alternatively, they can also check out Belfast’s award-winning St George’s Market where the freshest fish is available.

For seafood lovers in India, Northern Ireland is a destination not to be missed.