Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival

Join us for a giant celebration of local food and drink as the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival returns to the village from 6^th- 8^th October.  

Built by the River Bush, the reputation of Bushmills is renowned, being home to the oldest licensed whisky distillery and a tradition for salmon fishing. In a celebration of the food, drink and local heritage of the area, there's lots to look forward to. Enjoy the local warm hospitality of the village at both the Bushmills Distillery and the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market. The distillery will be open during the festival weekend, while the market will offer the opportunity to meet the makers behind the local produce, purchase unique handmade crafts and more. Many independent businesses are involved to help make the festival a success, as well as involvement from local chefs, including Gary Stewart from Tartine at The Distillers Arms, who is an integral part of the weekend. Celebrity chef Paula McIntrye will be attending over the weekend and will be hosting several cookery demonstrations on Sunday. The event is part funded by DAERA – NI Regional Food Programme, supported by the Bushmills Business Association.

Friday, October 6

A unique Coast & Countryside tour will be available throughout the day, exploring the bespoke offering Bushmills has to offer. This will be guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher (pre-booking required via causewaycoastfoodietours.com).

The highlight of Friday evening is the Bushmills ‘Dine around Town’, a unique food and drink experience created to indulge visitors with bespoke menus using the finest quality local produce. Musical performances in select venues will set the mood to kick-off the festival weekend. This is a ticketed event with limited places. 

Saturday, October 7

Enjoy wandering around Bushmills and guide yourself through the Taste Trail, taking in the smells and flavours on offer. The many great restaurants and cafes in the village welcome you to try a variety of fresh local dishes embracing locally sourced ingredients, especially Salmon and/or Whiskey. Bushmills Distillery will be open during the weekend and hosting tours. The Visitor Information Centre will host a taste showcase of products from local artisan producers. Various establishments will also host music and entertainment into the evening.

1100 -1145 am
Macramé Keyring Workshop with resident maker, Gill Gurney from Linen Lane, in The Makers House studio.  Calling all budding creatives (age 8 and over).  Learn how to make your own keyring using basic knots and macrame techniques.  8 spaces only.  Booking essential through www.thedesignerie.com or ring on 028 20732606.

12:00pm to 12:45pm
Wendy Dempster at The Lamb Van has taken the whiskey theme as inspiration for recipe dishes using her lamb ham, a finalist at this year’s Irish Food Awards.  Our local Shepherdess will be sampling and demonstrating the versatility of this beautifully cured ham with plenty of recipe ideas and cooking tips.  

1:00pm to 1:45pm
Gin tasting and local food pairing with Paula McIntyre featuring her new gin.  Paula will also be signing copies of the Taste Causeway book “Recipes and Stories.”

2:00pm to 2.45pm
Stephanie Neumann-Flynn from Partie de Moi will be launching her range of artisan spice blends at The Designerie, just in time for winter.  Atlantic Everything’s Seasoning and Omi Seasoning are perfect with fresh and smoked salmon, while a whiskey hot toddy is just waiting for a sprinkle of her Artisan Winter Spice or Artisan Sugar and Spice seasoning.

2.00pm to 2.45pm
Painting workshop by resident maker, Maud McArthur Art in the Makers House studio. 12 lucky children (age 3 and over) will create their own shimmering salmon painting on canvas using metallic paints and a variety of painting techniques.  Booking essential through www.thedesignerie.com or ring on 028 20732606.

3:00 to 4:00pm
Glens of Antrim crisps will be sampling their award-winning Shindig Whiskey and Shamrock flavoured crisps paired with a nip of Lir Irish Whiskey and plenty of whiskey stories and craic with Glens of Antrim Distillery.

Sunday, October 8

Highlights of Sunday include live cookery demonstrations and the ‘Whiskey Hub’, a brand-new experience for the Whiskey enthusiast. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience the fine whiskeys on offer in Northern Ireland.

With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to be missed!

1:30pm to 2:15pm
Gin tasting and local food pairing with Paula McIntyre featuring her new gin.  Paula will also be signing copies of the Taste Causeway book “Recipes and Stories.”

2:30pm to 3:30pm
Niall McGinn, Head Chef and Creative Director at Dundarave Estate will be sampling their whiskey inspired products including BBQ sauce with whiskey, beetroot whiskey and dulce chutney, and the Great Taste award-winning Christmas pudding, best served with whiskey infused Chestnutt’s Farm fresh cream.  

3:45pm to 4:15pm
How to make the perfect Irish Coffee – demo and tasting with Causeway Coffee featuring Chestnutt’s Farm fresh cream.

Please note, DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is sadly unable to open up the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past.