Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival: Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th October
Are you joining us for this year's Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of your visit:
When does the festival take place?
The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival takes place Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th October.
What are the opening times of the festival?
For all timings, please see the full programme.
When do the cookery demonstrations take place?
The Main Street carpark cookery marquee will host cookery demos from 12noon - 4.30pm on Saturday, and 12 noon - 3.45pm on Sunday.
The Courthouse cookery demos will begin at 11am on Saturday with last demo at 4.30pm and 1pm on Sunday with the last demo at 4pm.
The Bushmills Visitor Information Centre will host Meet the Makers of the Boathouse Gallery on Saturday from 10am – 5pm with a demo from North Coast Smokehouse at 12.30pm -3pm.
Is the festival family-friendly?
There will be plenty of activities in Millennium Park on Sunday for children to enjoy, such as circus skills, pancake-making and falconry where they can wonder at the eagles and owls in the park. Themed stilt walkers will also be roaming the streets, perfect for photo opportunities. The cookery demonstrations will also inspire older children to create their own culinary masterpieces.
Are the any quiet time sessions for people with additional needs?
On Sunday, a Quiet Time Session will be held in Millennium Park from 11am-12noon with falconry, pizza making, fishing activities, wild cooking skills and circus skills.
Will there be disable toilets/changing facilities?
There will be a Mobile Accessible Changing Unit available at Main Street carpark on Sunday at 11am – 5pm. Other toilets are available at Dundarave carpark, Main Street and Main Street carpark.
Which events am I required to pre-book?
Inland Fisheries are opening the Salmon Station for tours Friday and Saturday 11am – 5pm, on the hour, every hour and are pre-bookable.
Book tickets here via Eventbrite.
Bushmills Whiskey Tastings will take place from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday and 11am to 3.30pm on Sunday (Over 18’s only). Bar Warehouse Tastings take place 12noon to 4pm both days.
Booking is advisable.
Book tickets via Bushmills Distillery.
Causeway Ramblings will be holding Heritage of Bushmills Walks on Friday and Saturday with Antony MacNaghten, bookable through the Bushmills Visitor Information Centre.
Contact details for Bushmills Visitor Information Centre.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, this is an open-air street festival so dogs are permitted on a lead. Indoor events and shops/restaurants/pubs will all have their own dog-friendly policies, so please check before booking or visiting.
Can I buy any alcohol?
You can purchase Bushmills Whiskey all weekend at Bushmills Distillery or The Courthouse. You can also visit local bars and restaurants where you can buy a drink. On Sunday, you can try-before-you-buy different whiskeys on offer at the Whiskey Hub located in Main Street carpark.
Are there any admission charges?
The festival is mainly FREE with the exception of some of the tours and walks.
Parking
Parking is available at Dundarave Car Park, as well as streetside parking. Bushmills Presbyterian Church Car Park is available all day Saturday and from 2pm Sunday. Limited disabled car parking is available at Dundarave and Bushmills Presbyterian Church.
