Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival: Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th October
Are you joining us this weekend for the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival? Here’s everything you need to know!
Changes to planned programme for Saturday 04 and Sunday 05 October 2025.
Please be aware that due to the expected unsettled weather conditions and yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office over the next few days, there are some alterations to the programme of events relating to all outdoor activities in Bushmills this Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. All indoor activities will continue as planned on Saturday and Sunday.
What are the opening times?
Friday will bring taste samplings at the visitor information centre from 10-5pm and evening supper clubs. Saturday and Sunday’s cookery demos and entertainment programme will run from 12pm – 5pm. The Outdoor Street Foodie Festival runs from 11am to 5pm on Sunday and there will be a quiet time session for kids from 11am to 1200 noon on Sunday.
When do the cookery demonstrations commence?
Main Street carpark cookery marquee is now relocated to Dunluce Parish Centre on Saturday only. The Centre is located on Priestland Road, a few minutes’ walk from Main Street and will host its first cookery demo at 12 noon on Saturday and the last one at 4.30pm.
The following cookery demos will be held on Saturday at the new venue of Dunluce Parish Centre:
1200 noon to 3pm Jonny – Hungry Hooker
315pm to 415pm Gary Stewart – Tartine
430pm to 5pm Derek Steele – Ebb Café Portstewart
On Sunday the cookery marquee is back in Main Street carpark from 12 noon until the last demo at 3.45pm. The cookery demos at The Courthouse will begin at 11am on Saturday as planned with last demo at 4.30pm and from 1pm on Sunday with the last demo at 4pm.
Will there be music?
Yes, there will be a variety of music performances throughout the weekend. As a result of the expected adverse weather conditions all of the outdoor music performances have now moved to the following indoor venues and times as listed below.
Saturday
Venue: The Courthouse
Performances in both the foyer and the upstairs area
10.00 - 11.15am - North Coast Trad – in the foyer
10.00 - 11.15am - Holly Nadine - upstairs
11.35 – 12.50pm - Chloe Mac – foyer area
12.00pm to 1.15pm - Katelynn Marie – upstairs
2.25pm – 3.40pm – Mary & Anna – foyer area
2.30pm to 3.45pm – Jamie Sloan – upstairs
3.50pm – 5.05pm - Causeway Trad – foyer area
4.00pm – 5.15pm – Ropey Bros – upstairs
Venue: Bushmills Inn
3.00pm - 4.00pm – Chloe Mac
4.00pm - 5.00pm - Allan
Venue: Bush House
12.00pm – 1.00pm – Jamie Sloan
1.05pm – 2.05pm – Ropey Bros
2.10pm – 3.10pm – Indigo Joe
3.15pm – 4.15pm – Gary Anderson
Venue: Bushmills Distillery
Performances in both the entrance and the bar areas
12.00pm – 1.00pm - Baile an chaistil comhaltas – entrance area
1.00pm – 3.00pm – Causeway Mummers – bar area
2.00pm – 4.00pm – Causeway Shanty Men – entrance area
For the full Sunday music schedule, all outdoor performances are being relocated to indoor venues. Follow our socials for the latest updates.
Is the festival child friendly?
All activities originally located in Millenium Park have been moved to alternative locations. There will be plenty of activities on Sunday for children to enjoy, such as circus skills, pancake making and fishing activities. The cookery demonstrations will also inspire older children to create their own culinary masterpieces.
Quiet time for individuals with additional needs.
On Sunday a Quiet Time Session will be held from 11am-12noon with fishing activities, pancake making and circus skills.
Will there be disabled toilets / changing facilities?
There will be a Mobile Accessible Changing Unit available at Main Street car park and Therapy Style car park laneway on Sunday from 1200 noon – 5pm. Additional toilets available at Main Street & Therapy Style car park laneway.
What do I need to book?
As a result of the unsettled weather conditions and yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office, Inland Fisheries have made the decision that the planned tours at the Salmon Station on Friday and Saturday are unable to go ahead.
Bushmills Whiskey Tastings from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday and 11am to 3.30pm on Sunday (Over 18’s only), Bar Warehouse tastings 12noon to 4pm both days - Booking advisable, please see https://www.bushmills.eu/distillery
Causeway Ramblings heritage of Bushmills walks on Friday and Saturday with Antony MacNaghten, bookable through the visitor information centre, 02820730390.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are permitted on a lead however because of the weather conditions all outdoor activities and attractions have now been relocated to indoor venues which may not be suitable for bringing dogs.
Can I buy alcohol?
Bushmills Distillery will be the place to get your authentic Bushmills Whiskey all weekend in the Distillery or the Courthouse. You can also visit local bars and restaurants where you can buy a drink!
Are there admission charges?
The festival is mainly FREE with the exception of some activities such as the supper clubs and walks.
Parking.
Parking is available at Dundarave Car Park and Bushmills Presbyterian Church Car Park is available all-day Saturday and from 2pm Sunday. Parking is limited across the various locations in the village.
See the full programme here and follow our socials for the latest updates on the rescheduled programme.
