Is Anybody Hungry?

We were lucky to have a tour with Wendy from Causeway Coast Foodie Tours. It was to be a group tour but because of the Irish Open, it was only us. How lucky was that? At each stop we sampled the very best of the local, award winning food and drink.

Wendy took us on a foodie road trip through the green Irish countryside. The Dark Hedges, made famous in the Game of Thrones, was our first stop. It used to be a simple farmer's road until the series started filming. Now it draws many visitors and tours. The beech trees were planted as an entrance to the estate.

We ate at the Bell Tower Restaurant at Dark Hedges and met the chef, Derek. Our brunch menu was outstanding. You can see for yourself. We had ice cream in jars made with Bushmills whiskey. Subtle flavour and so yummy.

My favourite stop may have been Broughgammon farms because of the goats and calves. One calf particularly liked sucking on my hand like it was a bottle of milk.

The farm is part of the Économusée which is a ‘working museum’- more recognisable as Artisans at work. The Économusée concept was developed in Québec and involves partners from Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The goal is to support and foster local small businesses.

Tea and sweets were next served at Ursa Minor in Ballycastle. This bakery is famous for their sourdough bread. This bakery is also part of the Économusée.

We were able to see soda bread being made by Toni and his wife Kay. It is cooked on a large gas griddle and sold at local farmers market. We tried the bacon and cheese ones.

Our final stop was at Tartine, in Bushmills where we got to meet and chat with the chef Gary Stewart. The food was delicious and beautifully presented.

Wendy was a delightful guide sharing how these local producers, farmers, and bakers support each other and help each other to succeed. A very positive and supportive community.

Wendy was kind enough to wait for us to change into our hiking shoes. She dropped us off at the White Rock beach which was the start of our walk back to Bushmills. We walked around the picturesque Dunluce Castle and back along the coast.