Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2022 - a welcome return to this much loved food and drink celebration!

The annual Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival is a Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council event celebrating the incredible food and drinks in and around the charming village of Bushmills.

Dine around Bushmills kicked started the festival weekend on Friday 14th October 2022. Locals and visitors enjoyed a weekend filled with opportunities to enjoy what local cafes, restaurants, and bars dished up/. There were themed menus along the Bushmills Taste Trail, showcasing the best of local produce and warm hospitality while housing some great local musicians .

On Saturday, 15th October 2022, for many, the day started with a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery for a tasting to 'getting into the spirit' and had the chance to bring home a gift for someone special from the Distillery Gift Shop. Then festival revellers followed the River Bush back into the heart of the village, dropping by The River Bush Salmon Station. Open especially for festival there was the opportunity to learn about the fascinating natural life span of the Salmon. The work and research are internationally renowned and worth a visit.

Award-winning collaborative Taste Causeway organised the opportunity for you to meet some of their Makers/Producers, see and hear why it is an accredited Slow Food destination, and pick up some goodies for later.

Looking for some inspiration, pop into a cooking demonstration which will no doubt give you an appetite in time for refreshment breaks at the local cafes, restaurants and bars along the Bushmills Taste Trail. Be sure to stock up on the wide range of produce available to buy from our family-run butchers, cheesemonger and artisan deli, bakeries and the most famous traditional fruit and veg store in the country before you call it a day. If you are fortunate enough to live in the village or nearby or plan to stay in the area, the festival feel continues into the evening with venues offering great food, drink and entertainment throughout the evening. Why not make a weekend of it? For suggestions on where to stay, check out our where-to-stay guide for a couple of suggestions.

On Sunday 16th October, in addition to local businesses offering delicious dishes, cocktails and sweet treats throughout the village, other highlights include the arrival of the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market with a range of street food vendors and popular market traders to browse and buy. Keeping with the festival weekend vibe, there will be plenty of live music to enjoy as we wind down for another year (the exact programme to be confirmed by the Events Team at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council). 

For more information on what to expect when visiting Bushmills village, enjoy our Experience Bushmills videos! We are not just about 'eatin and drinkin' in Bushmills as we boast a range of exclusive fashion boutiques, fine art, crafts, gifts, books and antique stores. You will be amazed at the range and quality of what this picturesque village offers. And don't forget to subscribe below for a chance to grab a Dine around Bushmills ticket!