Food should never just be about the taste, it should be about the experience that goes with it. Northern Ireland has a rich food and drink heritage and the small region offers a number of award-winning options that will tantalise your tastebuds as well as educate you on the history of the area. For your pleasure, we've picked out some of Northern Ireland's top dining experiences, the majority of which are just a short trip up the road from Dublin.  With something to suit everyone’s tastes, eating your way around Northern Ireland will be a piece of cake. Here are some of the best experiences on offer...

1. Toast the Coast Food Tours

They say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and Toast the Coast knows exactly which route to take. On these full or half day guided tours, you’ll be taken on a journey through all the delicious local food on offer along the Antrim Coast Road. On board a luxury coach, you’ll enjoy stunning views and hear stories of the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping along the way to fill your belly with some of the finest produce the region has to offer. Stops include Ann’s Pantry in Larne, with its award-winning potato bread, and Mary McBride’s in Cushenden - one of Ireland’s smallest pubs. You won’t be going hungry, that’s for sure. More information can be found here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsnlGk2h17G/  

2. Guilt Trip Coffee + Donuts

Satisfy your sweet tooth and refuel at this delightful coffee experience just on the outskirts of Belfast.   Friendly staff will be on hand to offer a wide range of delectable donuts and caffeinated drinks to put a pep in your step for the rest of your trip.   Guilt Trip is a relatively small space located on Belfast’s Orangefield Lane but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in taste. More information can be found here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxKaWqlnfA/

3. Old Bushmills Distillery

The world-renowned whiskey is made just a stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway (no pun intended) and makes for one of the most memorable day’s out in Northern Ireland. Take a guided tour around the sights and smells of Ireland’s oldest working distillery, enjoying tutored whiskey sessions that give you plenty of techniques to impress your mates the next time you meet up for a drink. There’s no need to go home empty-handed as there’s a specialist whiskey shop on site that should provide the perfect gift for the next special occasion.  More information can be found here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpR6ejNlEML/

4. Walled City Brewery - Derry

Located at the foot of the Peace Bridge in the city, the Walled City Brewery was named the 2019 most atmospheric restaurant in Ireland by the Georgina Campbell guides, and once you visit it’ll be easy to see why. Providing high-quality local food and craft beers, the venue will give you an authentic taste of Derry and is a must-visit for foodies. Try different food and drink pairings according to expert recommendations, all for reasonable prices and perfect for group outings. More information can be found here.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGETYgAFsk/

5. Hillstown Brewery - Antrim 

Located in Co. Antrim, Hillstown Brewery came about when a ‘passionate pair of eejits’ got together in 2013 to create an affordable delicacy for the people of Northern Ireland. Hand-crafted beer is the order of the day with the huge variety of drinks on offer, there'll be something to suit everyone's tastes.  More information can be found here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLUhVoBMLN/

6. Muriel’s Belfast

Located on Church Lane in the heart of the city, Muriel’s is a quirky little bar with a cocktail menu to die for. On a nice day, hours could be spent sitting outside watching the world go by and it’s definitely one for the Belfast bucket list. If you’re quick to blush then avert your eyes from the underwear hanging from the ceiling! More information can be found here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzBX04BPPV/   READ NEXT: Six Of The Best Music Experiences In Northern Ireland