Belfast: The Original Belfast Food Tour with Drinks

Thinking about exploring Belfast through its food scene? This award-winning tour promises a fun, four-hour walk through the city’s best eats and drinks, guided by local enthusiasts who know their stuff. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about Belfast’s culinary side, this tour offers a nice blend of tasty bites and lively local spots.

What really catches our eye are the tasting stops—smoked salmon, Irish cheeses, and hearty Irish champ, all paired with local drinks like cider and Irish beers. We also appreciate that the tour is small, limiting to just 8 people, which means you get a more personal experience. That said, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for under-18s, so it’s a grown-up affair. If you love exploring cities through their cuisine and enjoy the idea of sampling authentic local flavors, this tour could be just your thing.

One thing to keep in mind: the price includes a good variety of tastings, but it’s quite a packed experience, so you won’t need lunch afterward. If you’re expecting a leisurely, sit-down meal, this might seem a bit quick, but for a lively guided walk packed with bites, it hits the mark. Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers who want a relaxed, engaging way to get a flavor of Belfast’s food scene.

Key Points

• Tasty variety: From smoked salmon to Irish cheeses and charcuterie, there’s plenty to try.
• All-inclusive: The price covers multiple drinks, sweet treats, and a hearty Irish breakfast bap.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Flexible options: Suitable for dietary requirements with advance notice.
• Location: Starts at St George’s Market, a historic spot perfect for getting a sense of Belfast.
• Duration: Four hours of walking, eating, and drinking—no need to plan lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Belfast Food Tour

Starting at St George’s Market

This historic market is the perfect launchpad for your food adventure. It’s lively and full of local producers, giving you a real taste of Belfast’s food culture right from the start. The guide will introduce you to vendors and some of the finest local products, setting a friendly, energetic tone for the rest of the tour.

First Tastings: Irish Breakfast Bap & Tea or Coffee

The tour kicks off with a hearty Irish breakfast bap paired with tea or coffee—simple but satisfying. It’s a great way to get your appetite going and settle into the rhythm of the walk while sampling a local favorite.

Sampling Smoked Salmon & Locally Churned Butter

Next, you’ll head around Belfast to taste smoked salmon, often described as fresh and delicately flavored, along with locally churned butter and rapeseed oils. These stops highlight the quality of Northern Irish ingredients, which often surprise visitors with their freshness and purity.

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Irish Cider & Hearty Irish Champ

One of the standout moments is trying Irish champ—mashed potatoes mixed with spring onions—paired with a local cider. It’s a simple, comforting dish, showcasing traditional Irish flavors. The cider adds a crisp, refreshing contrast that enhances the experience. Reviewers often mention how these local beverages really complement the food.

Cheese & Charcuterie Plate

The tour continues with three Irish cheeses and some local charcuterie, allowing you to sample the distinct tastes of Irish dairy and cured meats. The cheeses are often described as creamy and full-flavored, making this stop a favorite for cheese lovers.

Beers & Artisan Sausage Roll

A couple of locally brewed beers come with an artisan sausage roll—crisp, flavorful, and satisfying. The guide will probably mention the breweries that produce these beers, giving you a taste of Belfast’s craft scene. Many enjoy this part, citing the pairing as perfectly indulgent.

Sweet Treat & Award-winning Hot Chocolate

No food tour would be complete without something sweet, and this one offers an award-winning hot chocolate, rich and velvety, plus a sweet treat. It’s a cozy, satisfying finish to the tasting experience, with guests often calling it a real highlight.

Locally Distilled Rum Drink

To wrap up, you’ll get to sample a locally distilled rum—a nice touch that highlights Belfast’s emerging craft spirits scene. It’s a gentle, warming end to your four-hour journey.

The Experience: What’s It Really Like?

The tour is designed to be relaxed and friendly, with guide commentary that’s both informative and engaging. The small group size—up to 8 people—means you get personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Guests have said the guides are passionate and enthusiastic, eager to share stories about Belfast’s food traditions and local producers. You’ll visit traditional bars, shops, and markets, giving the experience a nice mix of casual exploration and culinary discovery.

Most reviews mention the tour’s pacing—it’s well-balanced, with enough time at each stop to savor the food and drinks without feeling rushed. The mix of savory, sweet, and beverage tastings means it’s more than just a snack crawl; it’s a genuine introduction to Belfast’s edible culture.

Accessibility & Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a great plus, and it caters to dietary restrictions with advance notice, making it inclusive for different needs. The meeting spot at St George’s Market is central and easy to reach, and the tour ends back at the same point, so no transportation worries there.

Value for Money

Considering the variety of tastings—multiple drinks, cheeses, hot chocolate, and a full Irish breakfast bap—the price feels fair. You’re getting a well-organized, curated experience that introduces you to a range of local flavors in just four hours.

Drawbacks & Considerations

One potential downside is that the tour is not suitable for children under 18, so it’s definitely geared toward adults. Plus, if you’re looking for a sit-down meal or a long, leisurely dining experience, this might not satisfy that craving, as it’s more of a tasting walk. Some might find it a bit quick-paced if they’re big eaters or want more time at each stop.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for foodies, couples, or friends who want to get a sense of Belfast’s local flavors without a sit-down meal. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning about local ingredients and pairing food with drinks in a lively setting. It’s also a good pick for travelers who prefer small groups and a personal touch over large, commercial tours.

If you’re after a casual, flavorful introduction to Belfast’s culinary scene, this tour delivers on that front—without the fluff or fuss. It’s a nice way to combine sightseeing with tasting and leave with a better understanding of what makes Belfast’s food scene tick.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all dietary requirements. Just let the organizers know in advance so they can accommodate your needs.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around four hours, making it a manageable outing that fits well into a day of exploring Belfast.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St George’s Market entrance on Oxford Street, Belfast, and finishes back at the same location.

Are children allowed on the tour?
No, this experience isn’t suitable for children under 18, as it’s focused on adult tastings and drinks.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation isn’t included. You should plan to walk between stops, but the tour is designed for easy access and comfort.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

What’s the best thing about this tour?
Most guests appreciate the authentic taste of Irish food and drinks, paired with the friendly, knowledgeable guides that make the experience lively and informative.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuinely flavorful, relaxed way to sample Belfast’s local food scene, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s not a fancy, high-end dining experience, but rather a practical, tasty, and social introduction to what makes Belfast’s culinary culture special. With a small group, flexible options, and a good variety of bites, it’s well suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with authentic eating.

It might not be the right fit if you’re after a long meal, have young children, or prefer a more formal culinary experience. But for those looking to get a quick, fun snapshot of Belfast’s food and drink, this tour offers a genuine taste of the city’s best.

Happy eating!

You can check availability for your dates here: