Taste at the Castle: A Flavour-Filled Weekend in Ards and North Down

Immediate Release - October 2025

Pictured Above: Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, welcomes members of
Tourism Ireland and Good Food Ireland to Taste Ards and North Down at Bangor Castle.
(L-R) Sinead GraceTourism IrelandAlison JohnstonSales and Marketing Director – Good Food Ireland; Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gilliam McCollumMargaret JeffaresManaging Director – Good Food IrelandDavid BoyceTourism Ireland.

Good Food Ireland® was delighted to join food lovers, local producers and industry leaders at Taste at the Castle, a two-day celebration of the vibrant food scene in Ards and North Down, held in the stunning grounds of Bangor Castle on 27–28 September.

 

Margaret Jeffares with Jim Mulholland of No 14 Georgian House, Comber

Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the event brought together the very best of the region’s food, drink and hospitality, from artisan stalls and live cookery demos to interactive tasting experiences that showcased the exceptional quality and diversity of local producers.

 

As the first local authority in Northern Ireland to partner with Good Food Ireland®, Ards and North Down has firmly positioned itself as a leader in food tourism. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to championing Ireland’s indigenous food culture and connecting visitors with authentic local experiences.

 

Good Food Ireland® were proud to be in attendance for this milestone event, experiencing first-hand the energy, pride and passion driving food in the region.

“Events like Taste at the Castle bring to life everything we value at Good Food Ireland®, local produce, passionate people and a strong sense of place. Ards and North Down is a shining example of how food tourism can connect communities, visitors, and producers in meaningful ways” says Margaret Jeffares, CEO,Good Food Ireland®

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, praised the event’s success: “Taste at the Castle was a fantastic celebration of our local food and drink sector. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the event and to welcome national representatives who are helping to shine a spotlight on our Borough’s producers. Congratulations to all involved and to our Blas nominees, you are putting Ards and North Down firmly on the food map.”

 

Margaret Jeffares with Emma and Isla from Glastry Farm Ice Cream

Taste at the Castle also marked the conclusion of the Council’s Taste Autumn programme, a month-long series of food-focused events celebrating the Borough’s growing reputation as a food tourism destination. We commend Ards and North Down Borough Council for their leadership and look forward to supporting the continued development of food tourism across the region.

 

For more information, visit: https://goodfoodireland.ie/taste-and/

 

 

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Good Food Ireland®

Email: [email protected]

Tel:  +353 (0)53 9158693

 

 

 

 

 

 

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