Bushmills gears up for Salmon & Whiskey Festival 2025!

Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Richard Stewart attended the launch of the 2025 Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, taking place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October 2025. Pictured with the Deputy Mayor is Gary Stewart, Tartine at the Distillers Arms.

The picturesque village of Bushmills will once again be transformed into a hub of food, drink, music and culture as the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival 2025 returns from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October.

Celebrating the best of local heritage and produce, this year’s festival promises to be “the best one yet,” with a packed programme of events showcasing the Causeway Coast and Glens’ growing reputation as a leading food and drink destination.

A feast of food and drink

Shauna McFall, Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a delicious hamper showcasing the local food produce that will be available at this year’s Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, taking place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October 2025.

Visitors can look forward to sampling artisan produce, enjoying live cookery demonstrations and discovering the rich traditions of salmon and whiskey.

Celebrity chef Suzie-Lee and social media star The Hungry Hooker will be headlining cookery demonstrations across the weekend, offering inspiration on how to create dishes using local ingredients.

On Friday, the popular Bushmills Supper Club returns, with Tartine and renowned Slemish Market Chef Rob Curley collaborating on a special tasting experience. Meanwhile, The Bistro at the Courthouse and The Bushmills Inn will host exclusive festival menus, pairing gourmet dishes with carefully selected whiskeys.

The 2025 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October. Pictured at the launch event are Hanna Wright, Bistro at the Courthouse; Brian Willis, Courthouse resident artist; and Erin Greer, Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub.

The 2025 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October. Pictured at the launch event are Hanna Wright, Bistro at the Courthouse; and Erin Greer, Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub.

Market buzz and live entertainment

The Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will bring street food and crafts to Bushmills on Saturday, before taking over the village’s Main Street on Sunday.

Visitors can meet local producers, take part in “Meet the Maker” sessions, and enjoy live music adding to the bustling atmosphere.

The Whiskey Hub returns to the Main Street car park, with a new focus on the history of Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Whiskey enthusiasts will also have the chance to sample blends from across Ireland on Sunday.

Tours of the famous Bushmills Distillery will run all weekend, offering a rare glimpse inside the working heart of a 400-year-old tradition.

Something for everyone

The 2025 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October. Across the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes inspired by salmon and whiskey, cooked by local chefs.

Alongside food and drink, the festival will feature a diverse line-up of entertainment and activities, from live music and storytelling to children’s events and fishing workshops in Millennium Park.

Visitors can explore the recently restored Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub, take part in garden activities with the Council’s Biodiversity Officer, and enjoy family-friendly attractions such as fly casting and fly tying.

For those seeking a quieter pace, quiet time sessions for individuals with additional needs will run on Sunday morning. History lovers can also join guided tours of the Inland Fisheries Salmon Station or take part in local resident Antony Macnaghten’s Heritage Walking Tour.

Celebrating community and culture

The Inland Fisheries Salmon Station will return for the 2025 Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, opening on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October for pre-booked tours. Pictured are Gary Burrows and Greg Hood from DAERA.

With its unique blend of food, heritage and hospitality, the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival continues to shine a spotlight on the Causeway Coast and Glens.

From whisky tastings to artisan markets, the three-day event offers something for everyone – whether you’re a connoisseur of fine food, a music lover, or simply looking for a great family day out.

Across the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes inspired by salmon and whiskey, cooked by local chefs.

For the full programme and booking details, visit: www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.