Arkle Whiskey Bar - Carnlough
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Located inside the historic Londonderry Arms Hotel is the Arkle Whiskey Bar - the perfect place to try different whiskies during your time in Mid & East Antrim. The Georgian building has plenty of character, with cosy lounges, antique furniture, and log fires, making it a great choice for crisp autumn days.
The Arkle Whiskey Bar, named after the famous steeplechaser, offers whiskey flights and food pairings that provide a fantastic culinary experience. Settle down and relax with your chosen flight as you take in your surroundings, immerse yourself in history, and enjoy conversation with the locals.
Dobbins Inn - Carrickfergus
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Image courtesy of @social_stephen (Instagram)
On Carrickfergus High Street, you’ll find the Dobbins Inn, a lovely location for an autumn drink and a bite to eat. Boasting 800 years of history, this inn combines an original 14th century castle facade with a 15th century townhouse, making it a very unique place to visit.
Once inside, you’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome and will be greeted by a cosy log fire in the bar lounge where you can order what the inn describes as ‘a great pint of Guinness’, or one of a whole variety of other tipples. During the autumn, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music should you visit on a Friday night or selected Saturday evenings.
The Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant - Broughshane
There’s something cosy and autumnal about a building with a thatched roof and, as the name suggests, this is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Thatch Inn in Broughshane. The 18th century bar and restaurant has been central to life in the award-winning village since 1773.
Step into the inn and you’ll find an open fire and quirky items from years gone by, creating the feeling that you’ve gone back in time. Enjoy a fully stocked bar, friendly service, wholesome food, and a fabulous atmosphere.
The Paddock @ Billy Andy’s - Mounthill
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If you find yourself in Mounthill on an autumn day, look no further than The Paddock @ Billy Andy’s for a place to relax with your favourite drink. With open log and peat fires, you can expect a super cosy atmosphere, plus traditional Irish music on Saturday afternoons.
Due to its location on the Causeway Coastal Route, you’re sure to find yourself close to The Paddock during your time in Mid & East Antrim, and it’s a great place to explore the Game of Thrones story too.
Ownies Bar - Carrickfergus
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Another Carrickfergus gem, Ownies Bar was established in 1846, making it one of the oldest pubs in Antrim. The bar’s traditional oak beams and open fire make it the definition of cosy, and they’re particularly proud of their creamy pints of Guinness and shots of Poitin (known as moonshine in Ireland).
A great place to meet locals and watch sport, Ownies Bar also serves delicious food and hosts live music, so you can be confident that a visit here during your autumn break will be a memorable experience.
Matties Meeting House - Cairncastle
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Matties Meeting House is a traditional pub offering tasty food and a range of beers, wines, and spirits that are sure to keep you happy on an autumn day. Cosy meal options include steak and Guinness pie, burgers with smoked bacon and cheese, and Matties chicken, which is served with a Bushmills whiskey, cream and spring onion sauce.
When it’s cold outside, warm yourself by the fire as you sip your chosen drink, and enjoy acoustic singing sessions on Thursday evenings and lively music on Saturday nights.
Millars Bar - Ballycarry
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Described as a hidden gem, Millars Bar in Ballycarry is a traditional pub offering great service and delicious food to its guests. You’ll receive a warm welcome on arrival and friendly service throughout your visit. There’s an open fire which you can cosy up next to on an autumn day, and the pub is dog friendly, so a great option if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend!
The Countryman Bar & Restaurant, Ballymena
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Locally sourced food, farmhouse cooking, and a roaring open fire make The Countryman Bar & Restaurant the perfect destination for those seeking a cosy pub in Mid & East Antrim. Decorated in a traditional style and boasting a warm Irish atmosphere with plenty of charm, this pub is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
The Countryman’s menu has options for everyone, including those with dietary requirements, and drinks include premium wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails.
The Crosskeys Inn - Toome
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One of Ireland's most famous music pubs, The Crosskeys Inn is the perfect place for an autumn tipple in traditional surroundings. Dating all the way back to 1654, the inn’s age has a lot to do with how cosy it feels, and its stone framework and whitewashed walls simply add to its charm.
Well known for its long and fascinating history, The Crosskeys Inn welcomes people from around the world, particularly those who are visiting the local area to walk, fish, cycle, or play golf. Visit the pub on a Saturday night and you’re likely to experience an Irish music session, with the possibility of the same on Friday and Sunday evenings.
We hope that we’ve inspired you to find these cosy pubs in Mid & East Antrim for yourself this autumn and guarantee that you’ll enjoy your visit when you do.
