NI summer BBQ

Hi all its August, summer is in full swing, get those bbqs out! Please viz press release below:

Celebrate Love NI Meat Month by firing up the barbecue

SUMMER is a great time for meat-eaters, as people everywhere get out the aprons and grilling tongs to enjoy a summer barbecue with family and friends. Tourism Northern Ireland are marking this time of year by declaring August “Love NI Meat” month as part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, in celebration of NI’s array of fantastic producers of meat and the many great places to enjoy it.

Tourism NI’s Destination and PR Officer Rachel Quigg explains why Northern Ireland is a great barbecue destination:

“During the height of summer, there will be many people enjoying barbecues, and we would encourage everyone to get out and experience some of Northern Ireland’s beautiful outdoor spots to enjoy their food and when we get it, the weather!”

“All around Northern Ireland, there are parks, beaches and forests that are all the more enjoyable in summer weather and many have specific areas designed for barbecues providing a beautiful backdrop and a change from our backyards this summer.”

Tourism NI has put together some places to enjoy a barbecue, as well as an introductory list to some of NI’s best loved and award-winning meat producers.

Meat the Suppliers

Hannan Meats sources and produces a fantastic array of meat products, and supply meat for some of the finest restaurants, hotels and retailers in the UK and Ireland. Hannan Meats are also available directly to the public through the Meat Merchant Shop in Moira, Co. Down.

Situated just beside the factory, it offers a full range of products at wholesale prices as well as a treasure trove of other local artisan delights perfect to cook, taste and enjoy at a family barbecue.

Anybody who enjoys the taste of bacon will know how difficult it is to get right, but Pat O’Doherty’s popular bacon seems to have the perfect formula. O’Doherty’s famous Black Bacon is a wafer thin bacon from Pat’s 200-strong herd of carefully selected Tamworth pigs, raised on the remote, uninhabited island of Innishcorkish on Lough Erne. Pat O’Doherty has also developed an innovative corned beef based on a 600 year-old recipe, which is now enjoyed worldwide.

For those who are in the mood for something different on their barbecue, then why not try some venison? Venison is a very lean and succulent meat, full of protein and low in cholesterol. Baronscourt Estate is situated in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, Co. Tyrone, and is home to Ireland’s finest wild venison and was recently featured on Donal Skehan’s TV programme, Kitchen Hero: Donal’s Irish Feast. Baronsourt Wild Venison is very sustainable, with an annual deer count assessing the population and its general health, with the population being balanced against likely demand for the meat.

 

 

Northern Ireland is home to many great butchers, and the award-winning K&G McAtamney is considered to be among the best. Opening their first store in 2000, Kieran and Gordon brought with them a wealth of knowledge as far back as 1953. Having previously won ‘Butcher Shop of the Year’ and been awarded seven stars in the 2016 Great Taste Awards or their steak beef and gammon, you’ll not be stuck in finding some great tasty barbecue food in store.

Carnbrooke Meat and Poultry are passionate about the rare and native breeds that make up the landscape of Northern Ireland. All their meat is sourced from small farmers, and goes to some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the country, such as James Street South and Hastings Hotels. Carnbrooke supply every conceivable cut of beef, pork, lamb and poultry, with every order cut exactly to each customer’s specification.

Great Spots for a Northern Ireland Barbecue

Castle Ward is full of personality; situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house with its gothic appearance. The paths wind their way through exotic gardens and enchanting woodland before opening out onto the quiet shores of the Lough. With its open areas, gardens and children’s parks, it’s a perfect spot for a family picnic or barbecue.

Tollymore Forest Park, Co. Down, is situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here the rivers Shimna and Spinkwee meet and there are many fascinating plants and trees to be seen. With enchanting walking trails, designated areas for barbecues, a ‘Big Deer’ adventure play park for kids and key filming locations from HBO’s Game of Thrones®, it is an ideal spot the whole family can enjoy.

Hazelbank Park is on the shores of Belfast Lough and offers fantastic views of Belfast, Carrickfergus and County Down. In the summer you can have a picnic or a barbecue on the grass or go down to the shore for a paddle, with walking routes offering all ages the chance to walk or cycle along well-kept traffic-free paths.

One of the most popular parks in Belfast is Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Covering over 128 acres, the park is made up of rolling meadows, woodland and the popular Belfast International Rose Garden. Donated to the people of Belfast in 1959 in memory of her late husband Sir Thomas, the park contains a children’s playpark, picnic tables and a barbecue area.

The geography of Northern Ireland means that you are never far from the coast and one of our many beautiful beaches. The perfect way to spend a summer evening with family or friends is to go to one of these spots for a barbecue, and there are lots of options.

Benone Strand in Limavady is made up of seven miles of golden sand against a backdrop of mountains and cliffs with stunning views across to Donegal. Whiterocks Beach in Portrush is situated just off the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route and is known for its distinctive limestone cliffs. Meanwhile Murlough Natural Nature Reserve is a beautiful dune landscape with miles of beaches, yellow and gray dunes and sand flats. When it comes to gorgeous spots around the coastline, Northern Ireland is spoilt for choice.

For further information check out www.discovernorthernireland.com or join the conversation online with #EnjoyNI16.