Recommended Pubs and Restaurants in County Antrim
There are a total of 21 premises in this area.
The Crosskeys
40 Grange Road, Toomebridge, BT41 3QB(028) 7965 0694 / 9511 (T)
One of the least known treasures of the province. A classic for Americans with its whitewashed stone walls, thatched roof, turf fire, traditional Irish music and an ever open welcome. This pub has featured on many a postcard and calendar and is well worth the effort to find it. Recently fire damaged, the roof has been restored with new thatch, as you can see here.
Eamonn, the original owner, has sold to VincentHurl. The pub is now open all day. Whether it is to sit out the back (or front) on a hot summer day, snuggle up to a roaring turf fire in winter for a quite chat, or to come later at night for impromptu music sessions, this is a fine old country pub that you miss at your peril. This is one of the "Famous Pubs Trail".
Maloney's
401 Ballyclare Road, Newtownabbey(028) 9083 2438 (T)
This (once family run pub) dates from 1840 when it was opened by William Whitley, a spirit grocer from Ballycraigy. It has a stone and wood floor and an open fire in the bar. A large lounge leads into a railway themed restaurant. The front garden catches the sun and is a favourite of passing cyclists. Friendly locals and barstaff give a very relaxed atmosphere.
The old local station house has gone but trains from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland pass this way in the summer. Dickie Whittley has now sold the premises and the new owners want to keep the old bar as it is. They have opened up the side room though and kept that old fashioned look.
Carmichaels (Staffie's)
Ballyeaston VillageAn unspoiled and classic gem of a village pub with no draught ale. Run by the ageless Stafford Carmichael himself who remembers the first time bottle conditioned Worthington White Shield to come in to the province - over fifty years ago! A roaring fire and muted country talk lead to a relaxed bout of imbibing. Outside toilets must be seen! This is a pub from a bygone age and it one of the few bottle only pubs left today (Check out the bottle of "Belfast" behind the counter). A must for all.
A CAMRA Heritage Pub
Crown & Shamrock
584 Antrim Road, Glengormley, BT36 8RF(028) 9083 2889 (T)
An old fashioned, family run business, this pub has a plain panelled, low ceilinged bar adjoining an intimate sitting room. Notice the Herriot Brewery mirror in the bar. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere helps the time pass at the bar. Gerry O'Boyle was a dedicated CAMRA supporter of many years. Sadly, Gerry has passed away but Rosemary is still there with a smile, aided sometimes by her sisters.
A CAMRA Heritage Pub
Beanie's Bar
KilleadUnder the flight path into Aldergrove airport is a little country pub in the bypassed village of Killead. It is the stuff legends are made of! Once a bottle only it (sadly) now has draught. Beloved of bikers, and hosting biker memorabilia, the very small bar is low ceilinged and wood panelled. The back lounge is fortunately somewhat larger. Beanie Heaney (the mother) always had a good Sunday clientele during the dark days when Sunday opening was practically non existent.
Many a young lad cut his teeth here (usually on the rim of a Guinness bottle cap) imbibing his first beer before hitting the local country dance hall.