01 Dec 2022

Discover a Giant Food Trail across Northern Ireland with Virgin Media

This weekend, Virgin Media viewers will join travel expert Ed Finn as he hits the road to explore the exceptional food experiences on offer in Northern Ireland with a dedicated programme commissioned by the ROI Office.

 

From seafood freshly caught on the stunning Causeway Coast to apple blossoms in Armagh; from Cream Horns in Derry to the bustling restaurant and market scene in Belfast, this culinary journey is sure to give you inspiration for your next short break.

The award-winning journalist will bring viewers on an unforgettable adventure, as he immerses himself in the warm welcome of Northern Ireland across land and sea. Set against beautiful backdrops and stunning landscapes, the series will air across both Virgin Media Three and Virgin Media Four in December.

The first instalment will appear on Virgin Media Four this Sunday 4th (6pm) as Ed travels on the Carlingford Scenic Ferry to County Down for a unique ‘Pizza & Paddleboarding’ experience with Tracey’s Farmhouse followed by NearyNógs, Northern Ireland's first bean to bar craft chocolate makers.

The ‘Derry Girls Food Tour’ offers fans a chance to taste the food from the show and even to make their very own cream horn at Doherty’s Bakery while Emily at Lo & Slo Food Truck takes Ed foraging before sampling some of their fine Philly-inspired USA BBQ. The day ends with dinner at the famous Harry’s Shack in Portstewart for fresh fish and local beer.

Episode Two airs on December 11th (Virgin Media Four) with the Enniskillen Taste Tour showing just how much Fermanagh has to offer when it comes to food and drink. St George’s Market is a must stop in Belfast- as is tasting the now legendary Belfast Bap! Catherine McKeever takes Ed on a stroll through the orchards in Armagh explaining the story of Long Meadow Cider which developed over three-generations of apple farming.

Fiona Cunningham from Tourism Northern Ireland said:
“From farmers markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, country kitchens to family tables, Northern Ireland’s food revolution is going from strength to strength. 'The Travel Show' on Virgin Media showcases the giant welcome to be found in our restaurants and food experiences giving you just a snippet of what's on offer but also the incredible value for money”.

Unearthing some tricks of the trade, taking a history trip in Friels Bar and baking bread in Ballymena; the series, commissioned by Tourism Northern Ireland, meets the incredible people who bring the unique experiences and restaurants to life.

Northern Ireland Industry featured in ‘The Travel Show’:

Programme 1:

  • Carlingford Lough Ferry, Co. Down
  • Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen, Co. Down
  • NearyNogs Chocolate, Co. Down
  • Daft Eddy's, Co. Antrim
  • Ursa Minor Bakery, Co. Antrim
  • Soda & Starch, Co. Derry
  • Derry Girls Food Tour, Co. Derry
  • Lo & Slo BBQ, Co. Derry
  • Harry's Shack, Co. Derry


Programme 2:

  • Native Seafood & Scran, Co. Antrim
  • The Chocolate Manor, Co. Antrim
  • Friel's Bar, Co. Derry
  • Bakehouse NI, Co. Derry
  • Blakes of the Hollow, Co. Fermanagh
  • Enniskillen Taste Experience, Co. Fermanagh
  • St. George's Market, Belfast
  • Taste & Tour NI, Belfast
  • Stock Kitchen & Bar, Belfast
  • Long Meadow Cider, Co. Armagh