NORTHERN IRELAND |
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expensive ,” Stevie explains . “ But when you break it down and demonstrate how to use the meat in one dish , the claws in another , the shells in another , suddenly a lobster becomes more affordable .”
The nose-to-tail approach of using every part of the animal is Lir ’ s approach to fish . “ If I was opening up a steak restaurant tomorrow , I would want a butchery alongside , to take the customer through the entire journey of the product ,” declares Stevie , who is also head chef . “ And people know the freshness and quality of the wild and sustainably sourced fish we get so there is that level of trust there .”
Lir is a lens on seafood , which is there to encourage diners but also to challenge them . One signature item on the menu perfectly fuses the familiar with the
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Blackrock House , Portrush
unexpected : a monkfish sausage roll with cross-laminated pastry , served with the restaurant ’ s own fermented sriracha . It ’ s a simple yet show-stopping seaside twist on a classic deli counter staple .
The following day , I face my last fish supper . It had to be haddock and chips from the seaside stalwart Morton ’ s in Ballycastle , run by the same family for over a century . I sit on the wall by the water , locked in a stand-off with a colony of seagulls ready to dive-bomb at a moment ’ s notice , just as a trawler returns to the harbor . I watch as the fishers unload their catch and consider all the plates set to be appointed with this bounty over the next few hours . How lucky those future diners will be , I think to myself , while taking a last glance at this captivating coastline .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : Northern Ireland is an all-weather destination , meaning you might experience all four seasons in one day at any time of the year , so prepare appropriately and dress for the chance of showers . Late spring and early fall are particularly picturesque with mild conditions . Currency : GBP (£) Language : English Getting around : Traveling by car is the best way to experience the extent of the Causeway Coast , whether you arrive via ferry from Liverpool or Cairnryan in your own vehicle or hire a car after flying into either Derry or Belfast airports .
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BOOK IT NOW
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Tour the Giant ’ s Causeway and other sights on the Antrim Coast on Celebrity Cruises ’ 13-Night Iceland & Ireland sailing . As an exclusive benefit of booking with our agency , guests receive a $ 50 shipboard credit per stateroom to spend on anything from excursions to spa treatments . Celebrity Eclipse departs Amsterdam , Netherlands on May 22 , 2025 .
CALL US
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Contact our agency to book your trip to Northern Ireland .
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image : blackrock house 5 * Bed & breakfast . Illustration : Lis Watkins |
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52 • pos t c a rds |