Are you ready for a harbour-hopping adventure through Northern Ireland’s vibrant fishing industry?

Click to see a larger image of our seafood trails.
Why seafood?

This question is answered when you begin exploring the rich, vibrant fishing heritage of Northern Ireland! A diverse, delicious array of sustainable seafood is harvested around our coastline every day. However, a large proportion of this amazing produce is currently exported to other countries meaning that our local seafood industry is often misunderstood and undervalued.

The Northern Ireland Seafood Trails have been created to tell the story of our fishing industry and reconnect people with the seafood that’s caught on their coastline.

Fish and shellfish are high in protein, low in fat, and packed with important vitamins and Omega-3. Not only is seafood a really healthy option for your family, it’s also unbelievably easy to cook a delicious, mouth-watering meal in no time at all - now that’s a secret we just can’t keep!

Explore the Trails to find out where you can buy, try, and learn about local seafood with your family!

The trails

The trails are colour-coded for food, fishing industry, fun activities, nature, and fishmongers. Whilst every trail features a great variety of stops, each trail has its own point of difference. For example, some of the trails are perfect for the nature-lovers who want an adventure, whilst others are great for foodies on the hunt for delicious seafood! Use the key at the bottom of each map to find the trail that’s right for you and your family.

Map key
Food
Industry
Activity
Nature
Fishmonger
Try new seafood

Along the trails, you’ll learn about some of the species that are caught and landed in Northern Ireland

Gurnard

Gurnard

A bizarre and beautiful fish to taste in Derry/Londonderry
Brown Crab

Brown Crab

An important catch for fishermen in Portrush
Mackerel

Mackerel

Line-caught mackerel, fresh from the boat in Ballintoy
Scallops

Scallops

Caught off the coast of Ballycastle
Lobster

Lobster

Potted near Cushendall, and a treat for special occasions
Plaice

Plaice

Caught in nets all around Northern Ireland
Hake

Hake

A versatile and sweet-tasting fish to taste in Belfast
Monkfish

Monkfish

A terrifyingly tasty fish to enjoy in Bangor and beyond
Langoustine

Langoustine

The famous langoustine or ‘Portavogie Prawn’
Mussels

Mussels

Grown on ropes in Strangford Lough
Herring

Herring

A little fish with a rich history in Ardglass
Squid

Squid

Enjoyed with salt and chilli in Dundrum
Coley

Coley

A fabulous, affordable and sustainable white fish
Haddock

Haddock

Haddock, landed year-round in Kilkeel
Oysters

Oysters

Grown on trestle tables in Carlingford Lough