For groceries in Belfast, first of all go to the same St George’s Market. Some things can be found at local farmers’ markets and, of course, in supermarkets like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and others.
In Derry, for gastronomic shopping, we recommend going to the bazaars that work on the main squares of the city. Some sweets in Northern Ireland are sold only at holiday fairs or in souvenir shops.
Yellow man
Be sure to bring sweets with this strange name from Northern Ireland. Their second “name” is Irish Honeycomb Candy. These are chewy honey toffees. They used to be prepared for St. Patrick’s Day. The sweetness has become so popular with tourists that today it is sold in almost every souvenir shop. Buy a couple of boxes for yourself or bring such a gift from Belfast as a gift to your loved ones.
And if you want to try the freshest yellow man, wait until August and go to the town of Ballycastle. This month, the traditional Ould Lammas Fair is held, and honey toffees are the real gastronomic kings of this holiday.
Special snack
Dulse – crispy chips made from a special kind of red algae that can be brought from the northern coast of Northern Ireland. There are especially many of them in Ballycastle and nearby settlements. Everything is natural and very useful: algae is carefully selected and dried in the sun. Bring this unusual product from Northern Ireland for friends or family – let them be surprised.
Guinness
The main pride of the region is Guinness beer. Look for beautiful souvenir sets. For example, a can of beer in a branded case, with a glass or a ceramic cup. Very often in Belfast stores there are sets with Guinness symbols, consisting of an opener, a keyring and a golf ball (this game is very popular here).
Other alcohol
You can try all the best beers or whiskies in Belfast in the Golden Mile quarter. Ask any local where The Golden Mile is located – you won’t get lost. It is better to buy something home at the supermarket. English beer, Scotch ale, Irish whiskey – you can bring everything from Northern Ireland at once. Tourists most often take Jameson, Bushmills or Paddy from whiskey.
If you are not flying from Northern Ireland to Europe, but home, you should not buy more than three liters of alcohol – otherwise you will exceed the customs limit.
