Live It. Experience It.

Live It. Experience It. Live It Experience It is our guide to experiences, places to see and food and drink! Journey with us! I look forward to sharing my stories with you all.

‘Live It Experience It’ is an Ireland based travel blog which is written by me, Eleanor McGillie, a brand journalist and former news editor. I have travelled to many exclusive locations as well as many hidden gems during my career as a guest of tourism boards and business owners. I love nothing more than writing about places to stay, places I have enjoyed, food and drink and I love taking part in

outdoor activities. As people plan to holiday at home again in 2021, I will write as much travel content as possible in my spare time which will hopefully inspire you to also visit these places. If you run a tourism business and would like to collaborate with me email [email protected] and we’ll see how we can work together.

We love Wine&Brine in Moira village – the food is nothing short of spectacular.It’s one of those places which never, eve...
11/04/2025

We love Wine&Brine in Moira village – the food is nothing short of spectacular.

It’s one of those places which never, ever disappoints. Set in the heart of Moira, this award-winning restaurant has a cool, open-plan kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work – a theatre of culinary craft where precision meets passion. The space is bright, the decor is elegant, and the atmosphere is always spot on.

Chef Chris McGowan and his team deliver modern dishes with a strong sense of place, bringing together seasonal local produce with continental flair. Chris, who trained with top names like Richard Corrigan and Gary Rhodes, brings Michelin-starred experience home – and you can taste it in every mouthful.

For starters, we tucked into:

• Mediterranean Fish Soup, Garlic Croutons and Saffron Rouille

• Beef Beignet and Wild Garlic Velouté

Then for mains:

• Twice Baked Three Cheese Soufflé with Pear and Walnut Salad

• Fillet of Cod, Smoked Bacon and Pea à la Francaise

And to top it off, the sun was shining – perfect for a spin on the bikes as we continue building momentum for our gastronomic tour of Ireland on two wheels.

We recently shared the inspiration behind the tour in the Belfast Telegraph – celebrating our love of food, travel, motorbikes and great storytelling.

If you haven’t yet experienced Wine & Brine, put it on your list. You’ll find warm service, thoughtful cooking, and a serious passion for flavour at the heart of it all.

Thanks for your hospitality Wine&Brine!


If you're ever in Belleek in Co Fermanagh, call into The Thatch Coffee Shop. Nestled in the heart of this beautiful bord...
22/03/2025

If you're ever in Belleek in Co Fermanagh, call into The Thatch Coffee Shop.

Nestled in the heart of this beautiful border village, The Thatch is so much more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where history meets hospitality, where locals gather, and where visitors feel instantly at home.

Whether you’re passing through on a road trip, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, or enjoying a weekend around Fermanagh’s lakelands, The Thatch is the perfect place to pause. Think locally roasted coffee, homemade bakes, and simple, honest food - served in a space full of rustic charm and community spirit.

It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily, where you’re greeted with a smile, and where the experience lingers long after your last sip.

Support local. Taste tradition. Visit The Thatch.

Fermanagh Lakelands The Thatch Coffee Shop Victory motorcycle owners club Victory Motorcycle Riders

Stephane Delourme, former Head Chef at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall is coming back to Northern Ireland fo...
22/03/2025

Stephane Delourme, former Head Chef at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall is coming back to Northern Ireland for an unforgettable culinary celebration at the stunning Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush.

After more than two decades at the helm of one of the UK’s most iconic seafood kitchens, Stéphane is bringing his talent and passion for cooking exceptional food to our shores - right in the heart of one of our iconic coastline.

This is more than just a dining experience - it’s a celebration of craft, flavour, and storytelling through food. With Elephant Rock Hotel already making waves for its design, character, and hospitality this is the perfect setting for a weekend of food which will linger in your memory. We are all still talking about last year's event.

Whether you’re a serious gastronome or someone who simply appreciates exquisite cooking, this is one not to miss. Check out the menus for Friday and Saturday nights.

Spaces are limited but there's still an opportunity to book to be part of something extraordinary.

What to expect?
..Friday 28th March...

Stephane is back with another sustainable seafood BBQ on the hotel's ocean view terrace.

- Welcome crémant with oysters and canapes,

- 3 deliciously cooked courses on the BBQ, finished with dessert

Get the chance to chat to Stephane and watch him cook
on the OFYR BBQ
* Price £75 per person
..Saturday 29th March...

Welcome crémant oysters and canapés

4 course French-themed tasting menu

Stephane gets back to his roots of classical French cooking

* Price £85 per person

Tickets - https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk/whats-on/

Elephant Rock Hotel Stephane Delourme Chef



Here's the menus for next weekend and a glance back at last year's event.

15/02/2025

A few weeks back we stayed at The Shepherd's Rest in Carnlough. Storm Eowyn was just starting to calm down so we decided to hit the coast for a weekend of chilling, hot-tubbing, dog walking, eating, and more eating!

It was bloody fabulous. What a cracking place to stay. I'm not a fan of the norm so this private, luxury glamping experience was more than perfect. The facilities are fantastic, the wood fired hot tub was thoroughly enjoyed, it's dog friendly (doggie luxury really), there are loads of places to eat and you're sitting outside on an elevated site staring straight out over the ocean!

There's so much to do up around the glens. Glenariff is one of my favourite places. The other half loved it, the dogs loved it and I loved it.

If you're ever wanting this experience just go for it. Book directly to support this lovely farm diversification project! The owners are very lovely indeed. Get it booked! It's such a beautiful stay!

Lunch at Castle Leslie Estate - I highly recommend the beetroot and goats cheese tartlet and cod cheeks.
07/02/2025

Lunch at Castle Leslie Estate - I highly recommend the beetroot and goats cheese tartlet and cod cheeks.

Carlingford Lough at sunset!
04/02/2025

Carlingford Lough at sunset!

There’s something truly special about Carlingford oysters and on Sunday I took such a craving for them that we took a wh...
04/02/2025

There’s something truly special about Carlingford oysters and on Sunday I took such a craving for them that we took a whimsical trip from Co Armagh to Co Louth at sunset so a plate of deliciousness could be placed in front of us.

We were able to get a table in PJ O Hare's which was buzzing, the town was thriving and trad sessions could be heard from all the little pubs.

Even though it was baltic outside, it was superb to see so many people out having the craic and enjoying great food and live music.

I love living in the orchard county but our seafood offering is little to none and so the lure to the coastline is always a strong one for me.

The premium Louët-Feisser Oysters are hand selected oysters which are truly the best of the best.

Look at that beauty!

What a lovely Saturday morning treat at Groucho's On The Square in Richhill, Co Armagh. Thanks chef Mervyn Steenson for ...
01/02/2025

What a lovely Saturday morning treat at Groucho's On The Square in Richhill, Co Armagh.

Thanks chef Mervyn Steenson for another mighty breakfast.

Breakfast is served at the weekends from 10am til noon.

Food Heartland

29/12/2024

Now that everyone is fed up with turkey and ham dinners, a few of my friends were asking if I could recommend somewhere for a day trip during the festive season.

We stumbled across The Neptune Bar, Blackrock County Louth a few weeks back. It's a top class eatery which is clearly celebrated for its exceptional food offering.

I now understand why it's frequently praised for the generous portions and reasonable prices, with dishes like the loaded fries standing out as particularly delightful and these beautiful Mexican Tacos.

The menu is thoughtfully designed, and as people bring their food to the table, there's food envy everywhere. The glances from hungry eyes are very funny to watch!

Complimenting the food, the bar serves a variety of cocktails which not only look gorgeous but I hear they taste gorgeous too.

The bar's cool, edgy atmosphere, enhanced by a spacious outdoor area with a retractable roof, provides a unique dining experience which combines excellent food with a vibrant setting.

If you're looking a day trip out, this is your go to place. We went on the motorbikes from Co Armagh - it's so easy to get to and not far in the slightest.

If you go, enjoy. The food is lush!

Autumn at Brantry Lough, a lake located in County Tyrone, near the Georgian village of Caledon. It's primarily known for...
04/11/2024

Autumn at Brantry Lough, a lake located in County Tyrone, near the Georgian village of Caledon. It's primarily known for its excellent brown trout fishing. Anglers can fish using fly fishing techniques or from non-mechanical boats, with dedicated angling stands also available near the car park.

It's a great spot for outdoor recreation with paths around the lake making it a popular location for walkers and runners!

A beautiful day in beautiful Donegal. After four days of rain, we now get this.
29/10/2024

A beautiful day in beautiful Donegal. After four days of rain, we now get this.

What a morning to be in the hills of Donegal. Here's our view from our favourite High Glen Cottage.
29/10/2024

What a morning to be in the hills of Donegal. Here's our view from our favourite High Glen Cottage.

Anyone who knows me knows that I believe Donegal to be the best place on earth. It's magical, raw, steeped in history an...
29/10/2024

Anyone who knows me knows that I believe Donegal to be the best place on earth. It's magical, raw, steeped in history and is so unique in so many ways. It has the power to make you stop and breathe.

And even though I know so many nooks and crannies, there's one wee turn off I just never took before - until this trip that is.

I've been admiring Doe Castle from the road for donkeys years but I've always been heading on to Ards or Dunfanaghy. But this beauty, with the surrounding colours of autumn enriching its beauty, called out my name this time.

Doe Castle stands in an inlet of Sheephaven Bay, surrounded by the wild waters of the Atlantic. It's a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys.

The fortress was built in the 1420s and for almost 200 years it served as home, refuge and bastion for at least 13 MacSweeney chiefs – some of whom were party and witness to the most seismic events of Irish history. To explore in around it is just fantastic and every barred gap you peek through, the scenery is to be seen to be believed.

Well worth the stop!

28/10/2024

Taking a breather in the hills of Donegal.

💚💚💚

Castle Grove Country House Hotel near Ramelton, Donegal, will always have a special place in my heart. Back in September...
01/07/2024

Castle Grove Country House Hotel near Ramelton, Donegal, will always have a special place in my heart.

Back in September 1994, in QUB halls of residence, I was in Ogilvie Hall and who ends up being my next door neighbour? Karoline Sweeney! That wasn't today or yesterday but I was a very lucky girl to meet someone so amazing.

When we were students, we'd get the bus from Belfast to Letterkenny and stay here for the weekend. The house was something else back then. You should see it now!

Years later, since we last saw each other, about 27 years to be precise, we finally arranged a night together in Karoline's home - back to Castle Grove Country House.

Times have changed but what hasn't changed is the warmth of the Sweeney family and my dear friend Karoline hasn't changed a bit. It's true what they say - the oldies are the besties!

Everyone who comes through that big front door into that stunning Georgian hallway is treated like family whether your staff, visitors or an old friend like me.

We had a brilliant night. We laughed, we ate, we laughed and laughed some more. It was great to be back.

This magnificent award winning country house and member of Ireland's Blue Book, is a very special place indeed. The bedrooms are all fabulous.

We were very privileged to get staying in the George B Shaw room which is exquisite with its seven foot bed, stunning bathroom, with views of the perfectly manicured lawns overlooking Lough Swilly.

The food in the Michelin recommended restaurant - my goodness. When you're in Donegal, like I often am as it's my favourite place on earth, I just have to indulge in whatever seafood offerings there are. The flavours and textures, the vibrancy and care of every plate which came out of the kitchen, was top class. Compliments to the chef and the front of house team - your attention to detail was phenomenal.

Castle Grove Country House is one of the few remaining private estates in the northwest of Ireland. Once you drive through the gates and meander your way towards the house, with its own walled garden to your right, you are immediately feeling the tranquility. You know you're somewhere special.

I just love it!

This is a home away from home. A destination. A wedding venue. A place to hold your special occasion. A big old Georgian country house to be admired.

If you've never been, you must go. If you've been and haven't been in a while, go back!

To book, you can ring directly on 00353 74 9151118 or book online https://www.castlegrove.com/

Castle Grove Country House is a treat. So treat yourself!

A big thank you to the Sweeney family. ❤️

Happy Christmas everyone. Here's to a new year full of adventure, stories and making memories!
25/12/2023

Happy Christmas everyone. Here's to a new year full of adventure, stories and making memories!

19/11/2023

This is mind blowing!

Game of Thrones tour, Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge. What an experience!

Get on the Westeros bus at the Boulevard which will transport you to this magical location!

Visit Armagh Visit Belfast Visit Ireland Linen Mill Studios Live It. Experience It.

This Saturday is the hugely popular Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre and I'm gutted to be missing it! This is a great celebr...
23/10/2023

This Saturday is the hugely popular Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre and I'm gutted to be missing it! This is a great celebration of the Armagh Bramley Apple and there'll be a wonderful array of food and drink producers on their stalls. This is a brilliant day out so enjoy it if you go!

I, however, will be lapping up the sea air in Donegal for a impromptu trip west! Our home for the weekend is Creevy Cottages so I'm looking forward to the smell of turf, the feel of the wild Atlantic gusts, the taste of freshly caught seafood, long walks with the dogs and my handsome other half!

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We are a team of journalists and travel writers who are here to share the amazing story of Northern Ireland and what it has to offer our visitors and for families who live here.

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