The Dairy is a bustling bistro, butchers and farm shop set in the heart of the Gleno valley, within a
few minutes’ walk of the National Trust site of Gleno waterfall and just a short drive from both Larne
& Carrickfergus. The Dairy is all about handmade, homegrown and locally sourced. It’s a dream
come true for owner Sandra McDowell.
The stylish, modern interior is complemented by its more traditional exterior and blends in with
the beautiful rural surroundings. In previous generations the building was a fully operational,
traditional dairy. Over 100 years later it has been given a new lease of life.
It is important that The Dairy remains a fond part of the community and for that reason it has
reused and reclaimed as much of the original building as possible; the tables have been made from
old beams from the previous building, a conveyor belt from the old meal store has been reinvented
as a seat in the walled courtyard at the rear of the building and some of the old tin roof has been
repurposed and used throughout the hallways. In keeping with how the original dairy had its own
unique products The Dairy has many bespoke products including its very own unique coffee blend,
supplied by Wild Heart Coffee Roasters.
The butchers and bistro use only quality cuts of Irish meat. The grass-fed farm quality assured
Dairyside Lamb and Beef is reared on The Dairy’s home farm on the same grounds with the view
that the lower the miles from field to the plate the better the taste and the better it is for the
environment too. With locally sourced meats from their butchers to using local companies to
supply the Café and shop, they pride ourselves in supporting local businesses and surrounding
communities. Head Chef’s menus are full of goodies like The Dairy Signature Antrim Fry and
fabulous milkshakes made with Maud’s Ice Cream.
Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9:30-16:30, Sat 09:00-21:00, Sun 09:30-16.30