As summer approaches, what better excuse is there to treat yourself to our favourite ice cream than the sun making an appearance in the sky.
Nothing completes a fun family day or a beach trip with your friends than a 99 with all the toppings.
Thankfully for us, there’s no shortage of spots to visit to satisfy your sweet tooth here in Northern Ireland, with too many to name from right on our doorstep.
Read more: Continental Market set to return to Belfast City Hall for Spring edition
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite ice cream spots to inspire your next cone:
Co. Antrim
BEN’s Ice Cream Studio
This spot in Toome serve decadent, homemade artisan ice cream that is sure to be a big hit on your next day out.
It was started by Ben Boyd when he was just 19 years old, after he learned how to make traditional gelato at an Italian gelato university.
Try their Studio Stacks for a proper treat!
Rossi’s Ice Cream
Rossi’s is situated just off the Antrim Road in North Belfast and has been churning out traditional Italian ice cream since 1888.
With over 40 flavours on offer – they definitely have something for everyone here.
The Rinkha
Situated on Islandmagee, this family-run shop is into its fourth generation of producing its award-winning ice cream.
People travel from far and wide to give this place a go, and it’s a great spot to grab an ice cream to enjoy at nearby Brown’s Bay or Portmuck.
Co. Down
Nugelato
Known far and wide for their famous Nuggy Pots, Nugelato has become of the biggest names in ice cream in Northern Ireland.
Now with 11 locations across the country, they can be found in Newcastle, Kilkeel, Newry and Bangor in Co Down.
Graham’s Ice Cream
With spots in Newcastle and Rathfriland, Graham’s is definitely a Co Down institution.
If you’re heading to the family-owned spot, they offer a wide range of delicious artisan flavours, but their traditional vanilla is hard to beat.
Lick Gelato
Situated on the promenade in Newcastle, Lick Gelato is the perfect spot to stop by after a trip to the beach or after a hike up the nearby Mourne Mountains.
They offer a great range of flavours including Biscoff, Jammie Dodger, and Oreo.
Timoney’s Ice Cream
Timoney’s has been around for over 80 years and is well known for its vanilla ice cream.
However, they also sell a variety of sweets and their delectable milkshakes which come in a range of flavours. Check them out in Newry or Warrenpoint.
Co. Derry
Joe Jackson’s
Located in Derry’s Foyleside Shopping Centre, this is a great spot to head to if you’re looking to break up your day of shopping.
Joe Jackson’s is well-loved in the area, and offers a great range of ice creams, sundaes, waffles, crepes, and cakes.
Morelli’s Portstewart
Morelli’s is the perfect place to stop by for an ice cream if you’re up on the North Coast for a day trip.
Located on Portstewart’s Promenade, it’s right in the heart of everything and their ice cream certainly won’t disappoint.
Fiorentini’s
Serving their traditional ice cream since 1912, Fiorentini’s is definitely a Derry staple and a spot to check out if you’re in the city.
They’re renowned for their ice cream, which is made on-site using a traditional family recipe, with over 30 sundaes and milkshakes on offer.
Co. Fermanagh
Cafe Mauds
A is a must-try spot if you’re around Enniskillen.
Always busy and always providing the goods, Cafe Mauds will hit that sugar craving after exploring around the area.
Cool Moo’s Ice Cream
Cool Moo’s is a brilliant spot for some ice cream, but they also serve a wide range of coffees, bagels, crepes, and waffles.
There’s definitely something for everyone here!
Co. Tyrone
Mackles
Mackles has been all over the ‘for you’ pages of Northern Irish TikTok users and for good reason.
Word is spreading about the Dungannon ice cream parlour’s colourful sundaes and milkshakes – make sure you give it a go!
Co. Armagh
Macari’s Ice Cream & Coffee
This Armagh-based ice cream and coffee shop is well-loved in the area, and it’s clear to see why!
They offer a great range of ice creams, milkshakes, and sundaes to provide everything you could be looking for in a sweet treat.
Whipped & Cream
A spot not to miss if you are in Portadown, Whipped & Cream are all about their real dairy whipped ice cream and luxury delicious sauces.
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