Neven explores Ulster as a foodie destination

Award winning chef Neven Maguire presents a brand new six-part series on RTÉ One this Autumn, as he travels through Ulster, celebrating the great food and culture of the province.

Neven's Ulster Food Tour sees Neven meeting food producers, chefs and bakers, as he visits cafes, restaurants and castles enjoying some of the delicious flavours Ulster has to offer, and meeting some of the people who are putting Ulster's food culture on the map.

Neven also tries out several activities during the six-part series, including crossing a very shaky rope bridge, undertaking a hovercraft obstacle course, and visiting George Best's childhood home in Belfast.

This combination of food, great activities and the people, is what makes Ulster one of Ireland's most exciting destinations.

And as Neven's MacNean House & Restaurant in Cavan was awarded Best Restaurant in Ulster 2025, the popular chef, who also received the Outstanding Achievement Award recognising his contribution to Irish food and hospitality, is delighted to present the first RTÉ food series filmed solely in Ulster: "I was so excited to get back on the road for another food adventure, and this time I explored closer to home. Just around the corner is the border so I know Ulster a little but I've never really explored it. I'm so pleased to dedicate a food series to Ulster for the first time.

"I learned so much and met some amazing people and enjoyed some great activities. What excites me is the prospect for food in the future, and here in Ulster we have some of the best produce in the world.

"The people were so friendly and kind, and they're proud of what they do and where they come from. That's what makes it so special and unique.

"It's an exciting time for food and travel in Ireland, especially in Ulster, and I think the best is yet to come".

At the end of each episode Neven cooks something special back home in Blacklion, inspired by the produce he enjoys on his journey.

Programme One

Neven packs his bags in Blacklion in Cavan and heads across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous Marble Arch Caves in South Fermanagh. Lead guide Jordan Kemton takes Neven on a boat ride through the underground landscape of caverns, rivers, and ancient rock formations.

Above ground again Neven catches up with his former Head Chef Glen Wheeler at Glen's 28 At The Hollow restaurant in the heart of Enniskillen town.

Glen makes two of his signature dishes for Neven as they chat about Enniskillen's vibrant food scene, and what Northern Ireland has to offer as a 'foodie destination'.

Neven then takes a trip on Lough Erne to O'Doherty's on Inishcorkish Island, home to a rare breed of free-roaming pigs, where world class black bacon is created by family butchers Pat and Fintan O'Doherty.

In County Monaghan Neven tours family run Carleton Cakes where Dylan Carleton shows Neven how they bake thousands of cakes every day without sacrificing handmade quality.

Neven heads to Castle Leslie where Sammie Leslie welcomes him with a carriage ride through the estate, and chef Aaron Duffy plates up refined dishes using ingredients from the Castle Leslie gardens.

Neven's own recipe in this first episode is Honey Glazed Pork with Eggs Benedict. Neven's Ulster Food Tour airs on Wednesday, September 3 at 8.30pm on RTÉ One