A FOOD foraging workshop, Narnia-themed murder mystery banquet and afternoon tea at a railway museum are some of the special experiences highlighted in a new food and drink campaign.
Tourism NI yesterday launched its 'Taste the Island' campaign - a celebration of Northern Ireland's food and drink - which runs throughout September, October and November.
Developed with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, the scheme aims to showcase the north's produce to the world.
Some of the special events include a guided tour of Long Meadow orchards in Armagh, a 'retro pudding' club in Portrush, Co Antrim, and a cake-making and decorating workshop in Moy, Co Tyrone.
Tourism NI said food and drink accounts for around a third of all money spent by visitors - about £350m.
Tourism NI's chief executive, John McGrillen, said the north has earned a growing reputation for its produce.
"Research tells us that our visitors position food and drink as one of the top five factors when choosing a destination and they value local produce highly," he said.
"We have been working with our industry partners to bring our food story to the world.
"Taste the Island will celebrate the quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within our industry and offer a compelling programme of authentic food and drink experiences to motivate visitors to travel to Northern Ireland."
Chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre, who helped launch Taste the Island, said the north is experiencing a food and drink "renaissance".
"We know that food has an unmatched ability to communicate a unique sense of place and Taste the Island will tap into our imagination, inspiring creativity from industry, leading to exciting new food and drink experiences and events and creating lasting memories for both local and international visitors," she said.
Taste the Island will include more than 150 food and drink experiences across Northern Ireland.
For further information about Taste the Island visit discovernorthernireland.com or follow #TastetheIsland
