11 seriously cool ice cream parlours you don't want to skip this summer
ICE ICE BABY 🍦
Last updated 30th Jun 2021
The beaches are busier, the smell of suncream is in the air and there's hardly a hot dog bun to be seen on the shelves. That must mean one thing...summer has, after a few false starts, finally hit Northern Ireland!
And what better way to cool down on a warm summer's day than with a cheeky poke (that's a whipped ice cream cone with a flake to us locals). You haven't lived until you've tried one of these bad boys.
Whether you're after an insta-worthy ice cream, gorgeous gelato or sumptuous sorbet, we've got the inside scoop on what's hot right now!
From mind-boggling flavours to generations-old Italian techniques, NI's got it all!
Check out our sticky-fingered guide to the best ice cream spots:
Mackles Ice Cream, Dungannon
There's no way you haven't spotted Mackles on your 'For You' page on TikTok, they've been killing it this year, creating mouthwatering viral content that has earned them the top spot! No flavour or topping is weird to these guys, they give everything a go.
Overload, Magherafelt
The social hype from Overload over the past few weeks has us buzzing for a road trip to Magherafelt this summer. They opened their doors just last week and have been packed out since, we're talking coffee, donuts, cookies and of course insane flavours of ice cream.
Nugelato
With stores popping up all over the country (Newcastle, Newry, Bangor, Stranmillis, Portadown and Cookstown) you don't have to travel too far for this ultimate sugar experience. During lockdown the team put together Nuggy Packs so customers could create their own marvellous desserts at home, be sure to check them out if you're visiting.
Rice's Ice Cream, Coalisland
Rice's is another popular spot on social media this summer. Everything from their melt-in-your-mouth cookies to their insane shakes and sundaes, you don't have to feel guilty for loading up your toppings, go big or go home.
Ben's Ice Cream Studio, Toome & Magherafelt
There's a science that not many know behind sculpting and designing perfect artisan ice cream...but Ben Boyd from Ben's Ice Cream Studio sure does. Every flavour, topping and wafer has been hand-selected and carefully thought of. It's the attention to detail here, that makes this place so special.
Al Gelato, Belfast
One of the coolest spots in Belfast, Al Gelato produces freshly made gelato, experimenting with exciting new flavours and concoctions. Their vegan menu is definitely worth checking out!
Morelli's Ices, Portstewart
Nothing beats tucking into a freshly scooped ice cream from Morelli's, as you watch the sun go down on the steps beside the Witch's Hat on Portstewart Promenade. That's summer right there!
Joe Jackson's, Derry/Londonderry
After a hard day's shopping in Foyleside Shopping Centre, treating yourself to a scoop of two from Joe Jackson's is perfection! Their waffles and cakes are famous across the city too.
The Rinkha, Islandmagee
Now this takes us back...childhood memories beside the sea! Your day wasn't complete without a trip to every child's paradise, The Rinkha. A quaint family-run general store that also sold homemade ice cream and toys...what could be better?
Cool Moo's, Enniskillen
Cool Moo's has it all - coffee, crepes, homemade ice cream and even bagels! It's your one-stop snack shop and we love it!
Oggies Dessert Bar,
Did someone say sticky toffee pudding pot 🤯WOW! Looking through their menu will leave your head spinning, from Iron Bru cheesecake to fully loaded waffles, how on earth do you choose just one. They've even got a Stuart Robinson & Deputy Dave Cookie Dough Pot - any takers?
Read more:
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Best local spots to get your iced coffee fix this weekend
20 weird local foods everyone should try at least once in Belfast