Ice cream shops across Northern Ireland to visit for when the sun comes out

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: Spots that are perfect for a walk in the sun in and around Belfast

Read more: Things to do across Belfast when the sun comes out

With too many delicious spots across the country to possibly name, we've rounded up a few popular spots to inspire your next cone:

BEN’s Ice Cream Studio - Toome

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!

Mackles - Various locations

Mackles has been all over the ‘for you’ pages of Northern Irish TikTok users and for good reason.

Word is spreading about the ice cream parlour in Dungannon, Belfast and Armagh and its colourful sundaes and milkshakes – make sure you give it a go!

Rossi’s Ice Cream - Belfast

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.

Fiorentini’s - Derry

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.

The Rinkha - Islandmagee

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.

Nugelato - Various locations

Known far and wide for their famous Nuggy Pots, Nugelato has become of the biggest names in ice cream in Northern Ireland.

With 10 locations across the country, they can be found in Belfast, Newcastle, Kilkeel, Newry and Bangor in Co Down.

Graham’s Ice Cream - Co Down

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.

Cafe Mauds - Belfast

It is hard not to find a queue lining up outside Cafe Mauds when the good weather rolls around.

Located on the Lisburn Road, it is the perfect spot for a few scoops to cool you down in while sitting in the park across the road on a good day.

Joe Jackson’s - Derry

Nestled in the heart of Derry city, you'll not regret a visit to this colourful spot.

Joe Jackson’s is well-loved in the area, and offers a great range of ice creams, sundaes, waffles, crepes, and cakes.

Juliano's - Ballymena

Serving up Mauds ice cream, Juliano's is one of the most popular spots to a sweet treat in the Co Antrim town.

With an endless menu of additional goodies, it is one to check out.

Macari’s Ice Cream & Coffee - Armagh

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

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.

Cafe Mauds - Fermangh

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.

Whipped & Cream - Portadown

A spot not to miss if you are in Portadown, Whipped & Cream is all about their real dairy whipped ice cream and delicious luxury sauces.

Timoney’s Ice Cream - Co Down

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.

Let us know your favourite spot for ice cream in Northern Ireland in the comments

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