North Coast Smokehouse Économusée

We specialise in producing smoked foods naturally, in the picturesque coastal town of Ballycastle. Learn about the traditional craft of smoking food, how it links us to our past and how it has been adapted for the modern world.

Ruairidh Morrison & Melanie Brown met each other half way around the world in New Zealand. Ruairidh is from the Scottish Hebridean Isle of Islay, visible from the coast here, and Melanie is from Ballycastle.

They instantly saw in each other a fellow soul from the ancient sea-faring Kingdom of Dalriada, which encompasses the North Coast of Co. Antrim, the Scottish Islands and part of the Scottish mainland. Both share a deep sense of belonging to its breath-taking landscapes and an appreciation of the simplicity that can be found here (if you know where to look).

They made a conscious decision to return here to be closer to family and to raise their children. They saw it as the perfect opportunity to start our own business and bring something new to the area.

Ruairidh always had a notion he’d like to have a salmon-smoking business. It seemed like the obvious next step after managing salmon farms in Scotland and New Zealand, followed by time working in a fish pathology laboratory. He learned how to smoke food in New Zealand where it is relatively common. Enthusiastic friends and dinner guests encouraged him to believe that his home-smoked salmon was worth selling. So, North Coast Smokehouse was born!

Opening times

Generally open weekdays—sometimes out collecting fish or making deliveries so please ring ahead to avoid disappointment. (Weekends by appointment)
Tours and workshops by appointment.
Please contact us to arrange your visit or check our website for details of events.