Nestled in the heart of Bushmills Town, right on the iconic stretch of he North Coast, you’ll find Maegden—a spot that’s about to change how you think about grilled cheese. Forget your basic cheese toastie; this place takes the humble sandwich and elevates it to mouth-watering, Instagram-worthy glory. And yes, it’s worth every single bite.
Maegden’s story kicked off in 2017, with a wee Fr. Ted style caravan serving up gourmet grilled cheese to lucky passersby. Fast forward to today, and the team has transformed that passion into a proper, permanent cheesemonger and food haven. But even as they’ve settled into their digs on Main Street, they’ve never strayed from their roots: supporting small-batch, artisanal producers and keeping everything as local and delicious as humanly possible.
At Maegden, the menu reads like a love letter to all things cheesy. We’re talking about grilled cheese that’s not just a snack but a full-on flavour explosion. Each toastie is crafted with top-notch Irish farmhouse cheeses and local goodies from bakers, charcuterie makers, and even local beekeepers. Think rich, oozy sandwiches that hit the perfect balance of comfort food and culinary masterpiece. I have been here a few too many times and change my order depending on how I feel the second I get asked – usually paired with a Steeper Culture kombutcha and a tray back (or three – I take them home for people…).
Walking into Maegden feels like a warm cheese-filled hug. The place is small but mighty, with rustic-meets-modern vibes, a friendly atmosphere, and the kind of aroma that makes you want to never leave, unless you don’t love the smell of cheese then it might be a bit much to be fair. You can thank the grilled cheese sizzle and freshly brewed specialty coffee for that. Honestly, it’s a spot where you’ll want to hunker down and savour every moment. That’s if you can. It is a very popular spot that typically has a large line at lunch time and you’ll struggle for a seat however if you strike it right you will sit down with one of their famous bonfire hot chocolates and feel the buzz around you.
Maegden isn’t just about epic sandwiches. It’s a celebration of local artisans. From Zac’s Bakehouse bread to Ispíní Charcuterie meats and Broughgammon Farm’s finest, everything served here champions Ireland’s craft food scene. Supporting local isn’t just a slogan for them; it’s a way of life, and you taste it in every bite.
If you’re heading to Bushmills Distillery (maybe before/after a distillery tour…both?), Maegden is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a place to grab lunch; it’s an experience, a celebration of Irish flavours and whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or just someone who appreciates damn good food, you’re in for a treat.
Find Maegden on Google Maps
So, next time you’re on the North Coast, don’t just breeze through Bushmills. Stop by Maegden, grab a grilled cheese (or two), and soak it all in. Because life’s too short for boring cheese toasties, and trust me, this is the stuff that cheesy dreams are made of.
Even if the North Coast weather’s doing its best to blow you away outside, inside Maegden, it’s all about the cosy vibes.
