Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Artisan Bakery in Castledawson | Ditty's Traditional Bakes
Established in 1963, Ditty's Bakery has been a cornerstone of traditional Northern Irish artisan baking for over six decades. Founded by Bobby Ditty and now led by his son Robert, our family-run business combines heritage with innovation, crafting award-winning breads, cakes, biscuits, and our iconic oatcakes using time-honoured methods and locally sourced ingredients. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering, blending traditional techniques with modern flavour experimentation to create products that resonate with both local and global audiences.With a presence at prestigious events like the Ryder Cup and Wimbledon, and a dedication to sustainable practices through partnerships with local producers, we deliver excellence in every baked item. Our worldwide hamper service ensures that our handcrafted goods, from buttery shortbread to savoury oatcakes, bring a taste of Ireland to every corner of the globe.
Services
Oatcakes
Shortbread
Gift Hampers
Breads
Pies
Cakes
Biscuits
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of artisan baking heritage in Northern Ireland
- Family-run business with generational expertise in traditional methods
- Award-winning products showcased at global events like Wimbledon
- Locally sourced ingredients ensuring authentic Irish flavours
- Worldwide delivery of handcrafted gift hampers
Services
Irish Oatcakes
Handmade oatcakes using soft oats from County Armagh and organic buttermilk, offering a distinctive Northern Irish flavour. Perfect for pairing with sweet or savoury toppings, these oatcakes embody traditional baking methods while appealing to modern tastes. Ideal for both casual snacking and gourmet culinary creations.
Gift Hampers
Curated gift hampers featuring Ditty's signature products, including oatcakes, shortbread, and miniature cakes. Designed for global delivery, these hampers provide a taste of Ireland through artisanal baked goods, making them ideal for special occasions or corporate gifting with a touch of heritage.
Traditional Shortbread
Classic butter-rich shortbread crafted to perfection, available in individual varieties or assorted packs. These biscuits combine crumbly texture with rich flavour, suitable for standalone enjoyment or as a base for desserts, reflecting Ditty's commitment to quality ingredients and baking excellence.
Artisan Breads
Freshly baked artisan breads made using local ingredients and traditional techniques. From crusty loaves to specialty sourdoughs, each bread showcases Ditty's expertise in fermentation and baking, offering a foundation for meals or standalone enjoyment with a distinct regional character.
Savoury Pies
Handmade savoury pies filled with locally sourced ingredients, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flavours. These pies cater to diverse palates, offering a convenient yet gourmet option for meals, reflecting Ditty's dedication to quality and innovation in every bite.
Questions
Do you offer international delivery for your products?
Yes, we provide worldwide delivery for our gift hampers and individual products, ensuring a taste of Ireland reaches every corner of the globe.
What makes your oatcakes unique?
Our oatcakes use soft Armagh oats and organic buttermilk, combining traditional methods with a modern twist to create a distinctive Northern Irish flavour.
Are your products suitable for special dietary needs?
While we don't currently offer specific dietary variants, our traditional recipes use simple, high-quality ingredients suitable for most diets.
Can I visit your bakery in person?
Yes, our Castledawson bakery welcomes visitors Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm for fresh products and direct purchases.
Do you provide recipe ideas for your products?
Yes, each oatcake pack includes recipe cards developed by renowned chefs, offering creative ways to enjoy our products at home.
How can retailers stock your products?
Contact us directly through our website to discuss wholesale opportunities and distribution partnerships for our artisan baked goods.
Reviews (6)
Thomas Morrow
Jan 23, 2022
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Ditty,s is a very well known and family run local business for the freshest and tastes of fresh bread and buns and freshest cream buns and now this last few years do there own fresh chocolate cooking and baking, and from time to time delivery somethings to the Royal family, but I love their restaurant for a fresh wonderful meal and hot drinks, really worth a look and visit
Barbara McDougall
Oct 20, 2021
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Lovely spot for some morning coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea. As it's a bakery as well the pastries, cakes etc are just delicious. Staff very helpful and friendly. Nothing too much bother. Car park few hundred yards down the street, same side as Ditty's. Can park outside if space. I notice they dont use a thermometer when heating their milk for cappuccinos, lattes, just a sticky point for me as milk can be overheated very easily. I ordered tea instead but if you want coffee go for Americano to be safe.
Sean Feenan
Sep 08, 2021
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First time here but will be back. Had Gluten Free breakfast... large portion of delicious food & pot of tea. Prices are great. Staff are friendly... had complicated order but they got it right from the start. Good docial distancing in place, spotlessly clean... great atmosphere. Most people drive past Castledawson on the main Belfast to Derry road.... now I have a reason to stop.... well worth a visit... plenty on offer... especially for Coeliacs.
Siobhan McNicholl
Jun 05, 2021
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Very friendly staff. Cleanliness 2nd to none. I have been going to Dittys for over 40 years. It has grown from strength to strength. Love it.
Linda Starrett
Aug 25, 2020
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Coffee is really good. Pastries delicious. Very friendly staff, helpful and always cheerful. Well I did travel from Antrim town so that says something 😁
Daniel Brown
Jul 28, 2020
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Haven't been in DITTY' of Castle Dawson for years, we were treated perfectly from we arrived unto we moved on. Having been in Sales ie Fuel ie Petrol & Diesel and if memory is correct they had certainly had 1 or 2 vehicles on the road at that time, How do l know? I sold them fuel & John Boyce of Moneymore serviced their vans This would have been approximately Mid-1970s, brilliant to see their development in what must be a very competitive market DB
