One of the things I enjoy most about visiting a new country is trying the local foods! Although Ireland does not have any wild dishes (according to my simple standards lol), the food in Dublin is very diverse and influenced by a variety of cultures. Irish food has some similarities to some Scottish food, as well as some similarities to dishes found in England.
Although our personal favorite has been the food in Portugal, there are many classic Irish dishes you must try. I also wanted to recommend some delicious restaurants to visit! After reading through this blog you will not only have a list of the best food in Ireland but also what to try at some amazing restaurants!
Best Food to Try
Irish Breakfast
Starting bright and early in the morning, you have to experience an authentic Irish breakfast! Consisting of eggs (usually fried), beans, toast, sausage, bacon, and fried tomato. It is a hardy meal that will fill you up quickly! And of course, you cannot forget your morning tea!
Seafood Chowder
I found seafood chowder on pretty much every menu while exploring the northern and south coasts of Ireland. Usually consisting of a potato or vegetable base, with an assortment of smoked fish, clams, and other tasty seafood delicacies. Perfect for those rainy afternoons!
Irish Stew
My favorite dish here in Ireland is their stew! There are two kinds to choose from, beef or lamb. (I always go with beef). The stew is combined with Irish Stout and gravy, mixed with vegetables (most times carrots and onion). And usually served with mashed potato.
Soda Bread
You cannot visit Ireland and not try the Soda Bread! Combined with light Irish flour, bicarbonate of soda, and buttermilk, it is a tasty treat that can be served with many Irish dishes (and it can usually be found on most B&B menus!) and my favorite to eat with any stew!
Boxty
A boxty is a traditional Irish pancake. Start with grated potato, add flour, and this gives you a delicious boxty! Originating in Leitrim, this simple, yet delicious food has made its way into many fantastic dishes throughout Ireland. Below are a few ways a boxty can be made!
Best Restaurants to Visit
From Michelin-starred dining to budget restaurants, Ireland has something for everyone! Start at a cafe for a quick and tasty bite. (Great for early mornings or an afternoon snack). Even if you are not a guest there, hotels usually serve outside diners. (Check out the Westport Coast Hotel or Waterville Sea Lodge). If you are looking for a place to experience the Irish culture, check out the local pubs.
Leo Burdock – Fish and Chips
If you are visiting Dublin, you must stop at this fantastic, and traditional, fish and chip shop! Serving since 1913, some of its customers include, Anthony Bourdain, Charlize Theron, and Sandra Bullock, to name a few! Bella Burdock and her husband Patrick opened the first Leo Burdocks in Christchurch, Dublin. The Burdock family grew their business and opened many Leo Burdocks Fish & Chip shops around Dublin. Their son Leo was a regular face in the fish markets to source the freshest catch. Traveling back by horse and cart, he would pick up fresh potatoes and coal for heating the Pans. A fuel used up until 1991 to cook the Fish and Chips. They were the last chip shop in Ireland, possibly the world to use these coal-fired pans.
Gallaghers Boxty House
Only here will you find the original and authentic boxty. At Gallagher’s, they serve 3 types of boxes. Beginning in 1988, Padraic Og and his chefs have developed a range of boxty dishes, served in a variety of ways. Dish to try: Beef and Stout Stew (with a sampler or boxties of course).
Guinness Storehouse
You cannot visit Ireland without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse! Experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Explore the story of Guinness across the seven floors, get a taste of Guinness in the tasting room and soak up those 360 views of Dublin city from Gravity Bar!
Kilbeggan Distillery
Just outside Dublin, is the Kilbeggan Distillery. As the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company was founded in 1757, the distillery spent the next 200 years making a whiskey beloved the world over. Today, every bottle produced stands as proof that the spirit of Kilbeggan never wavered.
Cafe 55 Bistro
If you plan on going to Northern Ireland, you must check out the wonderful fishing village of Portrush, and more importantly Cafe 55 Bistro! Take in the views of the water as you sip on fantastic cocktails in the summer. Or enjoy the peaceful scene of the beach in the winter. Dish to try: Seafood Chowder
The Olde Castle Bar
In the gorgeous town of Donegal, is this quaint pub. This was Donegal’s finest traditional Irish Bar since the 1700s, since 2007, the O’Toole family and their team have developed a very popular and successful award-winning Gastro Pub with the emphasis on Donegal’s fantastic Seafood, the finest in Europe. Dish to try: Homemade Fishcakes
The Helm
Located in the town of Westport, The Helm has one of the finest seafood restaurants on the Western Seaboard with all of the fish caught and bought locally from fishermen spanning from as far south as Rossaveal, County Galway to as far North as Ballina in North County Mayo. Dish to try: Fish and chips
E J Kings Bar and Restaurant
If you find yourself passing through Clifden, you must stop at this pub! EJ’s was established over 100 years ago as a public house run by members of the King family and has dominated the corner of Clifden’s Main Street since. Pure Irish vibes and authentic feel! The EJ’s is a welcoming spot for an afternoon coffee or tea or a bite to eat in the evening! Dish to try: Beef and Guinness Stew
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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