Where to eat and drink in Ireland
Looking for some fantastic dining out opportunities in Ireland? Our handy eating and drinking guide divulges the best bars, restaurants, pubs and cafés to visit during your stay
While exploring the ancient landscapes, historical sites and thriving cities, make sure to stop off at some of the many superb places to eat in Ireland. Dublin has a flourishing café scene, with new and exciting venues focussing on high quality and locally sourced ingredients opening regularly. Make sure to grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Fia based in Rathgar, or a fantastic raspberry cheesecake brownie at Camerino Bakery & Café. However, this trend is not just restricted to Dublin; there are many other cafes in Ireland providing such delicious food and relaxed atmosphere. One such example being Kai Café and restaurant in Galway, an award-winning eatery providing fantastic food and cakes with an interesting twist.
Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce is a staple for many of the restaurants in Ireland. The Fatted Calf in the riverside town of Athlone, offers a menu focussed on such ingredients, providing mouth-watering meals that are beautifully prepared. To take advantage of Ireland’s Oyster season in September, head to Moran’s Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan. The three-hundred year venue offers a wide variety of freshly caught seafood as well as the exquisite Clarenbridge Oysters.
Ireland is renowned for its atmospheric, authentic pubs. Stop off at Left Bank Bar in Kilkenny, this converted bank has become a destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a large social bar area, an outdoor heated terrace bar, live music and fabulous food. While in Dublin, pop into one of the most famous pubs in Ireland, The Stags Head. Known as the backbone of the Temple Bar area, this cosy nineteenth century pub offers a traditional atmosphere, complete with live music each night.
Our guide to food and drink in Ireland offers a magnitude of places to sample the local cuisine.