The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Ireland: Best Food in Ireland

Start your culinary adventure in Dublin, where you’ll find boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake with a rich history dating back to Ireland’s rural past. This versatile dish can be served with savory fillings or as a side dish, making it a beloved staple of Irish cuisine. For the ultimate boxty experience, head to Gallagher’s Boxty House in the heart of Temple Bar, a vibrant area known for its lively atmosphere and cultural charm. This iconic eatery serves creative variations like the Gaelic boxty, filled with tender beef and creamy whiskey sauce, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Discover Dublin’s flavors and more on the Classic Ireland tour, which also includes stops in Cork and Limerick.

Galway’s coastal charm is beautifully complemented by its world-famous oysters, which are celebrated for their fresh, briny taste. The city hosts the renowned Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival each year, drawing visitors from across the globe. However, you don’t have to wait for the festival to savor these delicacies—Moran’s Oyster Cottage, a family-run establishment with over 250 years of history, serves up oysters year-round in a cozy, traditional setting by the water. For the full Irish experience, pair your oysters with a pint of Guinness, as many locals swear by this combination for a true taste of Ireland.

Experience Galway’s culinary delights firsthand on the Essence of Ireland tour. This immersive journey not only takes you to Galway but also includes stops in Dublin and Cork, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering seafood. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, picturesque views, and authentic Irish experiences, making it an unforgettable adventure for food lovers and explorers alike.

In Belfast, one of the must-try dishes is the Ulster fry, a hearty traditional breakfast that combines crispy bacon, perfectly fried eggs, savory sausages, black pudding, white pudding, and the famous soda bread. This indulgent dish is a staple for locals, often enjoyed with a cup of strong Irish tea to start the day. For a more modern take on Irish cuisine, head to The Muddlers Club, a Michelin-starred restaurant that seamlessly blends fresh, local ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques. The menu showcases the best of Northern Ireland’s produce, offering a refined dining experience that highlights both tradition and innovation.

Delve deeper into the flavors and culture of Northern Ireland on the Ireland & Northern Ireland tour. This carefully crafted journey not only explores Belfast’s culinary scene but also includes stops in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. From vibrant city streets to breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, gastronomy, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable way to experience the richness of the Emerald Isle.

Killarney is a great place to enjoy a traditional shepherd’s pie, a comforting and hearty dish made with minced lamb or beef, a medley of vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This quintessential Irish meal has been a staple of home cooking for generations and offers a taste of the country’s rich culinary traditions. For an authentic experience, head to Bricín Restaurant, where you can enjoy shepherd's pie in a warm, rustic setting that reflects the charm of Killarney. The cozy atmosphere paired with this classic dish makes for a perfect meal after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.
To truly savor the culinary delights of Killarney and beyond, consider the Best of Scotland and Ireland tour. This unique journey not only highlights Killarney’s food scene but also takes you to Edinburgh, Inverness, and Cork, offering an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and gastronomy. With each stop, you'll experience the distinct flavors and charm of both countries, making this tour a feast for the senses.

Another culinary highlight in Galway is Connemara lamb, prized for its exceptionally tender and flavorful meat, which is often raised on the lush, windswept hills of Connemara. The lamb’s unique taste comes from the natural grazing in the region, where the animals feed on herbs and wild grasses, giving the meat a distinct flavor that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Ard Bia at Nimmos, a riverside restaurant that serves up a contemporary twist on this regional specialty. With its cozy atmosphere, beautiful views, and innovative menu, Ard Bia is a perfect place to savor the best of Galway’s produce, including its renowned Connemara lamb.

To fully immerse yourself in Galway’s culinary delights, consider the Best of Dublin & Galway tour. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the two cities, allowing you to taste the finest dishes, experience rich history, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Whether you’re sampling Galway’s fresh seafood or Dublin’s iconic Irish dishes, this tour promises to be a feast for the senses.

Belfast takes great pride in its own version of the iconic Irish stew, a hearty dish typically made with tender lamb, a variety of root vegetables, and pearl barley, all slow-cooked to create a rich and comforting flavor. This dish is a beloved classic, showcasing the simplicity and depth of traditional Irish cooking. For a modern take on this time-honored favorite, visit Mourne Seafood Bar, where the stew is reimagined using freshly sourced, local ingredients, elevating the flavors while staying true to its roots. The restaurant’s focus on quality and sustainability ensures a memorable and flavorful dining experience, reflecting Belfast's growing reputation for culinary innovation.
Discover the best of Belfast and beyond with the Essence of Ireland and Northern Ireland tour. This expertly crafted journey not only lets you savor the city’s culinary offerings but also takes you through the vibrant streets of Dublin, Cork, and Galway. From bustling markets to charming local restaurants, the tour provides a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it an unforgettable adventure for food lovers and travelers alike.

No visit to Dublin is truly complete without diving into its vibrant street food scene, where you'll find a variety of delicious, locally-inspired dishes. For something uniquely Irish, try a Guinness-infused burger from The Hungry Mexican food truck, where the rich, dark flavor of the iconic stout is infused into the patty, creating a mouthwatering and distinctly Dublin twist on a classic. Another must-try is a slice of Irish whiskey cake from one of the local vendors at the Temple Bar Food Market, where the rich, moist cake made with Irish whiskey offers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making it a beloved treat among locals and tourists alike.
For a truly immersive experience, uncover Dublin’s street food treasures with the Treasures of London, Edinburgh & Dublin tour. This tour takes you beyond the typical tourist sites, offering a chance to explore the city's eclectic food markets, hidden gems, and local specialties. As you wander through Dublin’s lively streets, you’ll discover an exciting array of flavors, from hearty bites to sweet indulgences, providing a true taste of the city’s diverse culinary culture.

While Irish stew is widely considered the national dish of Ireland, many locals would argue that bacon and cabbage holds equal, if not more, cultural significance. This hearty meal consists of tender cuts of bacon, simmered with cabbage, and served with a rich parsley sauce that adds a delightful depth of flavor. The dish is simple, yet deeply comforting, showcasing Ireland’s emphasis on using fresh, wholesome ingredients from local farms.
Both Irish stew and bacon and cabbage embody the essence of Irish cooking—rooted in the country's agricultural heritage and focused on nourishing meals made with care and tradition. These dishes are staples in Irish homes and pubs alike, often shared during family gatherings or as a satisfying meal after a long day of work. Whether enjoyed at a cozy pub or prepared at home, they provide a true taste of Ireland's culinary history.