You may know of County Wicklow for its beautiful scenic walks, historic landmarks, Namesake Mountains, fabulous coastline and country estates. However you may be unaware of another great element county Wicklow has to offer, it’s fantastic Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants.
Whether you are hiking in Glendalough, taking in the beauty of the Powerscourt Waterfall or walking the scenic Bray to Greystones hill walk, we are here to show you the best five vegan and vegetarian restaurants in one of Ireland’s most Scenic County’s.
1. The Happy Pear
Opened in 2006, by twin brothers, David and Stephen Flynn, the Happy Pear situated on Church Road, in the picturesque seaside town of Greystones. This family-run vegan and vegetarian eatery has grown from strength to strength over the last decade with the twin brothers detailing its massive success down to the natural and home-grown produce used in their everyday recipes for their customers who from travel far and wide to grab a taste at the hip and cool hangout spot.
With outdoor seating and an endless list of healthy food options, this vegan and vegetarian restaurant is a must see when visiting county Wicklow.
Nothing sounds more appealing after the scenic walk from Bray to Greystones than tucking into a delicious homemade vegan curry from The Happy Pear. They also produce tasty takeaway treats and have a cookbook so you can take home a little piece of the Happy Pear with you.
Address: Church Rd, Rathdown Lower, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
2. Avoca at Powerscourt
The beautiful setting and backdrop of this vegan and vegetarian-friendly café and restaurant is reason enough to visit. The Avoca family always pride themselves and their delicious food on the homegrown ingredients using their kitchen garden, where you can taste ‘farm to fork’ on every bite.
The Avoca Terrace Café is open all year-round and seats 160 including outdoor seating, it’s the perfect venue for family outings and friendly catch-ups or a post-country walk at the Powerscourt Waterfall. With the breath-taking views of the Sugarloaf mountains ahead of you surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Powerscourt country estate, there is no better way to enjoy your pine nut and brie quiche or gluten-free brownie with your coffee than this fantastic setting. You’ll have to try it out to see for yourself!
Address: Powerscourt House, Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
3. Vital Health Café
Located in the beautiful tranquil town of Wicklow, this small but bright healthy eating café, known as the ‘little green building on the hill’ is a dream for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Everything from organic coffee to delicious protein bowls, the Vital health Café is a must stop for delicious food in Wicklow town.
Brazilian born Renee and Tyrone native Peter, who met in Australia and fell in love over their combined love for authentic food, are the couple behind the Vital Health Café. They wanted to branch out and create something different and bring fresh organic produce to the heart of County Wicklow, ‘We really want the people of Wicklow to love what we produce and come back for more. We are small but have big ideas, and we hope you enjoy our efforts to increase the healthy offerings in the town of Wicklow.’
Address: 1A Fitzwilliam Rd, Wicklow, A67 E205, Ireland
4. Wicklow Heather Restaurant
Located in the picturesque village of Laragh deep in the Wicklow Mountains, this family-run establishment, the Wicklow Heather is a beautiful restaurant serving Irish and continental dishes catering to vegetarians and vegan diners.
Whether you are after a delicious breakfast or a scrumptious lunch, the Wicklow Heather has what you’re looking for. In addition to the mouth-watering cuisine, another appealing element of this restaurant, the Irish Writers Room which showcases first editions and original manuscripts from Irish literary giants such as WB. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and many more, a perfect post indulgent treat!
Address: Glendalough Road, Ballard, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
5. The Mystic Celt
This tranquil food haven is found in the scenic Wicklow Golf Club, Dunbar Road in Wicklow Town. Veteran chef, Paul Smith who created The Mystic Celt has cooked far and wide, including many restaurants in NYC, cultivating recipes to bring home to his beloved Wicklow.
The majority of the ingredients in The Mystic Celt are locally sourced, to give customers an authentic taste of Wicklow while also stimulating local industry and remaining as environmentally-friendly as possible. Vegans and vegetarians are for choice from the Wicklow farmhouse Brie with a Fruit Coulis or the Penne with Roast Pepper, Avocado and a Tomato Basil Sauce, the Mystic Celt is the place for you.
Address: Black Castle room, Wicklow Golf Club, Dunbur rd, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Ireland
Written by Gráinne Gallogly.
