If you enjoy wholesome food with locally sourced ingredients, Ireland won’t disappoint you with some of the world’s best beef, seafood, and dairy along your trip.
Dublin City – the capital of foodies
Ranked among the best foodie destinations in the world, Dublin has an impressive food scene to offer. From the typical Irish pubs to Michelin-star restaurants, not to mention international cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Among the most popular, however, you could start your day at Murphy’s Bistrot Café, or Brendan’s Café for a “full Irish” beloved by locals and visitors.
If you fancy a fish and chips later on, we suggest the legendary Leo Burdock, opened since 1913, or the Eatyard, a pop-up street food market featuring different food options from Mexican and Asian to pizzas. Something to make everyone happy!
Depending on how the evening unfolds, some will head to a local pub such as the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin, to enjoy a beef stew, while others will prefer to try one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants to end the food trip on a high note.
Galway – fresh fish for all tastes
On the other side of the Emerald Isle, Galway has plenty to offer. The port city features a delicious mix of seafood restaurants and pubs, competing with Dublin’s most successful restaurants, if you ask our opinion!
As you weave your way through the main street, you will find several options that will satisfy your taste buds.
Right beside the Spanish Arch, you can stop at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a charming restaurant that serves seasonal, refined dishes.
A little further down an adjacent road, you will find Cava Bodega, for the best Spanish tapas you will ever eat.
For fish lovers, we recommend Hooked Galway, on the west end of Henry Street. Just talking about it makes our mouths water! These are just a handful of the best restaurants in Galway.
Cork – a place of culinary renaissance
Not far behind on the gastronomic scene is the city of Cork. Its culinary reputation has grown steadily in recent years, to the point where it now rivals Dublin for the title of Ireland’s food capital!
In addition to excellent local products, plentiful thanks to Cork’s mild coastal climate, the creativity of restaurant owners is such that some people talk of a culinary renaissance.
There, you can find one of the best seafood restaurants, Goldie, with a menu changing daily, depending on the day’s catch.
On a nice day, we recommend you stop by Frankie’s Slice Shop to try their NYC-inspired pizza slices before heading to your next activity.
Another unique spot is the Farmgate Café located on top of Cork’s historic English Market. Their food is locally sourced and seasonally focused! There are plenty of local Cork dishes here you need to try.
Dingle – the seafood Haven of the Southwest
Not far behind in the competition for the best Irish towns for foodies is Dingle. There, we suggest reserving a table at Out of the Blue, where you’ll find one of the best seafood experiences in the country.
Note that the restaurant is only open from March to November, and reservations are strongly recommended. Another great spot is the Fish Box.
You can enjoy this culinary experience by reserving at the restaurant or walking past it to access their small outdoor area and food truck that will serve you delicious crab rolls and seafood chowder.
Finally, to end on a sweet note, head to Murphy’s Ice Cream; their locally sourced, homemade ice creams are simply the best. Their Dingle Sea Salt and Irish Brown Bread flavors are like gold dust.
There you have it! The best Irish town for foodies will leave you starry-eyed and full-bellied.
