From artisan sourdough to legendary cream cakes, here are ten Irish bakeries worth travelling for.
Imagine telling someone 30 years ago that you were popping to the bakery for rose kombucha and gubbeen chorizo.
They’d probably have called a doctor. Now, Irish bakeries worth travelling for can be found in every corner of the island, from tiny micro-bakeries to national institutions.
In 2026, whether for our weekly loaf, lunchtime coffee, or Sunday sweet treat, it seems like every town now has an Irish bakery worth travelling for. Here are ten of the best bakeries in Ireland.
10. Bold Boy Bakery, Dublin – a micro-bakery with major pull
It’s impossible to definitively name the best Dublin bakery. A good option is to choose something hipster-friendly and totally irresistible.
They have seating, excellent coffee, and a great line in savouries (the wild garlic & walnut pesto, whipped ricotta, and peach coulis pastry was a work of genius and well worth travelling for).
Address: 74 Francis St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 KA43
9. Hugo’s, Lahinch – Hugo’s is the boss
During the summer in Lahinch, there are mornings when you witness a migration of Dry Robe wearers…because that’s opening time at Hugo’s.
Beautiful loaves. Inventive pastries. Gourmet extras. One small point: to truly be an Irish bakery worth travelling for in 2026, you have to have a slicing machine.
Address: Ennistymon Road, Lahinch, Co. Clare V95 XR58
8. Yola, Wexford – it’s a Wexican love-language
Yola is a Wexford institution—a foodie hotspot on the east coast that isn’t just a summer spot for Dubliners. Their sourdough cinnamon roll alone makes this an Irish bakery worth travelling for.
Not only that, but they sell their own starter, which is a simultaneously generous and confident move.
Address: Unit 2, Whitemill North, Whitemill Industrial Estate, Clonard, Co. Wexford Y35 ND9C
7. SuperValu, Nationwide – yes, you read that right
Hot take: there are times when you’re nowhere near any boujee flour-based community spaces, and what you want is something dependable.
This is when the bakery aisle of a trustworthy national brand comes in. Their soda bread can be a lifesaver.
6. Blistered Bread, Co. Donegal – making the Forgotten County worth travelling for
Adrian Boyle’s nine years in Australia don’t seem to have diminished his love of the ovens.
It makes sense though, doesn’t it? A perfectly aromatic morning bun surely tastes better on a damp morning in Letterkenny than when sheltering from the Adelaide sun. Either way, it’s a bakery worth travelling for.
Serving it with a bottle of Donegal’s own Football Special or Muff Irish Whiskey is strictly optional.
Address: Lyndale, Ballyraine Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal F92 P9TV
5. Alternative Bread Company, Cork – accept no substitutes
No trip to Cork is complete without stopping at the English Market, and no trip to the English Market is complete without a visit to this temple of deliciousness.
Carrying your caramel wedge out, past microbreweries and amazing seafood, you promise yourself never to leave The Rebel County again.
Address: Unit 22, The English Market, 24 Grand Parade, Centre, Cork, T12 KP44
4. Cornrue, Westport, Co. Mayo – biblical bread and wine
Owner Patrick O’Reilly has been recognised by national tastemakers as a major talent.
As McKenna’s Guide wrote, “Here is a baker whose exacting, precise and deeply considered work offers a veritable definition of contemporary Irish baking.” Clearly, an Irish bakery worth travelling for. O’Reilly is also a sommelier, offering a selection of organic wines.
Address: New Road, The Demesne, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 E438
3. Dinkin’s Bakery, Co. Monaghan – the grande dame of bakeries worth travelling for
We’ve covered plenty of exciting artisans who do revolutionary things with little more than a bag of flour and a magic wand.
Let’s not forget the timeless joy of bread, cream cakes, and scones done to perfection: Dinkin’s does them so well that they have eight premises around Monaghan and Cavan.
Address: 11/12 Church Square, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 T289
2. Plúr Bakery, Co. Carlow – we im-Plúr you to go
Every food influencer in Ireland has raved about this place. It’s in a beautiful pub and only sells its legendarily Instagrammable baked goods on Fridays and Saturdays.
They also grow and mill their own flour, which makes you feel like a better person just by browsing their socials.
Address: Joyce’s Pub, Main Street, Borris, Co. Carlow R95 DV76
1. Seagull Bakery, Co. Waterford – the upper crust of bakeries worth travelling for
The sourdough ice cream with miso and pangrattato is arguably the finest foodstuff in Ireland. They do their own Wagon Wheels, for crying out loud. And you can get your daily sandwich materials, too.
It can be found in the city centre, Tramore, or stunning Dunmore East.
Only ten years ago, the Ballymaloe-trained owner operated from a trestle table outside a church on Saturdays. This is the kind of glow-up that makes Ireland truly great.
Address: 4 Broad Street, Tramore, Co. Waterford X91 PX96
And there it is, ten of the very best Irish bakeries worth travelling for. Pass the Kerrygold!
