10 Best Meals In Ireland | What To Eat And Drink

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The potatoes, anyone? Let’s face it. This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you read the title and consider what to eat in Ireland. 

Its for you “10 Best Food In Ireland | What To Eat And Drink in Ireland”

If you didn’t think of potatoes, I think bacon and cabbage came to mind.

I’ve never had bacon and cabbage and rarely see it on menus outside the very touristy areas of Dublin.

Based on my own personal knowledge, I can confidently say that Irish cuisine is much more than traditional claims.

Irish cuisine has dishes that are as rich, substantial and comforting as one would expect. However, you’ll also discover fine cuisine overflowing with authentic Irish flavors, served from farm to table.

The best of Ireland’s food can be found through a variety of experiences. From late-night visits to chipper to Michelin-star dining, these are some of Ireland’s best eats.

Ireland Food Culture and History

Irish food was not always been in the spotlight on the global food scene. Back in the 19th century, Ireland was quite poor. People mainly depended on potatoes for food, sharing small plots of land among family members. But the situation took a tragic turn in the 1840s with the onset of potato blight, which led to the Great Famine.

In the old days, eating was more about survival than enjoyment.

Fortunately, things have changed a lot in the last 20 years. Ireland has rediscovered its farming roots and now uses fresh, local ingredients to feed its people.

There’s plenty to work with, like fresh milk for butter and cheese, farm-fresh eggs, delicious spring lamb, succulent beef and delicious seafood.

In the past, Irish food was mostly about meat and potatoes, but not anymore. Vegetarian restaurants such as Dublin’s cozy Cornucopia and Cork City’s upscale Cafe Paradiso are gaining popularity.

Also, with the Celtic Tiger economic boom, people from all over the world moved to Ireland. They brought their own food traditions, adding a culinary mix to the Irish food scene. Now, Ireland has a whole range of flavors and cuisines to try.

10 Must-Try Foods in Ireland

During your trip to Ireland, there are plenty of delicious foods to try. Based on my opinion and popularity, here are the top 10. And when you’re back home, if you want to cook some Irish food with a modern twist, check out these traditional recipes.

1. A full Irish breakfast

To start your day, nothing beats a full Irish breakfast. It is famous all over Ireland and is said to cure even the worst hangovers.

A whole Irish includes eggs (usually fried but can be scrambled), bacon, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes. And don’t forget black or white pudding on the side – or better yet, have both!

Now, you might be a little hesitant about trying the pudding (I know I did when I first came to Ireland), but I say you should give it a try. It gives you a rich and delicious taste to your breakfast. White pudding is like black pudding but without the blood.

For the best black and white pudding, head to Clonakilty in West Cork – it’s famous for it. And some of the tastiest full Irish breakfasts I’ve eaten are served in B&Bs across the country, giving it a homemade touch.

2. Carvery at the Pub

Actually, Ireland doesn’t have a Thanksgiving Day like America, but you can still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner almost every Sunday, and sometimes even during the week.

Lots of pubs in Ireland serve something called a carvery, which is really very  popular for Sunday lunches with the family. Here’s how it works, You grab a tray and go to where the chef is cutting the meat. You can choose from turkey, ham, roast beef, or even fish. Then, you decide your side.

On average, there are three types of potatoes you can see – mashed, roasted, and fried. You’ll also find cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables and breadcrumb stuffing. And if you want, you can add a bit of cranberry sauce on the side.

Once your plate is stacked high, grab a pint of Guinness to go with it. And the best part? A carvery meal can cost as little as €20 per person, including a few pints.

One of the great things about Irish carveries is that you can skip breakfast and dinner and still feel full all day.

3. Steamed Mussels

Basically, Ireland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Irish Sea to the east, which makes it perfect for plenty of seafood source. One of the best Irish dishes you can try is a pot of oysters.

These oysters are delivered directly from the sea to your table with hardly any processing. Cook lightly with garlic or other herbs and spices, then let it steamed.

To eat them, use a special fork for the first oyster, then use the shell like tongs to scoop out the rest.

Oysters are light and flavorful, perfect for those trying to maintain their weight. You can find them in places like Howth near Dublin or in seafood restaurants on the Dingle Peninsula or on the coast of the Ring of Kerry.

At Tom Crean’s Fish and Wine in Kenmare, you can enjoy oysters with adventure. Learn about Ireland’s intrepid Antarctic explorers while tasting some of the freshest seafood in the neighborhood.

4. Oysters Fresh from the Sea

Being by the sea ensures that fresh oysters are available in Ireland, perfect for a romantic dinner when paired with prosecco or champagne.

The best oysters are commonly found in West Sligo, which has made it one of Ireland’s foodie hotspots. Wild Atlantic Oyster offers street food with The Oyster Cart, serving oysters right in front of you. Just add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt before eating.

Mussels are cheap as a snack, usually 2 to 3 euros each, but they can be pricey if you want a whole meal of them.

5. Boxty

Whenever people ask me what to try in Ireland, I always recommend the Box – a traditional Irish potato pancake.

You can find the authentic box at Gallagher’s Box House in the touristy Temple Bar area of Dublin. They serve it with a variety of meats and creamy sauces, making it a hearty Irish dinner.

To eat the box for dinner will cost around 20 to 25 euros and it depending on what you want to eat with it.

Really ,I love the box because you can get it in so many different ways and it’s a little different every time.

6. Afternoon Tea

Irish scones are perfect with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd.

Although scones are often served at breakfast, they are even better as part of a traditional and elegant Irish afternoon tea.

You can enjoy afternoon tea at some of the best places to stay in Dublin, such as the Shelbourne Hotel on St Stephen’s Green and the Merrion Hotel near the Government House of Ireland.

Keep in mind, though, that afternoon tea in Ireland can be a bit pricey. For example, Art Tea at the Marion Hotel starts at 55 euros per person. But it’s worth it, especially if you add a glass of sparkling wine to the experience.

At afternoon tea, you will find both savory and sweet. Enjoy sandwiches with ham, beef or eggs without the crust. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert – there’s a nice selection of pastries and petit fours with a decorative touch.

Afternoon tea in Ireland is a great way to enjoy a relaxing and leisurely day.

7. Irish Stew

Irish lamb is recognized as some of the best in the world. One of the most popular ways to enjoy it is in a comfort food like Irish stew.

If you’re in Dublin, mustvisit Davy Byrne’s Pub for one of the best Irish stews you’ll ever taste. It’s full of lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots – a real belly-filler. Prices can vary, but you can usually get a bowl from your local pub with a cost of around €10.

For an extra treat, have your Irish stew with a slice of brown bread and some delicious Irish butter. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce after you’re done eating.

But here’s a caveat: if you travel around Ireland, especially in the spring, you’ll see lambs playing in the fields. Seeing them can make it difficult to enjoy Irish stew or other lamb dishes for a while.

8. Battered Sausage

Ireland isn’t really well known for street food like some other places. The closest thing to street food here is called chipper.

Now, when you think of a chipper, you probably think of fish and chips, right? It’s like a fast food tradition here. But there’s another dish you should try, especially if you’ve been drinking late at night – battered sausage.

I first tried battered sausage at a chipper near Slattery’s pub in Dublin. It’s basically a hot dog coated in the same batter they use for fish, then fried. It’s an easy and delicious snack, perfect for soaking up all the alcohol in your system.

9. Murphy’s Ice Cream

In Ireland, there is a strong agricultural tradition. The cows here are known to graze on green grass, which makes them happy. Do you know what a happy cow means? Delicious milk! And that milk is used to make top dairy products like milk and butter.

So, it’s no surprise that Irish milk also makes incredible ice cream. That’s why my ninth pick for what to eat in Ireland is all about ice cream.

Have you heard of Murphy’s Ice Cream? It is made in County Kerry, known for its excellent dairy products. Originally, you could only find Murphy’s in Dingle Town, but now they have expanded and you can also find it in Dublin City Centre.

They have some unique flavors that are so Irish, like brown bread, whiskey, and sea salt. How cool is that?

Here’s a fun idea, Have you Ever tried an ice cream float for the first time? You can add a scoop of Murphy’s ice cream, maybe Bailey’s Irish Cream flavor, Guinness or Murphy’s Irish Stout for a delicious treat!

10. Carrageen Moss Dessert

Ever heard of carrageenan moss? It is a type of seaweed found in the south and west of Ireland. One of the best Irish dishes we’ve tried is carrageen moss pudding.

If you’re in the mood for a creamy dish, you can find carrageen moss used as a thickener in panna cotta at Fens Quay in Cork City. It adds a hint of salty flavor and is super nutritious with lots of iodine and other good stuff. Also, it is unique to Ireland!

Best Food Tours in Ireland

Food tours are great because they make it easy to decide what to eat in Ireland. You’ll learn about the history of Ireland’s famous cuisine and try lots of different dishes without ordering a full meal. Then, you can choose your preferences and enjoy them for the rest of your trip.

1. Dublin The Best Walking Food Tour

Balance the extra calories you eat with a walking food tour in Dublin.

Enjoy delicious Irish food and listen to stories from a local guide.

Savor traditional and artisan cuisine along the River Liffey and maybe sip some Irish whiskey.

Dublin’s delicious walking food tour costs €65 and lasts three hours.

2. Galway Food Tour

If you don’t have much time, a Galway food tour is perfect for trying some of Ireland’s best cuisine.

At just over two hours, it shows you the variety of food in Galway.

You’ll find hidden gems like old pubs and great restaurants. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to save room for chocolate and baked goods.

Going on a food tour is a must do activity in Galway that you will really enjoy.

3. Cork Fab Food Tasting Trail

Cork City is known for its great food scene in Ireland. Walk the Cork Fab Food Tasting Trail for three hours and try six dishes at six different locations.

Cork is often referred to as the “People’s Republic of Cork”, so you can expect a unique vibe and friendly people here.

Just jump in and try it. “Ah, so go!” As the locals say. Join a food tour in Cork and enjoy delicious food.

Must Try Drinks in Ireland

Ireland is famous for its love of drink, and Irish whiskey, also known as uisce beatha in Irish, is well known worldwide.

It is common for people to start their day with tea or coffee and then enjoy a few pints of beer after work or at the weekend.

 If you’re unsure about what to drink in Ireland during your trip, here are the top three must-tries, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

A Pint of Guinness

Guinness is the best drink when you visit Ireland.

Some people believe they dislike Guinness because they have tasted it somewhere else.

But the only way to know if you like it is to have it in Ireland, where it’s made. You can get a pint of Guinness here in most pubs. Prices usually range from 4.50 EUR to 7.00 EUR depending on how touristy the place is.

I enjoy a Guinness at Beggar’s Bush, a cozy pub near Dublin city center in Ballsbridge.

And if you’re in Dublin, don’t miss a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. You can taste Guinness there and learn all about how it is made!

Hot Whiskey

Hot whiskey is the Irish version of the hot toddy and the ideal winter warmer. Irish whiskey and hot water combine with citrus and cloves for a refreshing sinus-clearing sensation.

Artisan Coffee

Drinking in Ireland isn’t just about alcohol. There are great choices for non-drinkers.

Ireland’s coffee is amazing! Some of the best in Europe, maybe the world! Places like 3fe, Badger and Dodo and Silverskin Coffee Roasters make some of the freshest and strongest brews.

A 12 oz latte or cappuccino can cost between 2.70 EUR and 4.00 EUR, depending on where you’re going and whether you’re staying or going.

At The End

I really hope I’ve shown you that Irish food isn’t just plain and boring. It’s full of flavor, sometimes playful, and definitely something to enjoy.

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood like smoked salmon on Irish brown bread, or the famous Irish beef (did you know that even McDonald’s uses Irish beef in Europe?), or some amazing artisan cheese from Tipperary, Ireland, there’s something mouth-watering.

What else would you put on your list of what to eat in Ireland? It’s time to plan the amazing trip you’ve been dreaming of and taste the best Irish food for yourself. Reading about Irish food is one thing, but tasting it is a completely different experience.