Ireland Travel Question : Traveling in Ireland with Picky Eaters

ByJody Halsted Posted:October 23, 2013October 31, 2022 Updated:October 31, 2022

Ireland Family Vacations reader question:

As we prepare for our first trip to Ireland this summer with our 7 and 3 year-old, we are a little nervous about the food, and making sure we can find things the kids like. They are finicky eaters as it is — never mind throwing foreign fare into the mix!!

Answer:

Oh, Irish food! There is so much to love! But I can understand the worry- especially if you are traveling with picky eaters!

Rest assured that in addition to traditional Irish food, you'll find plenty of “regular”, kid friendly food. Most pubs and restaurants offer chicken gougons (chicken strips) and chips, and it's easy to find a hamburger or simple pasta with sauce.

You will find that Irish food isn't that different from food here at home, though some names may be funny. I would say to not discourage the kids from trying new foods, and really try to get them excited to at least try new things. We often have the girls share with us and if they try a food-and really don't like it- we will order something else for them.

If you decide to go for fast food, skip the American chains like McDonalds and Burger King, which don't taste like they do at home. Instead try SuperMac's, an Irish fast food restaurant. They make a lovely chicken sandwich and wanderful chips (fries).

Do you have a question about Ireland travel? View the Ireland Travel FAQs page or email your question to IrelandCoach(at)IrelandFamilyVacations(dot)com. I will reply directly to you as well as add your question to this page- because if you need an answer, it’s likely someone else does, too!

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Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.

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2 Comments

Amy Mapes says:

October 24, 2013 at 10:17 am

My son, a non-adventurous eater, had fun trying cheese pizzas at different pubs/cafes. Panini’s were also a favorite of my 3 kids…basically a grilled sandwich. But Jody is right, give the kids a chance to try new things. It might be that they are more willing BECAUSE it is a foreign country. Make a game. If they try a new dinner food, they get to try a new dessert!

Reply
1. jodyhalsted says:
  
  October 24, 2013 at 10:23 am
  
  Thanks Amy! And yes, bribery works wonders! Especially when sweets are involved!
  
  Reply

As we prepare for our first trip to Ireland this summer with our 7 and 3 year-old, we are a little nervous about the food, and making sure we can find things the kids like. They are finicky eaters as it is — never mind throwing foreign fare into the mix!!

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