Planning Your Irish Vacation
Eating in Ireland
One of my favorite things about Ireland is the food. I know many who look at me strangely and picture loads of potatoes or fish and chips- both of which you'll find across the country. But it doesn't take long to find a bit of everything else, as well. Ireland has been experiencing a foodie renaissance for years.
During our trips we eat at B&Bs, pubs, tea houses, fancy restaurants and even purchase items from the local grocery. Each meal is memorable; some for the exquisite food, others for the beautiful location, yet others for the craic.
Irish food may not be what you think it is… You'll find dozens more photos in my Irish Food album.
Foods to Try in Ireland
- Before you turn your nose up at Black Pudding- aka blood pudding- give it a try! It's such a flavorful sausage- you may be pleasantly surprised!
- If you find a pub or restaurant serving boxty, order it! Boxty is a traditional potato pancake. You'll find it thin and served wrapped around meat, thicker and served as a side, or even quite thick, topped with butter, almost like a slice of bread.
- Have fish & chips at least once; preferably in a pub at the edge of the ocean.
- Even if you don't like salmon, try the smoked salmon. You may just like it.
- Guinness tastes better in Ireland. If you don't enjoy “the black stuff”, try Bulmer's- a lovely hard cider.
- Shop at an Irish grocery- at least once. It's really quite fun.
- If you're near a market- like the English Market in Cork– take the time to wander through and grab some of the very freshest food in Ireland (as well as local specialties).
Do you have a favorite Irish food or place to eat in Ireland? Please- share your recommendations in the comments!
Submit your Comment 
My wife is gluten intolerant — she is allergic to anything that contains wheat, barley and rye. Do most restaurants understand food allergy concerns? Are there any special steps that we can take to help assure that her meals will be prepared without gluten? Thank you so very much.
Hi Mike. You will be thrilled to know that it is very easy- and tasty- to dine in Ireland with a gluten intolerance. Ireland has the highest percentage of celiac per capita in the world so the country is terrific about food allergies.
Last summer I traveled in Ireland with my friend Kara, who is also gluten intolerant. She sat down with me for a podcast chat about eating gluten free in Ireland – you’ll find that here or search Traveling in Ireland / Ireland Family Vacations in your favorite podcast app.
I hope that helps!
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