Must-see restaurants in Ireland

  • McDonagh's

    Galway City

    A trip to Galway isn't complete without a meal here. Galway's best fish-and-chip shop fries up shoals of battered cod, plaice, haddock, whiting and salmon…

  • Ballymaloe Cafe

    County Cork

    Part of the famous Ballymaloe House empire, this always busy cafe serves freshly prepared seasonal and organic produce from its own farms and gardens (and…

  • Kai

    Galway City

    Set in an olive-green building with exposed stone, bare timbers, fresh flowers and a glass-roofed atrium, this rustic West End spot is a fantastic place…

  • Kitty Kelly's

    Southwestern Donegal

    Dining at this restaurant in a 200-year-old farmhouse feels more like attending an intimate dinner party. The menu is a modern take on Irish favourites…

  • Mews

    Kenmare

    Two of Kerry's top restaurateurs helm this stylish, palm-filled spot hidden in a laneway off Henry St. Vermouth-cream chowder with citrus oil, Kerry beef…

  • Lettercollum Kitchen Project

    The West Cork Coast

    This busy artisan bakery and deli turns out fresh breads, savoury tarts, pastries and pies daily, and also serves salads and hot dishes such as Thai curry…

  • Dough Bros

    Galway City

    Beginning life as a food truck, this wood-fired pizza maker has found a permanent home. The bright-green-fronted space overflows with regulars, including…

  • Fuchsia Cafe

    Beara Peninsula

    Vibrant colours (it's painted fuchsia-pink) and vibrant flavours characterise this cheerful cafe on the bustling village square. The menu runs from…

  • Aroma

    County Donegal

    In the far corner of Donegal's craft village, this small cafe has a big, big reputation for fine food. Along with the excellent coffee and luscious cakes,…

  • Mani

    County Tipperary

    This relaxed yet stylish restaurant places seasonal Irish produce front and centre in dishes such as pan-fried hake (landed at Kilmore Quay in County…

  • Lismore Farmers Market

    County Waterford

    The upmarket surrounds on the approach to Lismore Castle attract a fab collection of vendors to this market, with stalls selling artisan food and local…

  • Giovannelli

    Ring of Kerry

    Northern Italian native Daniele Giovannelli makes all his pasta by hand at this simple but intimate little restaurant. Highlights of the blackboard menu…

  • Liberty Grill

    Cork City

    A gleaming white outpost on an otherwise drab street of brick facades, the Liberty Grill is popular for its locally sourced menu of crowd pleasers, such…

  • Good Room Cafe

    Adare

    This homely but busy place prepares inventive breakfasts, soups, salads, hot sandwiches, bruschetta, baked goods, homemade jams, kids' menus and huge cups…

  • West End Cafe

    Southwestern Donegal

    Long known as 'Whyte's' and stuffed with locals, this curtained cafe run by ever-diligent Philomena is beloved for its superfresh fish and chips, but it…

  • Lazy Bean Cafe

    County Tipperary

    The most popular place in town for a bite to eat, this bustling old-fashioned cafe serves all-day breakfasts, choose-your-own sandwiches, wraps, bagels…

  • Dungarvan Farmers Market

    County Waterford

    Dungarvan's farmers market is a minor festival of artisan breads, cheeses (including Knockalara Farmhouse cheese, made near Lismore), bacon, farm…

  • Connemara Hamper

    Clifden

    Irish farmhouse cheeses, Connemara smoked salmon, pâtés, dips, jams and chutneys, plus cakes, biscuits and hearty pies, make this terrific deli your one…

  • An exterior shot of Camden Kitchen at night

    Camden Kitchen

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Tucked away off busy Camden St, this inviting little bistro prides itself on its fresh, seasonal menu of changing and beautifully presented dishes, like…

  • Bangers and Mash

    Fade Street Social

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Two restaurants in one, courtesy of renowned chef Dylan McGrath. At the front, the buzzy tapas bar, which serves gourmet bites from a beautiful open…

  • Shopfront for Murphy's Ice Cream

    Murphy's Ice Cream

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Get your sugar hit on with a visit to what might be the best ice-cream shop in the country. Everything is handmade with fresh ingredients from Dingle,…

  • Eatyard sign

    Eatyard

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Spend an hour or two eating and drinking your way through a dozen or so of the city’s best food vendors. There's always seasonal produce, and plenty of…

  • Orso serves food with a Lebanese twist.

    Orso

    Cork City

    Cross your fingers to get a table at this tiny restaurant as they don’t take bookings. Its menu – full of fresh Irish ingredients cooked with a…

  • The bar at the front of Pichet restaurant

    Pichet

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Head chef Stephen Gibson (formerly of L'Ecrivain) delivers his version of modern French cuisine to this newly refurbished dining room, whose elegance…

  • The door to Fellini.

    Fellini Cafe

    Cork City

    This beloved movie-themed cafe, formerly the foyer of a cinema, is decorated in an odd mix of homey comfort and French bohemian elegance. Take your pick…

  • Outside the Port House

    Port House

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    This dark cavern restaurant is full of flickering candlelight. The extensive, delicious Spanish tapas menu is best enjoyed with the impressive Iberian…

  • Dillingers' American-style diner interior

    Dillinger's

    Dublin

    This trendy American-style diner is small, so expect a wait if you want to go for the (excellent) weekend brunch. It’s worth it just to taste the amazing…

  • Legit facade

    Legit Coffee Co

    Dublin

    A rare trendy spot in the middle of one of Dublin’s most traditional streets, Legit is full of stripped-down wood, speciality teas and strong espressos. A…

  • The 80's inspired entrance to Thundercut Alley

    Thundercut Alley

    North of the Liffey

    This tiny, hipper-than-thou joint is a great little spot full of electric-bright '80s decor with a menu of delicious cocktails and mouthwatering nibbles…

  • Staff serve up colourful salads at Rocket Man.

    Rocket Man

    Cork City

    Mouth-watering seasonal food sourced from local farmers and merchants. Take your pick from colourful salads, unusual falafel creations, gluten-free…

  • Ballymore Inn

    County Wicklow

    Utilising produce from local farms and its own polytunnels and gardens, plus seafood delivered daily from Duncannon, this unexpected find 7.5km southwest…

  • Vanilla Pod

    County Meath

    Bright and contemporary, this restaurant inside the Headfort Arms Hotel features an ambitious bistro-style menu. Well-prepared dishes from seasonal,…

  • Giltraps Pub

    The Midlands

    A perfect place to stop after exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains, this lovely country pub scores across the board. Food ranges from simple sandwiches to…

  • West End Bar & Bistro

    Tralee

    'Fresh or nothing' is the motto of this local icon in the village of Fenit, 13km west of Tralee. The fifth-generation bar serves a mouth-watering line-up…

  • Glyde Inn

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Dating from 1770, this wonderful pub anchors Annagassan life. It has its own beer, Linn Duachaill (named for a local Viking settlement currently being…

  • Bay Tree

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Simple, stylishly presented dishes made from seasonal locally sourced ingredients (some grown in its own polytunnel) at this little restaurant attached to…

  • Rowan Tree Cafe Bar

    County Clare

    A one-time ballroom, the dining room here has high ceilings, fairy lights and 18th-century wooden floors, while tables outside have river views. Global…

  • An Seanachaí

    County Waterford

    The rough-hewn walls of the 'Old Storyteller' could certainly tell a few stories of their own. Parts of this thatched-roof pub date back to its earliest…

  • Liberty Cafe

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Set over two levels, Liberty has brightly coloured flowers painted on its whitewashed exterior. Freshly made dishes include soups such as spiced lentil…

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