Must-Try Irish Foods

I love Irish food. Sure, it may not be the fanciest, or the most elegant, but it is warm, hearty, comfort food that promises to fill you up. There’s plenty to choose from but these are the top must-try Irish foods that can be easily found in pubs and restaurants across the country.

PS: Planning a trip to Ireland? Take a look at my Ireland itineraries.

A True Irish Breakfast

The best way to start your day is with a true Irish breakfast. It’s a big fry up that includes eggs, rashers (bacon), sausages, black and/or white pudding, grilled vegetables (often tomatoes, mushrooms, or potatoes) and toast. Whatever your preconceptions are about black and white pudding, you have to try a true Irish breakfast at least once during your Ireland trip.

Irish Smoked Salmon

Irish salmon is the best, so if you see fresh Irish salmon on a menu anywhere, be sure to try it. The county is also known for their smoked salmon with several smoking houses across the country. The Burren Smokehouse is one of my favourites.

Irish Soda Bread

I, personally, could live off of Irish soda bread. With breakfast, served alongside smoked salmon or a bowl of warm potato soup for lunch, or before dinner; I live for Irish soda bread. It’s common everywhere you go, so you won’t have an issue finding it. Most families or restaurants/pubs have their own recipe that may include seeds, dried fruits, or even a bit of Guinness.

Irish Stew

Irish stew is a traditional dish, perfect for warming up on a windy day. Or for filling up after an active one. Most recipes are lamb based with large chunks of flavourful meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

Boxty

A boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake. The name is rumored to come from an old Irish phrase that translates to ‘poor house bread’, but while that might have once been the case today, boxty can be found on the menus of some of Ireland’s top restaurants. With different toppings or even stuffed, however it’s served, boxty is bound to please.

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips usually come to mind when you think of Great Britain, but Ireland has the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. Being surrounded by water, Ireland has a great supply of delicious fresh fish and many fish and chip places will even offer you a selection of fish from regular cod to adventurous ray. My favourite places to get fish and chips in Ireland are Doyle’s Seafood in Dingle, and McDonagh’s in Galway.

Irish Shellfish

Ireland is heaven for seafood lovers. As listed earlier the salmon and fresh fish is amazing, but so is the shellfish. From oysters to prawns, mussels to scallops, and even crab and lobster; Ireland has an abundance of delicious fresh shellfish that can be found prepared in a variety of ways across the country. If you are a true shellfish fan, plan your visit to Ireland at the end of September to attend Galway’s Oyster and Seafood Festival.

Have you tried any of these must-try Irish foods? Which is your favourite?

Interested in an Irish Food Tour? Try one of these:

• Galway Food Tour 
• Premium Whisky and Food Tour in Dublin

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I have used esims around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA- they are super easy and you don’t risk losing your home sim! There are two brands I have used and recommend so I suggest comparing both. 

Airalo: download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase.

Truely: This one is easier in that it’s a one-time download instead of downloading an esim for each country. It also allows you to hotspot and tether- which not all esims do. Check out options here.

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!