Ireland is often celebrated for its whiskey and Guinness, yet its culinary offerings are equally a must. Here’s a brief guide to traditional Irish food in Dublin and Ireland.
Dublin might not be renowned for its culinary highlights, but we were pleasantly surprised by the Irish cuisine. You’ll find everything from hearty meat stews to upscale seafood, and potatoes in all shapes and forms.
We particularly enjoyed Dublin’s gastropubs, the culinary heart and everyday meeting place of the Irish. Here, you can savor both traditional Irish food and modern dishes at relatively affordable prices. Wash down your meal with a pint, Irish Coffee, or a fancy cocktail in a casual, friendly – and sometimes very lively atmosphere.
A Tribute to the Potato
Norway and Ireland have much in common, from historical ties dating back to the Viking Age to fjords and mountains, a lively pub culture, and rugged weather for a significant part of the year.
We also share a strong love for potatoes. Potatoes were a staple on my table growing up, and this starchy vegetable is also a cornerstone of the Irish diet.
Potatoes played a crucial role in Ireland’s history, notably during the Great Famine. This catastrophe struck Ireland in the mid-19th century when potato blight devastated crops across the country, eliminating the main source of sustenance for much of the population.
Many fell ill and died from hunger and malnutrition, and farmers lost their income, leading to a mass migration to the USA and Canada.
Fortunately, potatoes are back on the table today, served in countless ways in Dublin. They come as velvety mashed potatoes, rustic potato mash, fried potatoes, boiled potatoes in casseroles, and crispy french fries.
Two local potato specialties:
Colcannon is mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage, butter, cream, or milk, often served as a side dish to meat dishes.
Boxty is a potato pancake that can be fried like a thick pancake or baked as a flatbread. It is made with a combination of raw and boiled potatoes, flour, and milk, and can be served as a side dish or as a base for other ingredients.
Another variation includes small dumplings boiled in a soup.
Irish Breakfast
Start your day with an authentic Irish breakfast that provides energy for the day’s adventures. Bacon, sausages, black pudding, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and eggs—a flavorful combination that gives you a lot of energy.
Irish Stew
Irish stew comes in various variations with tender meat and flavorful vegetables in a rich sauce that sometimes includes Guinness.
Meat Pie
Meat pie is a staple on gastropub menus. Sometimes served as a traditional pie, other times with the pie lid on the side or loosely arranged on top.
Salted Meat
Served with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and a white sauce.
Fish and Seafood
Dublin is not far from the sea, providing excellent access to fresh fish and seafood. You can indulge in an exclusive oyster bar, enjoy mussels served in different ways, or opt for a more relaxed pub fare like fish and chips.
Bread
Ireland has a variety of delicious bread served for both dinner and breakfast.
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread made with baking soda instead of yeast.
Brown bread is made with whole wheat flour and is often served with a tasteful butter and jam for breakfast.
Barmbrack is a type of fruit bread baked with raisins, sultanas (golden raisins), and candied orange peel. Sometimes used for fortune-telling—small objects like a ring or a coin are baked into the bread. The person who finds them is expected to experience certain events during the year.
Drinks in Dublin
When people think of Ireland, the image of a foamy pint often comes to mind first.
And a visit to Dublin is not complete without taking a sip of the iconic Guinness beer, enjoying the warmth of an Irish Coffee, exploring different shades of whiskey, or being captivated by the delightful chocolate and cream tones of a Baileys.
Don’t like Guinness? Check out our complete guide to Irish beer! (In Norwegian)
First time in Dublin? Read our beginner’s guide. (Only in Norwegian at the moment)
Some restaurants and gastropubs we liked:
The Gallaghers Boxty House in the Temple Bar District specializes in boxty pancakes and dumplings.
The Bull & Castle serves both delicious food and creative drinks. There’s a steakhouse downstairs with a good selection of meats and a slightly more casual setting upstairs.
The Chophouse is a gastropub with both great food and craft beer. We recommend, among other things, the “slow-cooked crispy belly” (appetizer).
Kennedys Pub & Restaurant is located right by our hotel, and we ate here several times. We recommend Fish & Chips, “Beef & Guinness Pie,” and “Cod Provencal.”
Harkins Bar is located close to Guinness Storehouse and offers traditional Irish food, burgers, pizza, and lighter options like sandwiches and salads. We were very pleased with Bangers & Mash and Harkin’s Beef & Guinness Stew.
