I checked a travel bucket list item off my list when I went to Ireland. I drank and ate my way through Dublin, Ireland and recapped it all here in My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland.
I’ll never to say no to the opportunity to travel but Ireland wasn’t always on the top of my “To Visit” list. My friend visited Ireland regularly and loved it so I was obviously intrigued, but never made plans to visit it on my own.
I never thought I wanted to visit Ireland …. until I visited Ireland.
Once there I immediately fell in love with the history, folk legend, religious presence and breathtaking natural beauty.
From the beautiful stone structures and peaks and valleys of Killarney to the Wicklow mountains I was unprepared for the charm and spirituality of Ireland that would forever leave and imprint on my traveling heart.
The picturesque countrysides were some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I couldn’t get enough of the lush green colors and serene vast lakes.
My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
There was something else I was unprepared for – the cuisine. The locals will honestly admit that Ireland isn’t always known for its food. Ireland is often synonymous with beer and potatoes, but thanks to an emergence of attention on Ireland’s food tourism people are now being drawn to the area for its fine foods and ingredients. My first taste of Irish cuisine was a pleasant surprise. I had some of the freshest, tastiest dairy, butter, fish and produce that I’ve ever tasted and Irish food is one of the reasons why I can’t wait to go back to Ireland.
I always have so many food pictures in my catalog after visiting a destination. So, today, I’m sharing some of favorite meals from Ireland for a “virtual” tour.
The Standouts
1. GUINNESS BROWN BREAD – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
My #1 favorite food from Ireland begins with Guinness Brown Bread. My trip to Dublin Ireland introduced me to brown bread. I dreamed about the Guinness brown bread for weeks after returning home from Dublin. It was the most delicious bread I’ve ever tasted. And it was made even better by topping it with the Ireland’s flavorful butter from its grass-fed cows or fresh salmon.
2. OYSTERS – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
Because Ireland is surrounded by water, the seafood is very fresh. The raw oysters I had at the Guinness Storehouse are some of the freshest I’ve ever tasted.
3. PAN-FRIED GOAT CHEESE WITH CHORIZO AND TOMATOES – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
This dish, from The Pepper Pot, was one of the top 3 meals from my trip. The Pepper Pot was a quaint little cafe that specializes in light breakfast, lunch, brunch and desserts. This Pan-Fried Goat Cheese with Chorizo and tomatoes was so luscious and warm. Paired with Irish brown bread and an elderflower soda and I was in heaven.
4. GRILLED SEA BASS WITH PANZANELLA SALAD – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
I loved the seafood in Ireland and this fresh, grilled sea bass served with warm panzanella salad featuring heirloom tomatoes is a burst of freshness with each bite.
5. DUCK LIVER PATE – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
After sightseeing around Killarney and Wicklow we stopped for lunch at the Avoca Garden Cafe. I ordered the duck liver pate with pistachio & apricot port, pear and shallot chutney and toasted sourdough. I literally enjoyed every single bite of this dish. It was true love.
6. CHORIZO AND HEIRLOOM TOMATO FLATBREAD – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
As if heirloom tomatoes aren’t delicious enough on their own, Guinness Storehouse pairs them with chorizo, cheese and arugula for a flatbread perfect for sharing. Order this and some Guinness and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy an afternoon.
7. WILD GROUSE – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
I will try anything once. At The Marker in Dublin I tried wild grouse for the first time. The wild grouse was roasted and paired with grilled chicory, carrot spaghetti, cauliflower cream, truffle and citrus vinaigrette.
8. IRISH SEAFOOD CHOWDER – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
Do you think soups and stews when you think Irish food? Ireland is known for their soups and stews, and 1837’s Irish Seafood Chowder lives up to Ireland’s legacy. It features a creamy base combined with shrimp and fish and named me from the inside-out.
9. BEEF AND GUINNESS STEW – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
One cannot come to Ireland without trying the stews. The Beef and Guinness Stew served at The 1837 Bar and Brasserie is a classic and one that everyone in Dublin recommends. A bonus – it’s topped with mashed potatoes.
10. SLOW COOKED LAMB CASSEROLE – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
Another standout from the Avoca Garden Cafe was this Persian-inspired slow-cooked lamb casserole with couscous salad, grilled flat bread, baba ghanoush and tzatziki. What an incredible surprise from Ireland with this dish!
11. GUINNESS BURGER WITH SKIN-ON FRIES – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
If you are a burger fan, the Guinness Burger with skin-on fries is an absolute must. The burger has a Guinness marinade and a Guinness chutney. The fries complete the meal for a satisfying dish.
12. WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
This is such a great side to share. Another gem from Guinness was the cauliflower. The 1837 Restaurant roasts the cauliflower whole and tops it with a truffle cream sauce. It is beyond delicious.
13. BEER CHEESE POPCORN – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
I drank a lot of beer in Ireland. While enjoying one of the many Guinness beers, I munched on some beer cheese popcorn which was the perfect pub snack.
14. GUINNESS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
No meal is complete without dessert. And 1837’s desserts provide the perfect ending, equally as good as their appetizers, main dishes and sides. My favorite was the Guinness Chocolate Mousse. It was decadent and rich and paired perfectly with Guinness Draught. I had a hard time forgetting this delicious dessert.
15. GUINNESS STOUT – My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland
Last but not least, I can’t write about a food tour of Dublin Ireland without talking about beer. As I said, I drank a ton of beer in Ireland. I already knew had to pour a perfect Guinness pint thanks to my many years of college bartending, but I had a chance to perfect those skills thanks to the Guinness Academy.
I may have cheated on list by including a few favorites from outside of Dublin but they are worth the drive – both for the beauty and the deliciousness. If visiting Dublin Ireland be sure to put a few of these dishes on your “to-do” list and travel through Ireland one bite at a time.
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