Gastronomic Ireland

While Ireland’s big cities contain a huge selection of restaurants and cafés to suit every budget – it’s not all about the urban scene. Many of the country’s little gems are nestled in the remote rural countryside.

While our cities’ Michelin star restaurants are a culinary experience second to none, the real taste of Ireland is often in our pubs. Just imagine a bowl of steaming mussels or a dish of hearty Irish stew, both washed down by a creamy pint of stout.

In the Republic of Ireland, keep a look out for the ‘Feile Bia’ symbol, which is awarded to those establishments who source only the finest ingredients in their pub or restaurant.

Another great way to experience Ireland’s culinary delights is by attending one of the Ireland’s many food festivals. We have made a short selection of the most popular below.

Beverages

Ireland is famous for its Guinness and a visit to the Storehouse in James’s Gate, Dublin is a great way of finding out about over 250 years of brewing history.

But don’t forget Ireland’s other great stouts and beers like Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish, and Kilkenny beer. You can also visit The Hilden Brewery in Lisburn, which houses The Tap Room Bar, the only bar in Ireland to serve draft real ale exclusively.

Whiskey drinkers will find Ireland is a joy as Irish whiskey is distilled three times, unlike Scotch, which is only distilled twice. You can learn all about Irish Whiskey at the numerous whiskey distilleries around the country, the most famous being, the Old Middleton Distillery in Cork, the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills Distillery in Antrim.

Food Festivals 2008

To sample the best food in a pure party atmosphere make sure you catch an Irish food festival – it’s an experience you won’t forget! Some of our most recommended Food Festivals are:

Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, County Waterford, July 2008 This charming rural fishing village kicks off every July with seafood tastings, traditional and folk music and dance.

Hillsborough Oyster Festival, August - September 2008 Set in the pretty village in Co Down, the festival attracts 12,000 visitors from around the globe, and is host to the World Oyster Eating Championships, among other equally as fun events.

Midelton Food and Drink Festival, County Cork, September 2008 A mouth-watering line up of food exhibitions and tastings. Food culture combined with a truly remarkable array of entertainment.

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival, County Galway, September 2008 A celebration of the start of the oyster season with the world famous Clarenbridge oysters. Now it it’s 53rd year.

The Galway International Oyster Festival, 25-28 September 2008 A world class festival featuring the Guinness world oyster opening championship and celebrating the famous Galway Bay oysters. Great food, fun and music.

Kinsale Food Festival, County Cork, October 10 – 13 2008 A fabulous festival which celebrates everything that Ireland’s gourmet capital has to offer. Takes place in Acton’s and Trident Hotels and Good Food Circle restaurants around the town.

Listowel Food Fair, County Kerry, 6 - 9 November 2008 One of the country’s biggest food festivals, Listowel celebrates the best of gourmet food in Kerry.