Great places to eat in Ireland
Clashganny House Restaurant, County Carlow
Recently crowned Best Restaurant in Leinster at the Irish Restaurant Awards, Clashganny House has long been admired for its mix of classic Irish dishes and local ingredients. Set in a restored 1830s millhouse, the restaurant is situated in a delightfully sylvan spot beside the gushing River Barrow in the heart of County Carlow. Just a short distance away is the scenic village of Borris with its old-school grocery pubs and the elegant Tudor-style Borris House. Sunday lunch is a real treat, with traditional roast beef or grilled lemon sole.
Dede at the Custom House, County Cork
Want to know the best restaurant in Ireland? According to the Irish Restaurant Awards, it’s Dede at the Custom House in Baltimore, County Cork. Mixing Turkish flavours and Irish seasonal ingredients, Dede has become a fast favourite among locals and visitors and boasts two Michelin stars. A great setting in one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal towns seals the deal. Try the lunchtime tasting menu on a Saturday or Sunday, followed by a leisurely walk around town.
Solas Tapas, County Kerry
Walking into Solas Tapas in Dingle is like engaging in a culinary embrace – it’s friendly, relaxed and effortlessly enjoyable. They grow their own organic vegetables here, as well as using eggs from their organic hens and honey from their own hives – and the quality of the ingredients shows. The menu features small, medium and larger plates with an emphasis on sharing. Expect a variety of dishes from land and sea, including Réalt na Mara rock oysters with sea trout caviar, yuzu and soy; Blasket Island crab tartlet; and fig tempura with Dingle goats cheese and peppered honey.
Homestead Cottage, County Clare
Great restaurants are never just about the building, but the gorgeous cosy interior at the Homestead Cottage creates a unique atmosphere that makes it a great place to linger over a slow lunch or well-paced dinner. It helps that the food is pretty knock-out, too. In fact, it recently landed a Michelin-star. Located just a short distance from the attractive village of Doolin, it’s set to be a must-visit County Clare food destination. Menus change frequently to reflect the best local, seasonal ingredients with dishes in autumn and winter heavier on game and meat, and a summer focus on fish and shellfish.
Variety Jones, Dublin
With a great location in a small space on Dublin’s Thomas Street, where you’ll find lots of trendy bars and restaurants, Variety Jones has been a big hit with Dubliners since it opened in 2018. Now with a Michelin star to its name, it’s still a local favourite thanks to its family-style dishes cooked over a grill, as well as to-die-for comfort food like spaghetti alfredo. The food is a riot of delicious tastes and textures, the interior is simple and relaxed, and the service is always friendly.
Ox, Belfast
A lovely bright dining room beside the water in Belfast makes Ox a delightful place to be, especially at lunchtime. Then comes the food… Local, seasonal produce is a driving force behind the culinary ethos at Ox, and menus are developed around the best ingredients available. With a Michelin star behind them, Ox is now a major player on the Belfast culinary scene, with excellent service, private dining options and an offshoot wine bar, called Ox Cave, serving fine wines and small plates.
Lir Seafood, County Londonderry
What’s great about Lir? There’s a lot, but it’s all about the fresh seafood brought in on local boats daily. Menus change based on what’s available, some ingredients are foraged and a variety of processes are used – including fermenting, smoking and curing – to ensure sustainability and a minimum of waste. There is a brunch and an à la carte option available, but to appreciate Lir to the full, go for the tasting menu. A great location in Coleraine with a view of the River Bann is the icing on the cake.
Saint Francis Provisions, County Cork
Kinsale is awash with amazing places to eat, but this lovely little Michelin Bib Gourmand spot in the heart of the town is something special. Super-fresh ingredients, friendly staff and a small but buzzing room make it the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s popular, too, so make sure you book ahead, especially during the summer months.
Noble, County Down
Situated right in the heart of the town of Holywood, not far from Belfast, Noble has gained critical acclaim for its contemporary food and sleek modern interior. Dishes are European influenced, with plates such as pork belly and confit cheek with celeriac and chard. It’s been open since 2016 and is still going strong, with a loyal clientele that keeps coming back for more.