Local foods and restaurants you have to try!

1. Seafood Chowder

Creamy, comforting, and almost always made with whatever fish was landed that morning. Every pub makes it slightly differently, which is half the fun. If you’re on the west coast, it’s basically a warm hug from the Atlantic.

2. Irish Brown Bread & Butter

I know it sounds simple, but trust me. The brown soda bread here is different—nutty, dense, warm, and often homemade. The butter alone is worth booking a flight for.

3. Fish and Chips (Irish-style)

Super fresh white fish, crisp batter, and chips so thick they could be used as building material. The best ones are usually from small coastal towns.

4. Irish Stew

Traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Simple, cosy, and honestly perfect on a rainy day.

5. Boxty

A traditional potato pancake from the midlands and northwest. You can get it filled with chicken, veggies, or just butter and herbs. It’s comfort food heaven.

6. Black & White Pudding

Part of a classic Irish breakfast. Sounds intimidating if you’ve never had it, but it’s spiced and savoury and SO good.

7. Soda Farls / Potato Farls

If you go north, ask for these—the most amazing griddled breads. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft inside.

8. Shepherd’s Pie

Not fancy, but absolutely soul-warming. Minced meat, gravy, veggies, mashed potatoes baked on top—yes, please.

9. Carvery Dinner

A big Sunday tradition: roast beef or turkey, mashed potatoes, veg, stuffing, gravy piled high. You’ll feel like you’ve been adopted by someone’s Irish granny.

10. Irish Desserts

Try the apple tart (always served warm with cream), sticky toffee pudding, and anything involving Bailey’s.

Local Restaurants & Where to Eat Like a Local

1. The Brazen Head

4.5 • Irish pub

• Dublin’s oldest pub (dating to 1198) and a must-visit for history

• Known for hearty Irish dishes like stew and live traditional music

• Widely praised for combining tourist appeal with genuine atmosphere 

2. The Stag’s Head

4.5 • Pub

• Awarded Best Traditional Pub in Ireland 2023 

• Gorgeous Victorian interior, excellent Guinness, and solid pub food

• A perfect balance of authentic + central location

3. The Long Hall

4.6 • Irish pub

• One of Dublin’s most iconic pubs (19th-century interior)

• Famous for atmosphere and beautifully kept pints

• Less touristy than Temple Bar but still central

4. O’Donoghue’s Bar

4.6 • Irish pub

• Legendary for traditional Irish music sessions

• Deep cultural roots tied to Irish folk music history

• Great spot for a lively, authentic night

5. The Old Storehouse

4.5 • Irish pub

• Classic Temple Bar pub with live music + full Irish menu

• Reliable for food + entertainment combo

6. The Temple Bar Pub

4.6 • Irish pub

• Very touristy—but still iconic

• Huge whiskey selection + constant live music

• Worth visiting once for the experience

Bonus Local Food Tips

• Order “brown bread” whenever it’s offered. It’s always better here.

• Butter is elite. Don’t skip it.

• Tea is a whole cultural experience. Irish people drink it strong.

• Portions can be huge. Don’t be afraid to ask for half portions.

• If you see “catch of the day,” get it. It’s usually whatever was literally caught that morning.

• Pub food is genuinely good, not just filler.