Ireland might not be famous for its food but it should be. You probably think of fried foods, soda bread and blood sausage but there’s so much more to it! Delectable seafood, sticky ribs, hearty soups and the best cheese the world over – this is Ireland!
Elephant & Castle
Baby back spareribs with ginger molasses glaze
Our very organized and helpful AirBnB host Ian told us to head to Elephant & Castle for Dublin’s best chicken wings. They were definitely good but the baby back spareribs offered more to rave about! While most restaurants in Temple Bar cater to tourists this spot is packed with locals ordering an entire basket of chicken wings, charcuterie, messy ribs and burgers. Beware if you’re in a rush because the service is slow so you may be waiting a little while longer for that second beer.
Beef & Lobster
Beef Wellington & Lobster Rolls
The name says it all. You’ll only find beef and lobster at this Dublin joint and they do it right. On the pricy side but worth the splurge the lobster roll and beef wellington were just what we needed after a few pints in Temple Bar. Better yet, it was right below our AirBnB apartment across from Dublin Castle.
Fallon & Byrne
Cheese, Groceries, Wine & Specialty Items
This spot is crucial if you have an AirBnB kitchen. I first came across this place on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, or was it The Layover?
I like to cook with local fare and a venture to Fallon & Byrne is a lot of fun. The selection is seemingly endless with so many varieties of cheese, meats, wine, specialty items and fresh produce. There’s even a wine bar in the basement with a wide range of regions and varieties to choose from. Cheers!
Loughcrew Megalithic Centre
Witches Brew
After climbing to the top of the Loughcrew megalithic site in Meath County we were in need of something warm. The chilling wind sent our scarves and hair dancing as we explore the 5000+ year old site. We were the only tour group to populate the mound which made for some spectacular photo opportunities. Many tourists do not know about the megaliths here and usually choose to visit the Disneyland of megaliths, Newgrange.
Included in our tour of the ancient Celtic Boyne Valley we were provided lunch at the Loughcrew Megalithic Centre which is a marvel in itself. The old thatched cottage perfectly preserved is also a hostel, RV park and camp site for those looking to stay overnight and celebrate any solstice or full moon.
After touring one of the best places in all of Ireland a simple yet hearty soup awaiting me with some classic soda bread. Sometimes keeping it simple is better than any fancy dinner out.
Queen of Tarts
A Hearty Breakfast
This rather small café is always busy with hungry patrons with a sweet tooth. Their selection of cupcakes, cakes, scones and pastries looks like something out of Paris. Breakfast is also served out of their tiny kitchen and who could resist a hearty breakfast with leek potato cakes, eggs, smoked bacon, roasted tomatoes and a frothy cappuccino?
Guinness Storehouse
A pint or two of Guinness
For my second visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin I decided to treat my husband to the connoisseur experience which includes a private tasting of the entire Guinness collection. You also get to end the tour by learning how to pour your own pint. A delicious experience!
