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dublin tourist eating

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Fried dumplings on a decorative plate with dipping sauce

The 38 Essential Dublin Restaurants

Pop-up tacos tucked behind a pawn shop cocktail bar, dry-aged beef tartare at a canal-side chef hangout, an ambitious Michelin-starred menu in a coastal suburb, and more of Dublin’s best meals

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Dublin is a village as much as a city, with the feel of a tight-knit community spread along the River Liffey. It’s incredibly walkable, especially if you want to pop from pub to pub following in the footsteps of James Joyce, Brendan Behan, and Oscar Wilde on a guided literary pub crawl. It’s also a great base for a tour of the Irish seaside, with villages like Howth, Blackrock, and Dún Laoghaire well worth a 30-minute train ride.

Famous for its pubs, Dublin now punches well above its weight when it comes to restaurants, and not just with fine dining. Young chefs, many of whom have worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and other European food capitals, bring a vibrancy to the city by taking more casual approaches to their menus. Central to their cooking is quality local produce, like native oysters, lobsters, and fish plucked from the Atlantic and the Irish Sea, and grass-raised beef and lamb from the wild hills of the countryside. While Ireland is not widely known for its viticulture, the wine bar scene continues to grow, with enough cellars stocked with biodynamic and low-intervention bottlings to rival New York, Copenhagen, or Paris; that’s where you’ll find some of the most creative food in the city, too.

Corinna Hardgrave is a restaurant critic and food writer for the Irish Times . She is an international food and wine judge, the winner of the Food Writing Award at the inaugural Irish Food Writing Awards in 2021, and the Restaurant Writing Award in 2022.

In a smart room buzzing with locals, the dishes at Bala Nayak and Nidhi Joshi’s new restaurant lean toward the south of India. Unique combinations of flavors bring originality to the food, which includes battered and deep-fried kale and samphire scattered with jewelled pomegranate seeds, light and textured crab kebabs, and spicy pork vindaloo. The thalis at lunch are a particularly good value.

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Korean Table

Korean Table is tucked away in a quieter part of Stoneybatter, one of Dublin’s hippest neighborhoods. There, Vivian Cho serves a concise menu in a smart, narrow room with raw-plaster walls, tumbling green foliage, and festival lights. Meals start with complimentary banchan including pickled seaweed, zucchini tempura, and kimchi. Prices are incredibly keen and you won’t go wrong with a warming hotpot or a tofu bibimbap.

A plate of various pickled vegetables, with dipping sauces.

Grano Restaurant

The best durum wheat is produced by an ancient grain called senatore cappelli according to Roberto Mungo, who ensures that all of the handmade pasta at his wonderfully convivial restaurant in the hip enclave of Stoneybatter follows his mother’s recipes precisely. Grano is incredibly popular, so you’ll want to book your table here well in advance, and failing that, you’ll find lighter food and plenty of wine at Afianco, Mungo’s vineria next door.

A pile of bottoni pasta on a copper-rimmed plate topped with breadcrumps

Sitting on a high stool at one of the marble counters in Peter Hogan and Jumoke Akintola’s compact restaurant is one of life’s little pleasures, whether you’re on your own or seated next to some interesting company. Start with the snacks, a gilda perhaps, and a glass of fino. Or delve into the low-intervention wines (the team’s wine bar, Bar Pez, on Kevin Street is also worth checking out). As you’d expect, it’s all about the fish at Fish Shop; it’s pristine and cooked simply, either deep-fried in batter or whole-roasted. You won’t get better fish in Dublin.

Fried fish on a pile of fries, with a glass of white wine nearby and a bottle

Bakeology Treats

Argentinian Florencia Matan and her husband, Benjamín Pugliese, started selling facturas (Argentinian pastries) door-to-door, and demand soon pushed them to find a permanent spot. In 2021 they opened their bright-yellow bakery and daytime cafe in the middle of the Liberties. The facturas and alfajores are baked fresh each day, and there are numerous variations of both displayed on the counter, along with empanadas, medialunas, cañoncitos filled with cream or dulce de leche, glazed buns, and fried pastries.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alfies and Empanadas (@bakeology.treats)

Variety Jones

Brothers Aaron and Keelan Higgs recently opened a shiny 30-seater premises next door to the original location of their Michelin-starred Variety Jones. Head chef Keelan makes extensive use of live fire and a wood-burning oven. The tasting menu, which always includes a stuffed pasta, turns family style when it gets to larger courses of grilled fish and meat.

Note: A fire broke out in the new location just a few days after it opened, forcing the team to operate out of their old space for now. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keelan Higgs (@keelanhiggs)

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Spitalfields

A beef cheek and oxtail Parker House roll with bone marrow gravy and a cock-a-leekie pie for two are just some of the reasons to visit Stephen Mcallister and Andrea Hussey’s deceptively sophisticated gastropub in the heart of the Liberties. This is the perfect spot for an early dinner before a concert in Vicar Street. Just be sure to book.

A white restaurant exterior with striking red borders around the entrance to the restaurant, with the words ‘Spitalfields’ and ‘pub’

Slightly outside downtown (but definitely worth a trip), Barry Fitzgerald and Clairemarie Thomas’s Michelin-starred restaurant is decorated in low-key decor that belies the quality of inventive cooking in the kitchen. While there are some Nordic influences including ferments and foraging, the tasting menu (the only option) is based on seasonal, Irish produce. Featured dishes might include poached oyster with elderflower and tomato dashi; mackerel tartare with fermented gooseberry; and lamb neck with pointed cabbage and sheep’s yogurt. A vegetarian menu is available and there’s a well-chosen low-intervention wine list. 

dublin tourist eating

The Fumbally

Part cafe, part food shop and deli, the Fumbally has been a hub for this cool part of town, where many small businesses focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing — and increasingly fight off encroaching development. Coffee, breakfast, or lunch at an upcycled table is a convivial affair, as is dinner on Saturday nights. It’s all very laid back, with seasonal dishes that reflect the fresh produce, house ferments, and natural wines you’ll find for sale on the shelves.

A buffet laid out on a long wood table with people milling about nearby.

Sunday lunch is a bit of an industry secret at this lovely canal-side restaurant, where you’ll find the room filled with off-duty chefs. A few recent tasty morsels included ox tongue on tiny waffles with pickled girolles; dry-aged beef tartare with smoked marrow; and Castletownbere lobster with burnt onion.

dublin tourist eating

Assassination Custard

Get here before midday if you want to bag a spot at one of the two sharing tables in Gwen McGrath and Ken Doherty’s 10-seater restaurant, open for lunch only. The menu, penned on a white paper sandwich bag, is driven by two things: whatever organic produce is available that day from McNally Family Farm, and a heartfelt adherence to simplicity. Most of the plates are vegetarian, like crushed fava beans with chicory, but there are always one or two meat dishes, including offal.

A bowl of cauliflower, carrots, and other vegetables in golden broth.

Piglet Wine Bar

Drinkers covet the tables at Enrico Fantasia and Thibaud Harang’s wine bar at the upper end of Temple Bar. Far from the touristy streets further down, Piglet is incredibly atmospheric in the evening, with regulars who all seem to know each other. The set lunch menu (cacio e pepe, pork ragu, duck gizzards) is pretty affordable, making it easier on the wallet to justify a bit of a rummage through the impressive wine list.

Bartenders work behind a bar covered with bottles, beside another large shelve of bottles, with an upstairs seating area visible above

Las Tapas de Lola

Vanessa Murphy and her Spanish partner Anna Cabrera are part of the beating heart of this side of town. Regular diners queue for tables at Las Tapas de Lola to work their way through Spanish tapas and a smart wine list, which also includes some interesting sherries and vermouth. Nearby on Montague Street, you’ll find more ambitious dishes (like chuletón or lamb sweetbreads in port sauce) at the duo’s bodega restaurant, La Gordita, where the barstools are the most coveted spots.

dublin tourist eating

A gloriously fun interior with columns of neon light, a hammered gold bar, and a blazing-red ceiling with two black fans indicates what to expect in Robert Hayes and Alex Zhang’s Chinese-inspired restaurant. Creativity, energy, and vibrant flavors are lined up on a tick-the-box menu, which includes lobster and wagyu beef tucked into a squid ink bao, cheeseburger dumplings, corn ribs, and feather blade steak with fermented bean and Urfa pepper. Sip clever cocktails, such as She Sells Sichuan, made with gin, Aperol, lychee, hibiscus, and Sichuan pepper.

A server moves between tables in a dining room outfitted with purple lights, patterned floor, and large tubular lights.

Gildas, tortillas, squid a la plancha, and flan de queso are just a few of the dishes on the menu at Liz Matthews and Simon Barrett’s smart, award winning restaurant. Come with a good appetite to try the salt-aged Delmonico steak, served with bearnaise, beef-dripping potatoes, and Bordelaise sauce; it’s the stuff of legends. The wine list here is particularly good, featuring some of Spain’s most acclaimed small producers and an impressive selection of grower Champagnes. Vegetarian dishes are available, and the kitchen can cater to vegans with advance notice.

A bar with dark green tiles and pendant lights, where bartenders work.

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Órale street food.

Look for the neon “Ca$h 4 Gold” sign, venture through the dive bar that looks like a pawn shop — where there are good pints and cocktails — and head to the back where Ian Cairns has found a home for his Mexican-inspired pop-up, Órale Street Food. Tacos, tostadas, and burritos sit alongside more sizable main courses on a menu that is perfect for sharing and casual dining.

Whole fish topped with crispy fixings and cilantro, served on a leaf.

Step into this atmospheric restaurant for the best North Indian food in the country. The express lunch tiffin box is a perfect quick bite if you’re eating on your own, but it’s better to turn up with a group of friends in the evening to really work your way through Sunil Ghai’s menu. The beloved goat keema pao is a slow-cooked wonder in which minced goat meat melds with black and green cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, mint, ginger, garlic, onions, Kashmiri chillies, and kalpasi moss. It’s delicious mopped up with maska pao, a brioche-style bun.

dublin tourist eating

Inside a former butcher’s shop with the original awning still in place, you’ll find a cave à manger-style wine bar with an 18-seat communal high table and counter seats at the window. Katie Seward, one of the country’s top sommeliers, constantly updates the superb list of more than 150 low-intervention bottles. David Bradshaw, who previously worked in Michelin-starred Lyle’s in London, has a deft touch in the concise menu of small plates.

Customers seated on the sidewalk and street outside a red brick restaurant with a large sign reading Frank’s.

The robata-style grill brings an extra dimension of flavor to every dish at Mister S. To start, you need to order the burnt end rendang spring rolls, made with beef that has been brined, barbecued slowly, shredded, and mixed with Malaysian spices. Follow that up with smoked Angus short rib, Andarl Farm tomahawk pork, or grilled fish. The restaurant is open for a sneaky good lunch on Friday.

A hand holds a whole fish above a wood-fired grill

Little Dumpling

At the sister restaurant to Ryon Wen and Ian Keegan’s equally good Hakkahan in Stoneybatter and more upscale Nan nearby, spring for the plate with one of each dumpling on the menu. If you’re going full-in, order the smashed cucumber, prawn toast, and black fungus salad, and ask for the secret Little Sichuan menu with nose-to-tail dishes like steamed chicken claws and garlic ribs.

Three large pleated dumplings in a pool of red sauce topped with fixings.

Chapter One

The celebrated chef Mickael Viljanen took over Chapter One as chef/patron in 2021, and now many consider the restaurant to be the best in Ireland. The cooking is precise and detailed, with top-quality produce given the classic French treatment. There is of course a tasting menu, but you can dine for a reasonable sum if you opt for the excellent lunch; unlike many daytime menus at top-end restaurants, this one actually does reflect the kitchen’s abilities. Bookings open on the first of each month, and you need to be lightning quick to snag one. Otherwise, ask to be added to the cancellations list.

dublin tourist eating

Sometimes, all you want is a truly great kebab. Ali and Cumali Aydin’s charcoal-grilled adana, made from hand-chopped lamb and beef, is generally considered the best in Dublin. The large menu extends to lamb chops, Turkish meatballs, falafel, lavash straight out of the tandoor, and house-made baklava.

Customers sit at tables outside a restaurant with signs advertising Reyna and Turkish Grill.

Shane Windrim’s New York-style slice shop, which features 48-hour fermented dough with blistering hot toppings, is one of the most popular places in Dublin. Grab one of the high stools or a spot on the bench outside, and choose from one of eight pizzas, which change regularly. The stars of the menu are the Sicilian-style burrata square slice and the Hot Pep with cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno, and hot honey. Wash it down with the house beer, or spring for a glass of grower Champagne.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bambino (@bambino_dublin)

An industrial exterior with neon light pouring out of the warehouse-like space inside, and a large crowd gathered outside standing around open doorways or lounging on patio chairs.

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Loose Canon Cheese and Wine

You’re unlikely to find a better cheese toastie anywhere in the world. But you’ll need to grab a daytime stool, since the toasties come off the menu once the clock strikes 5:30 p.m. After that you can have some charcuterie and cheese plates, along with one of the iconic bottles from small producers that line the shelves at Dublin’s original natural wine bar. If you don’t feel like paying the corkage fee, try a few different glasses from Brian O’Caoimh and Kevin Powell’s regularly changing by-the-glass list. Walk-ins only.  

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On one of the best people-watching streets in Dublin, La Maison sports a convivial, sizable terrace, along with a cozy interior. This Gallic institution serves classics like a French onion soup generously slicked with molten Gruyere. The early evening menu is an exceptionally good value with options like duck confit and gnocchi, but you could find yourself running up a bill as you tuck into the a la carte later in the evening.

A large covered patio with cane chairs and white tablecloths.

The Bereen brothers’ buzzy restaurant, where live DJs kick up the energy in the evening, is as much about the cocktails and vibe as it is about the wine and clever food. Order the rosti loaded with crab and topped with bottarga and wild garlic, and flatbread with a foaming Coolea cheese dip. There’s no minimum order or requirement to have a main course, so sticking with the small plates is a good strategy here. Grab a table at the outdoor terrace for enviable people watching.

Hawksmoor Dublin

Hawksmoor may be a London institution and rated as one of the world’s best steakhouses, but the newly opened Dublin outpost in the city center is solidly Irish on the plate. Options for larger cuts of beef from the country’s top producers are chalked on a board daily, perfect for sharing after you’ve worked your way through some Flaggy Shore oysters, bone marrow with onions, and local lobster. Dublin’s finest dining room, in a meticulously restored landmark building designed by William Barnes in the mid-1840s with a soaring 40-foot dome, adds to the drama. Sunday lunch is a steal, and the corkage is only 5 euros (about $5.50) on Mondays.

A luxe bar with blue leather stools, back-lit shelves of spirits, and rich wood.

With sustainability and carefully sourced produce at its heart, Stephen O’Dwyer’s small, daytime cafe is a popular spot for brunch or lunch. The menu is chalked on a blackboard, and you can see the bowls of beautiful salad, beetroot hummus, and tzatziki as you queue to order. The biggest decision: whether to get all this goodness in a bowl or wrapped in a flatbread.

A hand holds a dark bowl filled with various vegetable, chickpea, and herb dishes piled together

You’ll be tempted to order so many things at Alon Salman’s restaurant, Shouk, so here’s a game plan: Start with some cocktails, followed by the mezze platter, and then perhaps the chargrilled smoked eggplant. Then dig into the meats. There are serious grills in action here, and the aroma of shawarma wafts through the air. The outside seating area is particularly fun.

Hands reaching into various colorful dishes on a sunlit wooden table

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Library Street

Irish chef Kevin Burke worked for years in London, including as head chef at Michelin-starred restaurant the Ninth, before returning to town as part of a wave of chefs bringing excitement to Dublin. At Library Street, in the former Allta space, he’s knocking out some thrilling food. Start with the char-grilled langoustines (just get right in there and let those juices drip down your face), then the risotto, followed by meat from the grill. Whatever you do, leave room for the spectacular desserts, and dive into the low-intervention wine list where there are plenty of options by the glass. Plates are designed to be shared, but after one taste you may not feel like doing so. 

A plate of grilled langostines with colorful garnishes

Margadh Food & Wine RHA Gallery

One of the most charming places to eat in Dublin is at the entrance of the Royal Hibernian Academy, a contemporary art museum. During the day, Jess D’Arcy and Killian Durkin offer soups, sandwiches, and salads. The mood changes in the evening, transitioning from coffee shop to smart wine bar. Small plates include Calabrian anchovies, burrata with seasonal vegetables, and poached halibut with crispy chicken skin, all of which can be washed down with choices from the enviable wine list.

A tostada-like dish covered in colorful, chopped ingredients.

Dax Restaurant

In-the-know diners, and there are plenty of them, head to Dax for a true taste of French fine dining from talented chef Graham Neville. His stuffed zucchini flower in lobster bisque is a signature dish, and you’ll also find classically cooked red mullet, lamb, and sweetbreads. Co-owner Olivier Meisonnave is one of the country’s top sommeliers, overseeing an enviable wine list. This is a spot with wonderfully polished service.

dublin tourist eating

Every city needs a destination bakery like Bread 41, a place that doesn’t just produce great sourdough but takes pure pleasure in surprising customers with creative, exciting pastries. Eoin Cluskey’s cafe, which is tucked under a railway bridge, now has a smart upstairs dining area, making it more of a destination lunch and brunch spot. Among the rotating list of specials, the kimchi fritter is likely to be the big hit of any meal.

A baker arranging dough in bread baskets to rise

A Friday or Saturday lunch at this wine bar is one of the true joys of Dublin dining; options like mussels escabeche tartine and salted cod with butter beans are tasty, affordable, and presented in an utterly chic room. A midday meal will have you planning a return visit in the evening to pair Essa Fakhry’s small plates with the impressive low-intervention wine list. Dinner is pricier, but the markup on the higher-end wine bottles is relatively modest. The crab crumpet with sea urchin has become a signature dish.

A sleek restaurant interior with lots of wood and large windows.

Osteria Lucio

Seasonal produce is central to the menu at this casual trattoria. Ross Lewis, former head chef of two-Michelin-starred Chapter One, takes a simple approach, focusing on pasta, pizzas, and meats cooked in the wood-burning oven, including a formidable shoulder of suckling pork. The sharing menu is particularly good value and includes two starters, two pasta dishes, a main course, and a dessert.

A closeup on spaghetti with clams.

Liath Restaurant

You wouldn’t expect to find a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a market in a coastal Dublin suburb, but if you get a reservation, it’s worth jumping on the train to Blackrock, to pull up a seat at one of the few tables at Liath. The five elements of taste form the framework for Damien Grey’s precise menu, starting with bitter flavors and moving onto sour, salty, savory, and finally sweet.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liath Restaurant (@liathrestaurant)

A trip to the seaside town of Skerries should include a booking at Cathal Leonard’s fine dining restaurant, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere special for Sunday lunch. The room is smart, with white linen-clad tables. The produce on the menu, with locally landed fish and seasonal vegetables, has a radius of meters rather than miles. The wine list, from sommelier Maire McHugh, is impressive.

From above, a dish of broccoli, sardines, and fried crispies on a textured background

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King Sitric Seafood Bar

Lobsters, shrimp, prawns, and crab come directly from a handful of local boats at this casual restaurant in the coastal village of Howth, a 30-minute train journey from the city center. At this relaxed space with plenty of nautical nods, tuck into unfussy dishes of shellfish bisque, crab salad, and fish and chips. With blankets on hand and a little cabin roof overhead, the outdoor tables are as pleasant on a chilly day as when the sun shines.

A table set for four.

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The Irish Road Trip

19 Best Restaurants Dublin In 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

19 Best Restaurants Dublin In 2024

Our guide to the best restaurants in Dublin City Centre and beyond only contains  places that we’ve eaten in 3+ times and have found to be consistently excellent .

It’s packed with everything from places that dish up delectable steaks , like Brookwood, to some of the most celebrated Michelin star restaurants Dublin has to offer!

So, regardless of whether you’re in the humour for some tantalising teppanyaki or some knock-you-sideways seafood , you’ll find the very best places to eat in Dublin below. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

The best restaurants in Dublin in 2024

the best restaurants in Dublin City

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From institutions, like Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, to some of the more unique places to eat in Dublin, like Hang Dai, there’s an endless choice in the capital when it comes to food.

The article below provides you with a handy ‘food bucket list’ of the best restaurants in Dublin City Centre and beyond to dive into. So, let’s get started!

1. SOLE (South William St)

SOLE Seafood & Grill

Photos via SOLE on FB

If you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin for impeccable seafood , aim for SOLE on bustling St William Street where you’ll find a sweeping colonnade at the centrepiece of its chic bronze and grey interior. 

With a strong focus on provenance, SOLE crafts dishes using the very best of locally sourced Irish seafood and meat.

For starters, the West Cork mussels steamed in red Thai curry and the Dingle brown crab claws (with lemon beurre blance, garlic and samphire) are the pick of the bunch.

For mains, you’ll have a hard time choosing. During previous visits, I’ve had the Coquilles St. Jacques (king scallops, gruyère cream and mash) and the Sea Bass (pan-seared with mussel and coconut Thai curry cream) – both were ridiculously good.

Why we keep going back: The combination of a cosy, elegant setting, top-class service and exceptional food makes every visit to SOLE a memorable one!

2. Chapter One (Parnell Square)

Chapter One

Photos via Chapter One on FB

Setting the standard in Dublin for over 20 years, Chapter One on Parnell Square offers contemporary Irish cuisine with a French twist courtesy of two Michelin star Head Chef and co-owner Mickael Viljanen.

With an elegant dining room with starched white tablecloths nicely offset by warm lighting, Viljanen combines classical French techniques with plenty of creativity and personality. 

Several members of The Irish Road Trip Team have eaten here in recent years, mainly off the lunch menu which, at the time of typing, is €80. Expect beautifully prepared canapés and adventurous dishes like their Sika Deer “En Croute”

There’s a waitlist:  As this is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Dublin, there’s an often lengthy waitlist (view it here )

3. Pickle (Camden St. Lower)

Pickle indian restaurant dublin

Photos via Pickle on FB

Crafted by multi-award-winning chef Sunil Ghai, Camden Street’s Pickle is one of our long-standing favourites and it’s arguably one of (if not the ) top restaurants in Dublin for Indian food .

I’ve been here for the lunch menu a clatter of times now – for starters, the Punjabi Samosa Chaat (crispy pastry filled with potatoes and green peas and drizzled with chutney) and the Semolina bubbles (with chickpea and tamarind chutney) are hard to beat.

On the mains, there are several contenders for the top spot, with the Nathuram’s Choley Bhature (Delhi special chickpea curry) and the Lahsooni Fish Curry (stone bass fish simmered in slow cooked tomato and coconut curry) both worthy contenders.

There are set sittings:  It’s well worth booking ahead (you can do so here ) as there are set dining times here

4. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Merrion St.)

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Photos via Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on FB

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on Merrion Street is, in our opinion, one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer if you’re looking to really push the boat out for a special occasion .

40 years of exceptional fine dining and this Dublin institution is still going strong. Their secret sauce? Flawless delivery – on every front!

If you have cash-to-splash, try the €245 8-course tasting menu prepared with the finest ingredients in season. There’s also a popular lunch menu for €95 .

Expect starters like Steamed Soufflé of Blue Lobster Bisque and Cauliflower and Almond Soup and mains like Braised Short Rib of Beef and Kampot Pepper Crusted Halibut.

Excellent since 1981: Few Dublin restaurants have been consistently excellent for a period of time like this one. A memorable experience awaits. 

5. Trocadero (St Andrew’s St.)

where to eat in dublin

Photos via Trocadero on FB

Located a stone’s throw from the Molly Malone Statue , the hugely popular Trocadero is spread over two 18th century red-bricks at the heart of Dublin’s cultural centre.

It has been arguably one of the best places to eat in Dublin for over 60 years and boasts a range of fine food set in a handsome Art Deco dining room.

There are two great-value menus here – the €48 and the €58 set menus . I’ve had the former several times, with starters like Chicken Liver Pâté and Prawn and Sambuca Risotto on offer.

For mains, there are plenty of hearty options , like the 10oz Sirloin Steak, the Confit Duck Leg and the delicious Roast Chicken Supreme.

It gets busy, so book: Trocadero is listed as one of the best Dublin restaurants in many tourist guides, so it’s rarely not busy (and for good reason!)

6. F.X. Buckley (Pembroke St.)

F.X. Buckley

Photos via F.X. Buckley on FB

One of the original steakhouse restaurants in Dublin , the popular F.X. Buckley has been an institution for over 30 years since opening their first restaurant on Pembroke Street in 1987 .

Their story actually goes much further back than that – the first F.X. Buckley’s branded shop opened on Moore Street in 1930 and the first record of a Buckley’s butcher dates to 1660!

But enough of the history. F.X. Buckley is all about perfectly cooked beef . I’ve eaten here 8+ times over the years and, on every occasion, have shared the chateaubriand for two (around €105).

It’s a 16oz fillet of beef and it comes with beef dripping chips , mash, vegetables, caramelised onions, mushrooms and a selection of sauces (you’ll need to be rolled out of the place!).

Look-out for the lunch specials: There’s great value to be had from the lunch menu, like the 8oz striploin for €26

7. PHX Bistro (Smithfield)

nice restaurants dublin

Photos via PHX Bistro on FB

Next is another of the best restaurants in Dublin when it comes to beef – the brilliant PHX Bistro in Smithfield.

Located inside a smart low-lit dining room, PHX is know for dishing up great fish, steak and arguably one of the best burgers in Dublin !

For starters, our go-tos are the seared beef carpaccio (with truffle mayonnaise, crispy capers and parmesan) and the gambas al pil pil (juicy tiger prawns in garlic and chilli oil).

For mains, the clear winners are the PHX burger (with pancetta bacon and jalapeño mayo) and the slow cooked pork belly (with truffle mash and crackling).

Good value from the set menus: Served every night from 5pm to 9pm, you’ll get 2 courses €32.90 or 3 courses €38.90

8. Liath (Blackrock)

Liath fine dining restaurant dublin

Photos via Liath on Instagram

Not all of the best Dublin restaurants are in the city centre! Take the train to Blackrock and prepare your tastebuds to experience one of the more popular Michelin Star restaurants in Dublin, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Damien Grey. 

It’s cosy and compact inside Liath so tables don’t come easily, but it’s well worth making the effort to book when the food is this good. 

The five elements of taste form Grey’s style and prices for a tasting menu start from around €180 per person with wine pairing available from €110.

They recommend you take your time:  There’s a recommended dining time of 3 hours for the tasting menu and 2.5 hours for the lunch

9. FIRE Steakhouse (Dawson St.)

FIRE Steak restaurant dublin

Photos via FIRE on FB

It’s not often you get to dine in 300-year-old buildings , but that’s what you’ll discover when you step inside FIRE Steakhouse on Dawson Street!

Located in The Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin since 1715, you’ll dine in the Supper Room which dates back to 1864.

For starters, there’s everything from oysters and wood-fired tiger prawns to potted crab & crayfish and more. There’s a great early-bird menu here with two course for €39 p/p.

For starters, there’s everything from bone marrow on sourdough to a sweet potato and miso soup. For mains, the 8oz sirloin (with pont neuf chips) reigns supreme. There’s also a mix of fish, chicken and veggie dishes.

A setting as good as the food: The interior, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, is what makes this one of the best places to eat in Dublin

10. Rosa Madre (Temple Bar)

Rosa Madre

Photos via Rosa Madre on FB

This cosy little spot on Crow Street is one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer when it comes to  Italian food in the capital .

For starters, the à la carte boasts everything from oven baked aubergines (with parmesan sauce) to Castletownbere scallops (with celeriac pure and saffron).

For mains, there’s a wealth of delicious dishes fighting for your attention. I can vouch for the sausage tagliatelle (with white ragu of sausages and Nduja) and the ricotta-filled ravioli being the business!

Popular with locals, tourists and… Will Ferrell: In recent months, Rosa Madre has welcomed the likes of Will Ferrell (actor) and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)

11. WILDE (The Westbury)

WILDE Dublin restaurant

Photos via WILDE on FB

It’s fair to say that WILDE doesn’t hold back when it comes to opulence! You’ll find it on the second floor of the Westbury – one of the most popular 5-star hotels in Dublin .

With an airy dining room that takes in tonnes of natural light and several varied menus on offer, there’s a reason that this is one of the best places to eat in Dublin City Centre.

For starters, the sweet potato, ginger and coconut soup and the Wrights of Marino dill cured salmon steal the show.

For mains, their chateaubriand of centre cut beef for two and the kerala coconut curry (with black mustard seeds and curry leaves) will tantalise your tastebuds!

Grab a pre-dinner cocktail: The Westbury’s ‘Sidecar’ cocktail bar makes a welcome stop-off pre-or-post-dinner

12. Bastible (Portobello)

Bastible

Photos via Bastible on Twitter

Bastible’s low-key decor doesn’t prepare you for the inventiveness of its cuisine. Barry Fitzgerald and Claire-Marie Thomas’s magnificent restaurant is slightly out of town, in Portobello, but it’s worth the journey .

There’s an ever-changing €90 seasonal set-menu that features a range of delicate tastes and textures at Bastible.

On the autumn menu, there’s everything from golden beetroot cracker and wild halibut to cured scallop, seaweed custard and plenty more. There’s also a dedicated vegetarian menu with a wide mix of adventurous options on offer.

A pre-dinner pint: If you’re fond of Guinness and old-school pubs, drop into Harold House (4-minute walk) before your meal

13. Mister S (Camden St. Lower)

Mister S restaurant

Photos via Mister S on IG

This guide to the best places to eat in Dublin has had  many  changes over the years, with places removed and added regularly. One of several permanent fixtures is Mister S on Camden Street Lower.

They cook over fire on a robata-style grill, here, inserting as much flavour as is humanly possible into every single dish.

For starters, try the burnt end rendang spring rolls or the glazed octopus with corn flatbread. The former, in particular, is exceptional.

For mains, some of the stand-outs are the sticky grilled pork chop, the herb chicken (with harissa jus) and the blackened monkfish .

A post-dinner stroll: Work off the food with a ramble in the Iveagh Gardens, a 5-minute stroll away!

14. Brookwood (Baggot St. Lower)

Brookwood

Photos via Brookwood on FB

Brookwood is another of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer when it comes to beef , and you’ll find it along busy Baggot Street.

Its marble floors, grand mirrors and art deco lamps make for an entrancing setting before you even get to the fabulous food!

I’ve been here for the lunch menu 3-4 times over the last few years and it’s great value. There’s a beaut of a steak sandwich for €16 and a very hearty bangers and mash for €24.

Tomahawk Tuesdays: For a limited time, there’s a 32oz Tomahawk deal every Tuesday for €99 (comes with 2 sides, sauce and a bottle of wine)

15. Etto (Merrion Row)

Etto

Photos via Etto on FB

Sitting just off the leafy surroundings of St Stephen’s Green on Merrion Row, Etto is a stylish little spot serving Italian-influenced food alongside a generous selection of wines.

Boasting a mention in Dublin’s Michelin Guide , their fare is also pretty good value considering the quality and location (mains range from €28 to €36).

For starters, the beef carpaccio (with truffle mayo and pickled pearl onion) and the Lambay crab salad (with nashi pear and kimchi brioche) are the stand-outs.

For mains, expect the likes of côte de boeuf, BBQ pork presa , grilled hake, herb gnocchi and plenty more! 

Bookings open 60 days in advance: Etto is popular, so it’s well worth booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment

16. Richmond (Portobello)

Richmond

Photos via Richmond on FB

Once an all-night haunt serving fried breakfasts and wine from midnight until 6 a.m, Richmond’s reinvention into a quality modern European restaurant has been quite the transformation! 

Featuring sleek decor with twinkling fairy lights and candles aplenty, these guys now serve up Michelin Bib Gourmand quality food .

Their sublime 2-course early evening menu (€38/€44) can hold its own against other fine dining restaurants in Dublin and is also a great excuse to nip out for some great food early in the week. 

The dinner menu is reassuringly small, with dishes like pressed pork belly (with BBQ’d squid), market fish (changes regularly) and a dry-aged striploin.

A beaut of a brunch spot: There’s a great brunch menu here with everything from pancakes and hake scampi to their pork Benedict

17. Hang Dai (Camden St. Lower)

Hang Dai Chinese

Photos via Hang Dai on FB

One of the best places to eat in Dublin with friends thanks to its lively atmosphere and night-club-like-interior is Camden Street’s Hang Dai .

Dark, neon and stylish inside, this is the brainchild of school friends Will Dempsey and chef Karl Whelan. While the photo above showing the interior may look a bit gimmicky , don’t be fooled – the Chinese food crafted here is of the highest standard.

There’s an a la carte menu featuring the likes of Sichuan kung po chicken and sesame prawn toast , however it might be worth jumping on one of the tasting menus to get a real feel for the food here. 

Although the various rooftop bars in Dublin tend to attract the pre-heading-out crowds, if you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin that combines great food with a buzzy atmosphere , Hang Dai reigns supreme.

The hidden cocktail bar: If you’re planning a group night out, there’s a ‘hidden’ cocktail bar above the main restaurant that can be booked!

18. Glovers Alley (St. Stephen’s Green)

Glovers Alley

Photos via Glovers Alley on FB

Serving refined contemporary food with friendly service in a luxurious dining space overlooking Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, it’s pretty hard to pick any holes in Glovers Alley !

It’s also home to Andy McFadden, proud owner of a Michelin star at the tender age of 25 and once the youngest chef in London with a Michelin star. 

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, the €140 tasting menu is worth considering. Expect dishes like BBQ squab pigeon, scallop ceviche and Wicklow Bán with truffle honey.

Another well-priced lunch menu: Coming in at €60 for three courses, you’ll get serious bang-for-your-buck here!

19. Mr Fox (Parnell Square)

The last spot in our guide to the best restaurants in Dublin City is the brilliant Mr. Fox on Parnell Square . Opened in 2016, Mr Fox serves contemporary Irish cuisine with a French influence.

There’s a seasonal set menu at €86 per person served here and it’s laden with adventurous concoctions .

In the past, the menu has featured everything from langoustine tempura and beef short rib to lobster, beef tartare and plenty more.

With 4.7/5 from 890+ reviews at the time of typing on Google, Mr Fox is up there as one of the best places to eat in Dublin, based on review scores.

Why we keep going back: Attentive service, a good range of finely crafted dishes and a lively buzz about the place make this a great spot for an evening out

Best restaurants Dublin: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some of the best places to eat in Dublin from the article above.

If you’ve eaten in any good Dublin restaurants recently that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below.

Fancy more food guides?

  • The best Irish food in Dublin
  • The best pizza in Dublin
  • The finest fish and chips in Dublin
  • The best vegetarian restaurants in Dublin
  • The best afternoon tea in Dublin
  • The best Chinese restaurants in Dublin
  • The best spots for Sushi in Dublin
  • The top restaurants in Dublin for vegetarian food
  • The best brunch in Dublin and the liveliest bottomless brunch in Dublin
  • The best breakfast in Dublin

FAQs about where to eat in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where does the best food in Dublin price-wise?’ to ‘What are some cool restaurants in Dublin for a date?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best restaurants in Dublin in 2024?

In our opinion, the best places to eat in Dublin City Centre and beyond are Chapter One (Parnell Square), Pickle (Camden Street Lower) and Liath (Blackrock), however, each of the Dublin restaurants in this guide are worth considering.

What are the best Dublin restaurants for a date?

Although it’ll depend on your budget, in our opinion, the best restaurants in Dublin to mark a special occasion are Mamó (Howth), Glovers Alley (St Stephen’s Green) and FIRE Steakhouse (Dawson St).

What are the best places to eat in Dublin for fine dining?

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Merrion St.) and Liath (Blackrock) are arguably two of the best restaurants in Dublin when it comes to fine dining if you have a decent budget.

dublin tourist eating

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Monday 9th of January 2023

I cannot understand how Uno Mas is not on the list given that it is the current best offering in Dublin according to several food critics including the one from the Irish Indo

Thursday 11th of November 2021

Please visit Fade Street Social! My absolute favorite restaurant ever! The food is delicious.. good ingredients cooked with passion. Dylan McGrath has finally found his food style. Oh and the vibe is cool 😎

25 Best Dublin Restaurants And Pubs

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Posted on Published: February 15, 2020  - Last updated: February 27, 2024

Pinterest image: photo of an Irish breakfast with caption reading

Wondering where to eat in Dublin? After eating and drinking our way through the Irish capital during three separate visits, we share our favorite Dublin restaurants and pubs in a comprehensive Dublin food guide.

Cod at Etto in Dublin

Three trips proved to be our charm in finding the best places to eat in Dublin.

During our first two trips, we found Dublin a bit overwhelming with crowds of boisterous, bar-crawling American travelers, many on group tours, filling the sidewalks and pubs. This could have turned into a true travel disaster.

Instead of crying into our pints of Guinness, we took it upon ourselves to explore the bustling city. Of course, we hit up top Dublin attractions like Old Jameson Distillery , Guinness Storehouse , the National Museum of Ireland, the Book of Kells and the Long Room Library at Trinity College .

The Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin Ireland

Not surprisingly, though, we spent a good bit of our time educating ourselves about Dublin food. With some luck and pluck, we discovered a handful of gems sparkling in the emerging Dublin restaurant scene as well as several stellar coffee bars.

In a sense, those first trips were a prelude to our third more food-focused trip. In our experience, the food in Dublin gets better every time we visit.

Dublin Food Guide | Where To Eat In Dublin

Seasonal Hash at Meet Me in the Morning in Dublin

If you think that food in Dublin is all about corned beef and cabbage, you’re living in the past or in the United States since this New York food combination doesn’t really exist in Ireland. Fast forward to the present, and there are some seriously good places to eat in Dublin hiding in plain sight.

Over three trips, we scoured the jewel of the Emerald Isle to find great food and drinks. Based on our tasty research, we reveal the spots where you should eat in Dublin Ireland now.

Notable Dublin Restaurants

Scallops at Etto in Dublin

Let’s face it, Dublin has a bad reputation for its food. Other than a handful of upscale restaurants including Chapter One (where we ate) and buzzy new-kid-on-block Variety Jones , the city is filled with restaurants serving boring meat and potatoes. Right? Wrong!

Much like other cities around the world, Dublin is going through a restaurant renaissance with younger chefs opening new restaurants in the city as well as on the outskirts of town. We discovered many of the best restaurants in Dublin Ireland through word of mouth when we asked locals where we should be eating in Dublin.

Pro Tip It’s always a good thing to talk to strangers when you’re at specialty coffee shops and bars. You never know if your neighbor is a food professional unless you engage in conversations like we did. To those chefs and servers, we say ‘Thank You!’

Chapter One By Mickael Viljanen

Plaice at Chapter One Restaurant in Dublin Ireland

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen is an ideal spot to start a culinary exploration of Dublin. Located in Parnell Square below the Dublin Writers Museum, this restaurant offers a sophisticated refuge in the city. But the food is the real reason to dine at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen.

Under the co-leadership of Chefs Ross Lewis and Mickael Vilianen, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen celebrates Irish ingredients with both respect and creativity. Lewis earned his first Michelin star in 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. Meanwhile, Vilianen earned two Michelin stars when he was the head chef at the Greenhouse . The restaurant currently sports two Michelin stars.

We started our initial exploration here with a multi-course lunch on a rainy Dublin afternoon. Starting with Sweet Corn Soup, our leisurely lunch continued with dishes like Salt-Baked Irish Beetroot with Feta Cheese Mousse, Guinee Fowl and Ham Terrine and Anchill Island Black Face Lamb. However, flaky Plaice may have been the most surprising dish of the meal.

Served atop vegetables like beets, potatoes, celery, carrots and mushrooms, the well-plated fish was extra flavorful thanks to the addition of cockles and creamy Maltaise sauce.

Pro Tip Book your lunch reservation in advance. Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen currently offers lunch service on Thursday – Saturday as well as dinner five nights a week. See the website for specifics.

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen is located at 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Mussels at Etto in Dublin

In Italy, ‘etto’ is a suffix used to describe something small. In Dublin, Etto (the restaurant) is indeed small with just 38 seats. However, Dublin’s Etto is a mighty food experience.

Popular since Liz Matthews and Simon Barrett opened the restaurant in 2013, reservations are a must at Etto. After missing out on a reservation in 2016, we planned ahead prior to our third trip and snagged two bar spots. Sitting at the bar can be dubious in some restaurants but we felt comfortable while dining in Etto’s intimate space .

Etto’s menu of nibbles, starters, mains, sides and desserts is small (or should we say etto?) enough to fit on one page. The same goes for the restaurant’s outstanding wine selection.

Wine Prunes at Etto in Dublin

Everything we ate at the tiny space was excellent from hunks of Dublin baker Le Levain’s bread served with Irish butter to the dessert we ordered by simply saying “one prunes and two spoons.”

In between, we devoured smokey, gently spicy mussels made with ruby tomatoes, Calabrian nduja and samphire (similar to seaweed) and served in an orange broth good enough to swim in or at least mop up with bread. This mussels dish is so beloved that it’s been on the menu that changes daily since day one.

Silky cod pictured above didn’t disappoint nor did flavorful scallops, crispy potatoes and mustard-topped grilled broccoli; however, the prune dessert is the dish that we’ll try to replicate at home. Not your grandmother’s dried plums, Etto soaks their prunes in wine, cinnamon and vanilla and serves them with creamy-dreamy vanilla mascarpone. The result is nothing short of dessert perfection.

Pro Tip Dine at Spanish-inspired Uno Mas if you can’t score a reservation at tiny Etto. Not only is Uno Mas bigger than Etto, but it also has the same culinary owners.

Etto is located at 18 Merrion Row, Dublin, D02 A316, Ireland.

Brother Hubbard

Beans and Pulled Pork Special at Brother Hubbard in Dublin Ireland

We loved Brother Hubbard during our first visit to Dublin in 2013. At the time, the new-ish restaurant stood out as a shining light in the Dublin culinary scene by serving modern comfort food and quality coffee in a trendy yet chill setting. All of this was still true during our subsequent visits.

Now, though, the restaurant has become even more contemporary with an expansive dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows. Dinner service is also available five nights a week, as is a no Wi-Fi policy. No longer under the radar, Brother Hubbard was even featured in Somebody Feed Phil ‘s Dublin episode and has published a cookbook.

Buy the Brother Hubbard Cookbook: Eat, Enjoy, Feel Good from Amazon .

Brother Hubbard in Dublin

The biggest change is that Brother Hubbard is no longer the new kid on the block. There is now a community of Dublin restaurants making their individual marks on the Ireland food scene. But don’t rule Brother Hubbard out.

The cafe’s food features a hearty blend of Mediterranean meets Irish meets Global Cuisine with dishes like Eggs Baba Biba with poached eggs, baba-ganoush and harissa. Serving what may be the best breakfast in Dublin, the restaurant’s sunlit room has a hip vibe that provides an energizing start for an active day of Dublin exploration.

Pro Tip Order a cappuccino or flat white with your meal or to take away. Brother Hubbard is now roasting beans on-site and crafting drinks to order.

Brother Hubbard has multiple Dublin locations. We ate at the original restaurant located at 153 Capel St, Dublin 1, Ireland.

The Fumbally

Pulled Pork Sandwich at the Fumbally in Dublin Ireland - Dublin Food Guide

We first heard about The Fumbally from a pair of young chefs sitting next to us at 3fe Coffee in 2016. When we asked about cool restaurants in Dublin, they answered with The Fumbally.

Sure enough, while exploring some of the newer artisan cafes in the city, we asked an in-touch barista about good places to eat and she asked, “Have you been to The Fumbally?”

The Fumbally in Dublin

After two visits, we can safely recommend this casual yet funky restaurant to any Dublin visitor looking for a generally healthy meal or a good cup of coffee or both. We say ‘generally’ due to the outstanding Italian Roast Pork sandwich we ate there on our lunch visit. It ranks as one of the best pork sandwiches we’ve eaten outside of Philadelphia .

We also enjoyed healthier avocado toast during lunch as well as Chinese buns at Fumbally’s Wednesday night dinner service. Since food options are both local and seasonal, check the menu for current offerings.

Pro Tip Come for lunch but stay for coffee. Fumbally takes its coffee seriously and sources beans from the likes of Copenhagen’s Coffee Collective and Belfast’s Bailies.

The Fumbally is located at Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland.

Starter at Bastible in Dublin Ireland

Bastible was the favorite answer to our question of which one restaurant we should check out during our second visit to Dublin. This is the chef-driven restaurant where Chef Barry FitzGerald, formerly of popular Dublin Italian standout Etto (see above), exercises his culinary chops.

FitzGerald uses fresh ingredients to create dishes like tasty spiced pistachio dip served with raw carrot slices and homemade sour cream as well as tomato salad studded with fresh, bright green spring peas. During our multi-course dinner in Dublin, we enjoyed a dessert of apricot and almond frangipane with white chocolate ice cream.

Pro Tip The smallish dining space makes reservations a must. Make the extra effort so that you can enjoy the restaurant’s reasonably priced tasting menus. Scoring reservations will only get tougher now that Bastible has earned a Michelin star.

Bastible is located at 111 S Circular Rd, Dublin 8, Ireland.

Locks 1 Windsor Terrace

Dublin Food Favorites at Locks 1 Windsor Terrace in Dublin Ireland

Located across the street from the Grand Canal, Locks 1 Windsor Terrace serves beautiful, sophisticated food in a sun-drenched neighborhood setting. Although our Dublin lunch looked like it could be served at any Michelin-starred restaurant in France, we dug deeper.

Our reward? We indulged in flavors and ingredients unique to Dublin in dishes like simple homemade rye bread served with smoked trout Irish butter and more sophisticated lamb belly plated with young carrots and local sheep’s cheese.

Pro Tip Order dry Irish cider with your meal. At least that’s what we did.

Locks 1 Windsor Terrace is located at 1 Windsor Terrace, Portobello, Dublin 8, Ireland.

Pasta at Da Mimmo in Dublin

Da Mimmo was our personal savior during our second trip to Dublin. Located less than a block from our less-than-fabulous apartment in a previously sketchy area of Dublin, this restaurant became our go-to for pasta, calzones and pizza.

We fell in love with this popular spot in the gentrifying North Strand neighborhood, partly due to the food and partly due to the genuine warmth exuded by owner Tino Fusciardi and his staff. It’s no surprise that Da Mimmo is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Dublin.

Fusciardi has brought a bit of his hometown of Casalattico, Italy to Dublin. The result is a winner.

Pro Tip Not in the mood for pasta? Eat a wood-fired pizza instead.

Da Mimmo is located at 148 North Strand Road Dublin 3, Dublin 3, Ireland.

L. Mulligan Grocer

Smoked Ham Kassler at L Mulligan Grocer in Dublin

Located down the block from popular cafe Love Supreme in Dublin’s Stoneybatter neighborhood, L. Mulligan Grocer is a modern pub with a kitchen that goes beyond typical pub food. Not that there’s anything wrong with typical pub food !

Ordering from a menu slipped into a book called Sweet Cork of Thee , we scratched our Fish & Chips itch after starting our leisurely Dublin lunch with a Scotch Egg made with a free-range egg and rare-breed pork. However, the Smoked Ham Kassler was hands-down the best dish of our meal.

L. Mulligan is a good place to visit if you’re looking for more traditional food made with farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients away from the central tourist zone.

Pro Tip You can order draught beers at L. Mulligan Grocer but Guinness is not one of those beers. Use this omission as an opportunity to expand your Irish beer repertoire.

L. Mulligan Grocer is located 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 KN77, Ireland.

Breakfast in Dublin

Breakfast Bap at Herbstreet in Dublin

Considering that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it would be a shame to eat every breakfast in a hotel during your trip to Dublin. For those times when you want to start your morning with a food bang, consider the following Dublin breakfasts:

Full Irish Breakfast at Herbstreet in Dublin

Eating at least one Full Irish Breakfast in Dublin is a must. We satisfied this food travel requirement at herbstreet, a modern restaurant located in the tech-friendly Docklands neighborhood.

You may be wondering what is a Full Irish Breakfast and how is it different from a Full English Breakfast. We wondered the same.

Expect a plate loaded with eggs, bacon, baked beans, black pudding and – here’s the differentiating feature – white pudding. Add fresh bread smeared with Irish butter and this hearty meal is a party on that plate.

Pro Tip You can order a Little Irish Breakfast without black pudding, tomato and baked beans if you’re so inclined when you eat breakfast at herbstreet.

herbstreet is located at 9 Hanover Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 KP20, Ireland.

The Morning Bakery

Pastries at The Morning Bakery in Dublin

Formerly called Meet Me in the Morning, The Morning Bakery is a great spot for people who like starting their days with freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee instead of a big plate of meat.

We were delighted to discover the cafe just two blocks from our Camden Street hotel. We agreed that the quirky Dublin cafe would be our neighborhood spot if we actually lived in the neighborhood.

Unless you’re on an epic Dublin food tour like us, plan to linger with cups of specialty coffee and homemade desserts. It’s a great spot whether you live in the neighborhood or are just passing through.

Pro Tip Be prepared to make tough decisions from an array of pastry options that includes cookies, donuts and cinnamon buns .

The Morning Bakery is located at 50 Pleasants St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 VN22, Ireland.

Dublin Cheap Eats

Croquettes at Two Pups in Dublin

Dublin has oodles of options for travelers on a budget, many conveniently located near Temple Bar.

Those in a rush between sites or sips can stop at the Dollard & Co. food hall for a quick pizza or burger meal. Set in a historic printing house, the market offers a pleasant setting and multiple food options.

As for us, these are our favorite places to eat in Dublin when we’re looking for a quick bite that won’t break the bank:

Double Cheeseburger at Bunsen in Dublin Ireland

Bunsen proves that you can find and eat an awesome hamburger in Dublin. Not counting drinks, Bunsen’s menu is so small that it literally fits on the back of a business card.

This is the place to go to in Dublin for a big, sloppy burger. Go crazy and make it a double and add cheese. You know you want to go big, so just do it.

Discover the world’s best burgers .

Don’t forget to order a side of fries if you want to fully experience what may be the best lunch in Dublin. The fries are on the back of the business card too.

Bunsen has multiple locations in Dublin. We have now eaten at three different Bunsen locations and enjoyed our burgers at each.

Meatball Sub at 147 Deli in Dublin Irleand

We discovered lots of food options on busy Parnell Street including its plethora of Asian eateries. Then, after eating at a few Chinese restaurants, we noticed tiny 147 Deli and found a good spot with creative lunch options.

The deli restaurant isn’t fancy, nor should it be. Instead, it’s an ideal spot for an inexpensive lunch with filling sandwiches, hearty soups and fresh salads.

Pro Tip Eat lunch at 147 Deli. Although the restaurant is open seven days a week, it’s not open for dinner.

147 Deli is located at 1, 147 Parnell St, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Dublin Pizza Company

Buffalo Pizza at Dublin Pizza Company in Dublin Ireland

Dublin Pizza Company makes creative pies to order in a custom, wood-fired pizza oven. The staff combines organic Irish ingredients with techniques honed in the Southern Italian pizza mecca of Naples .

At the time of our visit, the restaurant did not have tables or chairs, but customers could eat the hot, made-to-order pizza right there on the sidewalk. That’s what we did. Another option is to eat the pizza on a nearby park bench.

Update: Dublin Pizza Company now has multiple locations in Dublin.

Pro Tip Dublin Pizza Company is a great food option after a late night at the pubs. You can order a pizza as late as 4 am on weekend nights.

Dublin Pizza Company has multiple Dublin locations. We visited the original location at 32 Aungier St, Dublin Southside, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Dublin Desserts

Hazelnut Rocher Donut at Offbeat Donut Co. in Dublin

From old-school favorites like Queen of Tarts and Teddy’s Ice Cream to French imports like Laudurée , Dublin has enough desserts to satisfy a city of sweets loving locals and a never-ending stream of food travelers. But where are the best desserts in Dublin?

First, don’t discount desserts at restaurants highlighted in this guide Hello, wine prunes at Etto! Beyond that, these are our picks for the tastiest sweet treats in Dublin:

Camerino Bakery

Raspberry Brownie at Camerino Bakery in Dublin

A self-described ‘local bakery, cakery and coffee shop’, Camerino Bakery sells a tempting assortment of cake truffles, cookies and scones at two Dublin locations. However, the Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie is the dessert that won the gold prize at the 2014 Blás na hÉireann Irish Food Awards for owner Caryna Camerino.

Discover more than 100 of the best desserts around the world .

We had to try the Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie based on its accolades, and the slightly salty, not-too-sweet dessert did not disappoint. Our only disappointment was not having room to taste test every other item in the adorable shop. Oh well, there’s always next time.

Pro Tip In addition to desserts, Camerino Bakery sells savory items like challah sandwiches filled with the likes of turkey, ham, kale and rotisserie chicken.

Camerino Bakery has two locations. We visited the bakery at 158 Capel St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 ND36, Ireland.

The Dublin Cookie Company

Cookie and Milk at Dublin Cookie Co in Dublin

Since cookie cravings don’t follow a calendar, The Dublin Cookie Company bakes and sells cookies seven days a week. And not just any cookies.

In the shop’s open kitchen, bakers create cookie concoctions like familiar Chocolate Chip and fancier Sea Salted Caramel & Toasted Pecan using Irish butter and other local ingredients. They even bake dairy-free cookies for Vegans.

Despite the name, owners Jenny Synnot and Elaine Cohalan don’t stop at cookies. The bakery also serves grilled cheese sandwiches, scones and flavored milk.

However, the best thing to order at this shop may be the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich. Let’s face it – it’s tough to beat the experience of eating cold ice cream nestled between two hot cookies.

Pro Tip You can buy cookie dough to bake later if you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen .

The Dublin Cookie Company is located at 29 Thomas St, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 X3T0, Ireland.

Offbeat Donut Company

Unicorn Donut at Offbeat Donut Co. in Dublin

It was a dark day when we realized that our favorite Dublin donut shop had closed. Not only had we recommended that shop in this guide, but it was a really good donut shop.

After sampling different donuts in Dublin, we’re pleased to report that Offbeat Donut Company is our new favorite Dublin donut shop. Although Offbeat has multiple locations in Dublin and Prague , each shop bakes donuts on-site all day, every day and the atmosphere is decidedly local.

Discover more great donuts eaten around the world .

Offbeat separates their donuts into three categories – classic, premium and vegan. Flavors include the simple (Classic Glazed) to the sublime (Honeycomb Crunchy). But which of these Dublin donuts do we recommend? Well, that decision is up to you.

As for us, Daryl went gaga for the shop’s premium Hazelnut Rocher donut with an entire crunchy Ferrero Rocher truffle inside the Nutella topped pastry. As for Mindi, she lived out her unicorn dreams by eating a classic Unicorn donut topped with ‘majestic unicorn icing sugar and magical sprinkles’.

Pro Tip You can buy packs of three, six or a dozen donuts if you can’t narrow the choices to just one.

Offbeat Donut Company has multiple locations in Dublin.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

Ice Cream Cone at Murphys Ice Cream in Dublin

Open in Western Ireland since 2000, Murphy’s Ice Cream now has shops in Dublin, Killarney and Galway in addition to its Dingle home. Despite this growth, the Irish ice cream shop continues to churn Irish ice cream using locally sourced Irish ingredients including milk from Kerry cows, a breed only found in Ireland.

In Dublin, popular ice cream flavors include Dingle Sea Salt and Honeycomb Caramel. Those in the mood for something extra can order Rum Raisin or Dingle Gin with alcohol in the mix, while lactose intolerant guests can order dairy-free flavors like Raspberry and Dark Chocolate.

A friend to the environment, Murphy’s serves ice cream in edible, decomposable cups. However, we recommend eating your scoops on a crunchy, tasty sugar cone sourced from Northern Ireland .

Pro Tip Ramp up your ice cream experience by ordering a sundae. Options include Dreamy Creamy Caramel, Saucy Chocolate Brownie, Berry Orange Delight and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Murphy’s Ice Cream is located at 27 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 WN51, Ireland.

Dublin Food Shops

Inside Fallon and Byrne in Dublin

As much as we love eating at restaurants, we sometimes get tired of eating out when we travel. This is where food shops come into play.

In addition to solving our restaurant burn-out dilemma, food shops serve another function – a peek into the heart of a city. Real people shop for food, and we always enjoy seeing what they buy.

Yes, we love visiting food shops when we travel, and Dublin is no exception to this rule. These are our two favorite food shops in Dublin:

Sheridans Cheesemongers

John Leverrier at Sheridans Cheesemongers in Dublin Ireland

Visiting the Dublin outpost of Galway-based Sheridans Cheesemongers is like taking a cheese tour of Ireland. The friendly staff is more than willing to give out samples of one or more of the cheeses, many of which are produced in Ireland.

Shop Manager John Leverrier, originally from Brittany, is especially passionate about cheese. During our visit, he guided us through a wide variety of great Irish cheeses along with cheeses from producers in countries like France and Italy.

Pro Tip Buy a cheese hamper and treat yourself to a picnic in nearby St. Stephen’s Green.

Sheridans Cheesemongers is located at 11 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Fallon & Byrne

Fallon and Byrne in Dublin

If you’re looking for takeaway food in Dublin, the city has its fair share of food shops from corner convenience stores to super-sized grocery stores. The food hall at Fallon & Byrne is our favorite of the lot.

This store has an extensive selection of prepared foods that are easy to heat on a stove or in a microwave. The store also has fresh fish, baked goods and an impressive cheese counter. In other words, you can find a lot of the foods you must eat in Dublin at Fallon & Byrne.

Pro Tip Go to the wine cellar just below the Fallon & Byrne food hall for a break from the busy city. The wine options are extensive and enticing. If you don’t believe us, then check out the hundreds of bottles lined up like soldiers on the cellar shelves.

Fallon & Byrne is located at 11-17 Exchequer St, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Where To Drink in Dublin

Barntender at Ohana Tiki Bar in Dublin

Although coffee is our normal drink of choice, sometimes we enjoy imbibing an alcoholic beverage or two. Luckily, Dublin has a few places serving these types of drinks. And by a few, we mean a few on every block.

Dublin Coffee Shops

Flate White by Window at Shoe Lane Coffee in Dublin

Specialty coffee is brewing up a storm in Dublin. You’ll be in coffee heaven if you like flat whites and pour overs as much as we do.

Read our Dublin cafe guide to discover our picks for the best Dublin coffee shops.

Dublin Pubs and Bars

Bartenders at Bar 1661 in Dublin

With so many pubs and bar options, it can be difficult to decide where to drink in Dublin. We checked out several (for research purposes), and these are the Dublin pubs and bars that we like best:

Belfast Coffees at Bar 1661 in Dublin

Owned and operated by Dave Mulligan, Bar 1661 celebrates Poitín but doesn’t discriminate against other potent potables. Bar 1661 has a full bar that features local favorites like Irish whiskey and Guinness beer. Not surprisingly, the bar’s addictive Belfast Coffee cocktail includes Poitín as a key ingredient.

But what is Poitín? As we learned during our drinking session at Bar 1661, Poitín is a traditional Irish moonshine that dates back to the 6th century. Outlawed in its homeland from 1661 to 1997, the distilled alcoholic beverage is now making a resurgence among craft cocktail enthusiasts.

Ham Hock Sandwich at Bar 1661 in Dublin

Two years are pivotal at Dublin’s Bar 1661. The first is 1661, the year that Ireland outlawed Poitín. The second is 2019, the year that Bar 1661 opened and won Irish Craft Cocktails Awards for Best Overall Cocktail Bar, Ireland’s Best New Cocktail Bar, Best Bar Team, Best Cocktail Bar Dublin and Best Bartender. Needless to say, 2019 was the better year of the two.

Pro Tip Bar 1661 serves an underrated food menu featuring artisan local cheeses, Irish meat, sandwiches and other light bites. We ordered two sandwiches, ham hock and fish finger, and loved them both.

Bar 1661 is located at 1-5 Green St, Rotunda, Dublin, D07 YT6H, Ireland.

Grogan’s Pub

Guinness Pints at Grogan's in Dublin Ireland

Grogan’s is the definition of a classic Irish bar. From its dingy decor to its toastie-filled menu, Grogan’s screams Irish pub from every nook and cranny.

Accordingly, the Central Dublin watering hole is a textbook spot to grab a drink, preferably a pint of Guinness. Don’t be surprised when you get regaled by soused locals who fill your ear with Irish history and colorful tales of Dublin.

Pro Tip You can sit outside at Grogan’s on a sunny day and watch the city walk by. Better yet, grab a stool at the bar and mingle with colorful locals for the ultimate Dublin pub experience.

Grogans Pub is located at 15 South William Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

McNeill’s Public House

McNeills Pub in Dublin

Traditional Irish music is alive and well at McNeill’s Pub in Dublin. Originally a music shop when it opened in 1834, McNeill’s continues its musical heritage by hosting nightly jam sessions in the pub’s narrow space.

More genuine than the scores of pubs in Temple Bar, McNeill’s is a neighborhood spot that welcomes all who enter in search of a pint of beer or live local music or both. Grab a spot at the bar if your timing is right, order a Guinness and enjoy the show. Otherwise do the same thing but at a table.

Pro Tip Pace yourself. McNeill’s Pub is open daily from 11 am to late.

McNeill’s Public House is located at 140 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 F9R2, Ireland.

Loose Canon

Wine and Cheese at Loose Canon in Dublin

Reminiscent of our favorite wine bars in Paris , Loose Canon is an intimate urban wine bar that serves organic wine along with a curated selection of locally sourced cheese and meats. We first heard about the wine bar during brunch at now closed Meet Me In the Morning when our server told us about the cheese and wine bar owned by the same folks who owned MMIM.

Not wasting any time, we stopped by Loose Canon that very night for an aperitivo before our Etto dinner. Bustling as expected on a relatively warm and delightfully dry Saturday night in February, Loose Canon intrigued us enough to return a few nights later when the wine bar was slightly less busy.

Loose Canon in Dublin

Knowing the way of the land during our second visit, we ordered a cheese plate topped with Creeny raw sheep cheese produced by Corleggy Cheeses in Corvan, bread baked at Le Levain in Dublin and pickled courgettes from McNally Family Farm also in Dublin. But first, we sampled the organic wines on offer before settling on orange wine produced by Voodoo Doll in Germany.

We first drank orange wine in Buffalo , of all places, and were delighted to drink the robust wine style again in Dublin. The ancient process of fermenting white grapes into orange wine is having a moment that we are happy to support.

Pro Tip Wear comfortable shoes. Loose Canon just has a few stools available on a ‘first come, first seated’ basis.

Loose Canon is located at 29 Drury St, Dublin, D02 RX95, Ireland.

The Long Hall

The Long Haul in Dublin Ireland

The Long Hall is dark and intimate Dublin drinking establishment with a wall of whiskeys to taste. This is the kind of pub that feels both sophisticated and cozy at the same time.

Not a whiskey expert? No worries since the bartenders are full of information and recommendations about the whiskey options at every price point from € to €€€.

Pro Tip Check out The Long Haul’s walls covered with eclectic memorabilia

The Long Hall is located at 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Ohana Tiki Bar

Tiki Cocktail at Ohana in Dublin

Open since January 2020, Ohana Tiki Bar specializes in rum cocktails in Dublin, a city more known for whiskey and beer. After drinking in tiki bars in varied cities including Las Vegas and Bologna , we felt compelled to give Ohana a try.

Within moments of bellying up at the stylish Dublin bar, we felt like family among a crowd of local bartenders and cocktail connoisseurs. Ironically, the Hawaiian word ohana translates to family.

Ohana’s menu featured eight rum-based cocktails during our visit including the Mai Tai we ordered. Served in a ceramic tiki mug, the island drink went down easily in Jameson Distillery’s home town.

Pro Tip Expect to get lei’d at Ohana. Keeping in theme, the bar welcomes each guest with a colorful lei .

Ohana Tiki Bar is located at 17 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 W963, Ireland.

Things To Do In Dublin

Dublin Pubs

Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first or fourth time, you’ll want to check out some of the city’s attractions. You should also venture outside the city to see Ireland’s beautiful countryside. Here are some ideas of what you can do in Dublin:

  • Visit the top sites via a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus .
  • Explore Dublin on an Electric Bike Tour .
  • Drink Ireland’s top beer at the historic Guinness Storehouse .

Share Bikes in Dublin

  • Drink Ireland’s top whiskey at the equally historic Jameson Whiskey Distillery .
  • Still thirsty? Take a Pub Craw l .
  • Take a day trip to Glendalough and Wicklow .

Dublin Planning Checklist

  • Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
  • Find a great Dublin hotel via Booking.com , Expedia or Hotels.com .
  • Find an  apartment in Dublin with a kitchen .
  • Book an  Airlink Express Bus from the airport to the city center .
  • Buy a Dublin travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
  • Buy a  universal travel adaptor  from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Europe.
  • Arrange a rental car for your trip.
  • Book a fun Dublin tour with GetYourGuide , Viator or Walks .
  • Book a tasty Dublin food experience .

Frequently Asked Questions

Dublin restaurants range from cheap eats to fine dining. While the best Dublin restaurants may skew expensive, the city has numerous inexpensive pubs that serve good food.

No. Tipping is optional in Ireland.

Anthony Bourdain visited Bear (permanently closed), Celtic Whiskey Shop, The Chophouse, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, Lolly and Cook’s, The Long Hall, Matt the Thresher, O’Donovan Cafe, The Palace Bar, Roma 2 (permanently closed), Sheridans Cheesemongers and Slattery’s Bar while filming the second season of The Layover .

Phil Rosenthal visited Boxte House, Brother Hubbard, Guinness Storehouse and Murphy’s Ice Cream while filming the first season of Somebody Feed Phil .

People typically eat dinner between 7pm and 9pm in Dublin.

Yes. Reservations are necessary at restaurants in Dublin. However, you should be able to walk into some pubs without reservations.

Dublin currently has five Michelin-starred restaurants including two two-starred restaurants (Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud) and three one-star restaurants (Bastible, Glovers Alley and Variety Jones).

Hungry For More In Europe?

Ze dos Cornos in Lisbon - Social IMG

About The Authors

Daryl & Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers their unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Funding We self-funded our trips to Dublin. Sponsorship We thank Fáilte Ireland for providing us with a Dublin Media Pass which provided us access to various tourist sites.

Original Publication Date: July 29, 2016 Republish Date: February 15, 2020

Sunday 10th of July 2022

Cannot wait to try some of these next month on our trip. Great reviews guys

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Thanks! Enjoy your visit to Dublin.

Friday 1st of April 2022

The address for L. Mulligan Grocer is incorrect.

Monday 4th of April 2022

Thanks for letting us know. We have corrected the address.

Ana Marques

Sunday 6th of September 2020

This is amazing - I love your approach to food and how open to discovery you folks are! Thank you so much for doing this.

Tuesday 19th of March 2019

While I anticipated this would be an informative article for my upcoming trip, you very quickly lost my interest and respect with your comment,

“To add insult to injury, the city was filled with boisterous, bar-crawling American travelers...”. Rude much?! Did you personally speak with each one to ascertain their nationality or did you encounter a few and passed judgement on all?

If it weren’t for the Americans, you would be speaking German and Ireland’s tourism industry would take a serious hit! Grow up young lady, learn to be less judgmental and respect others even if you disagree with their lifestyle.

Just to clarify, we are an AMERICAN couple. This was our observation and we stand behind it.

Thursday 20th of December 2018

Extremely Nice Blog post

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15 of the best Dublin restaurants for 2023

By Aoife O’Riordain

Dublin restaurants 15 of the best for 2023

Dublin restaurants have long been overshadowed by the city's thriving nightlife scene. Millions of tourists descend on the Republic of Ireland's capital each year – and the trend is set to continue, thanks to a sweep of fabulous new hotels in Dublin catering to every type of traveller alongside lots of exciting things to do . Many arrive in search of the perfectly-pulled pint of Guinness, and visits to Temple Bar are, more often than not, obligatory. However, travellers in search of a tastebud-tickling weekend break are being increasingly rewarded by the new flavours on offer here – contemporary Indian restaurants, fragrant tapas places and Neapolitan havens now sit alongside the ever-popular Dublin pubs . These are our favourite Dublin restaurants across the city right now to grab an indulgent bite to eat.

Spain informs the overriding theme of the food at this perennial favourite set in a long narrow building on Aungier Street. The menu kicks off with small tapas-inspired plates like jamón croquetas, padrón peppers and squid à la plancha and moves on to more substantial starters with a wider influence like Scallop aguachile or beef tartare. Mains follow the same cue – the salt-aged Delmonico steak for two accompanied by bearnaise, beef dripping potatoes and Bordelaise sauce is a favourite, and there is an extensive list of lesser-known Spanish and Portuguese wines and sherries.

Address: Uno Mas, 6 Aungier Street, Dublin, D02 WN47 Website: unomas.ie

The Park Café

The Park Café

Well-known to London diners with Corrigan’s Mayfair, Bentley’s and Daffodil Mulligan, Irish-born Richard Corrigan recently opened The Park Café in the city’s chi-chi Ballsbridge neighbourhood. Seafood features prominently including several varieties of oyster, the signature Bentley’s fish pie as well as inventions like the la jammet kebab, which is a homage to one of Dublin’s legendary and much-lamented, long-gone restaurants. Many of the raw materials come from the gardens of Corrigan’s rambling Virginia Park Estate in County Cavan. There is also The Park Bar on the first floor for a pre-dinner Negroni, which also stays open late if you are not quite ready to call it a night.

Address: The Park Café, Unit 2, Building 1, 1 Ballsbridge, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 R5W8 Website: parkcafe.ie

Eoin Cluskey, the owner of Bread 41, is something of a pin-up for the artisan bread movement in Ireland and is evangelical about natural sourdough breadmaking having gathered his expertise at both Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork and stints abroad in places like Tartine in San Francisco . The freshly baked aromas hit you as soon as you walk into the ground floor bakery and café, where you can choose from its delectable display of sweets and savouries made onsite to sit and enjoy with a coffee. Book a table at The Eatery above the café, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and serving an all-day brunch menu.

Address: Bread 41, 41 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 H308 Website: bread41.ie

Mamó

Howth is one of Dublin’s quintessential neighbourhoods and a must for visitors, a charming fishing village and well-heeled residential suburb on the north side of Dublin Bay known for its seafood restaurants that line its small working harbour. Mamó is an affectionate term for grandmother in Gaelic, and this small restaurant feels like a warm embrace as soon as you walk in. The food here is their take on contemporary Irish fare – even the cod chip from the nibbles section of the menu is a clever culinary nod to the restaurant’s location. Work up an appetite on the panoramic trail around Howth Head before lunch or look out over the twinkling lights of the harbour at night from the first-floor dining room. There’s also a more informal cafe-cum-wine bar and shop Margadh a few doors down.

Address: Mamó Restaurant, Harbour House, Harbour Road, Howth, Dublin, D13 E9H9 Website: mamorestaurant.ie

Forest Avenue

Tucked on a street off the Grand Canal, Forest Avenue is firmly established as one of the go-to Dublin restaurants for fine dining with an effortlessly relaxed vibe. Named after the street where one of its owners grew up in Queens, New York , chef John Wyer’s approach is to use simple ingredients from Ireland’s best producers. The lunch and dinner tasting menus feature everything from a turnip velouté to sika deer with parsnip memorably enhanced by just enough cheffy artistry, and there’s an expertly chosen wine list. Keen jet-setters will also like to know the restaurant’s vaguely Nordic interior was used in scenes of the smash hit BBC series Normal People .

Address: Forest Avenue Restaurant, 8 Sussex Terrace, Sussex Road, Dublin 4, D04 C7F4 Website: forestavenuerestaurant.ie

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PI Pizzas

Inspired by the likes of the standard-bearing Roberta’s in Brooklyn coupled with obsessive research into technique and ingredients and you get buzzy, no-reservations PI Pizza, serving some of the best examples in the city. The dough adheres to the strict Neapolitan principles cooked in the obligatory wood-fired oven, and the eight pizzas on offer include vegan and vegetarian options. Irish ingredients give the pizzas an appropriate local twist with swap outs like Toons Bridge buffalo mozzarella and gubbeen salami from two artisan producers in County Cork as well as Achill Island sea salt. Best of all, the family is expanding – discover the new restaurant at 23 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, now.

Address: PI Pizza, Castle House, 10, 73 - 83 South Great George's Street, Dublin Website: pipizzas.ie

Daddys Caf

Daddy’s Café

Rialto is a little out of the orbit of the usual Dublin visitor, but it’s close enough to walk from the city centre, and a visit to the much-loved local hangout Daddy’s Café is reason enough for the detour. Set in a converted pub, it serves flavoursome breakfasts – think superior Irish fry-ups using the best ingredients available plus sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch – the daily tart special is always a good bet. Doors close at 3pm – at night the venue morphs into the equally hip Coke Lane Pizza Restaurant and Bar.

Address: Daddy’s Café, 538 S Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8, D08 W6A2 Website: daddys.ie

Chapter One Restaurant

Chapter One

Chef Mickael Vilkjanen has been the talent behind the stoves of one of Dublin’s best restaurants since 2021, injecting new culinary creativity, which has been rewarded with two Michelin stars. Vilkjanen, a long-time resident of Ireland combines his Nordic sensibilities (he was born in Sweden and grew up in Finland ) with sublime haute skills and decadent ingredients like foie gras, hand-dived scallops and inventive renderings of Irish produce like a Mossfield Gouda steamed soufflé with macadamia, truffle and Vin Jaune. The three-course lunch is a more affordable way to experience one of Ireland’s most exciting dining rooms and be sure to space for the dedicated Irish coffee trolley.

Address: Chapter One Restaurant, 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T3V8 Website: chapteronerestaurant.com

NOMO

The ramen revolution has been a little slow to arrive in Dublin, but now there is an ever-increasing count of places to get your hit. Nomo Ramen is a small spare space just off Dublin’s unofficial bar and restaurant row Camden Street. Nomo imports its main ingredient from the same supplier as David Chang’s US Momofuku chain, and there are eight types of ramen on offer: six chicken-based broth noodles plus pork and two vegan options. There is also an izakaya-style lineup of starters like fried chicken, gyoza and a chicken katsu with rice and an accompanying list of beers, natural wines and soft drinks to wash it down.

Address: Nomo Ramen, 4 Charlotte Way, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 VX20 Website: nomoramen.ie

This local institution, which also incorporates a fishmongers and food store next door, is something of a fixture of the seaside suburb of Glasthule on the south side of the city and has also just had a bougie new revamp. Irish seafood plays a starring role on the menu – there are oysters , house seafood chowder, pan-tossed crab claws from the coastal waters of County Clare, poached fish and surf and turf in the form of sirloin, crevettes and bearnaise sauce. Try and snag a table on the first floor, where you are also treated to panoramic views out to sea across Dublin Bay.

Address: Cavistons Food Emporium, 58/59 Glasthule Road, Glenageary, Glasthule, Co. Dublin, A96 FR63 Website: cavistons.com

Volpe Nera

You won’t regret the trip out to this hidden gem, which is worth the effort despite being tucked in one of south Dublin’s well-heeled neighbourhoods. The menu leans towards Italy, but chef Barry Sun’s Chinese heritage also shines through. Dishes and ingredients change with the seasons, but must-eats include the cep dumplings in a delicate Asian-style broth and sage and spelt gnocchi, which is rarely off the menu owing to their popularity with the restaurant’s many regulars.

Address: Volpe Nera, 22 Newtown Park, Newtownpark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 D780 Website: volpenera.ie

It might be a slightly unlikely spot for a two-star Michelin restaurant. Still, Australian-born chef-owner Damien Grey continues to wow diners at this tiny Dublin restaurant hidden in a covered market off Blackrock’s main street. Tasting menus that take up to three hours are an explosion of unexpected flavour combinations, all delivered with hyper-seasonal ingredients, some appearing on the menu for just a few days. For more spontaneous eats, some of Grey’s staff from Liath have also opened Bhonn Space, a counter beside the restaurant that operates a bar-style lunch spot and wine bar serving small plates ideal for lunch to linger over a few glasses of wine or takeaway to eat by the sea.

Address: Liath Restaurant, 19A Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 C8Y1 Website: liathrestaurant.com

Fish Shop

For one of Dublin’s more elevated fish and chip experiences, perch at one of the stools along the bar or wall of the diminutive Fish Shop in Smithfield. With a handful of small plates to start, like oysters, smoked haddock croquettes or a single gilda, the main event is a selection of sustainably sourced species from Irish coastal waters like hake, haddock, brill and plaice, which can be served without the crisp beer batter, if required, and hand cut chunky chips. Accompany it with a glass of something from the highly selective wine list with sherries, regular and skin contact vintages, and Champagnes from a range of new and old world producers.

Address: Fish Shop, 76 Benburb Street, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 X3PN Website: fish-shop.ie

Bunsen

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year (2023), when it opened its first outlet on Dublin’s buzzy Wexford Street, word quickly got around, and Bunsen immediately shot to the top of the list as serving Dublin’s best burgers. Now with seven outlets dotted around the city and suburbs as well as outposts in Cork and Belfast , this micro-chain’s popularity and quality remain undimmed. The formula is deceptively simple; hamburgers and cheeseburgers delivered in the form of perfectly sized prime beef patties, especially baked buns, toppings and three types of fries to choose from when only a burger will fill that hunger gap.

Address: Various locations Website: bunsen.ie

Pickle

Book well in advance for a table at Pickle, one of the city’s standout restaurants that marries the cuisine of Northern India with locally sourced Irish ingredients. Culinary talent obviously runs in this Punjabi-born family; head chef Sunil Ghai’s brother, Rohit Ghai, was the original chef at Mayfair ’s Michelin-starred Gymkhana and who now runs Chelsea restaurant Kutir. Sunil Ghai is dedicated to sourcing the best spices from his homeland and experiments with lots of different techniques like pickling and fermentation. Cult menu items include the Goat Keema Pao, made with Irish goat meat and the Dal Bukhara Plate, an addictive Punjabi black lentil speciality and the order-in-advance, slow braised leg of lamb.

Address: Pickle, 43 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, D02 N998  Website: picklerestaurant.com

Where to eat in Dublin: A local's 5 top recommendations for visitors

Sasha Brady

Oct 14, 2022 • 7 min read

Variety Jones

A Dublin local shares her five best places to eat in the city © Variety Jones

In this series, our Lonely Planet locals share the restaurant and bar recommendations they tell friends coming to town about. This week, Sasha Brady, a Dublin-based editor who’s always looking for the best new places to eat , shares the five places she encourages anyone visiting Dublin to try.

Dublin punches well above its weight when it comes to its thriving food and drink scene. The city is home to so many great places to eat that whittling this list down to just five spots almost seems cruel. You’d need at least a few weeks (and a generous budget - this city is expensive ) to really get a feel for the dynamic culinary scene here, but in the meantime, if you're here for a short time and a good time, don't leave Dublin without visiting some of these five spots.

Collage of food and drink at Note, Dublin

Note, south city center

Why should I go: Follow the rave reviews to Note , and you’ll see why critics have been singing the praises of this stylish wine bar and bistro.

What’s the vibe? Perfectly polished Scandinavian minimalism from the decor to the clientele (everyone here dresses like an architect). It's an excellent spot to bookmark if you’re traveling solo; there are seats at the bar where it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone over a glass of wine and nibbles.

What should I order?  Some of the most creative cooking in Dublin is happening at Note , and whether you show up for lunch, dinner, or just a plate of cured sardines and a glass of wine, it will always feel like a treat here. Each dish coming out of head chef Essa Fakhry’s kitchen is brimming with flavor and color, with everything from the harissa-marinated quail with burnt orange and aioli to the butter-soft côte de boeuf, all beautifully presented without faff. Choose a few dishes to share, along with a great bottle of wine. 

What about drinks? There’s no shortage of exciting natural wines to drink so long as your budget allows it - there are only three bottles priced below €40. But if you don’t want to commit to a bottle, sommelier Kate Seward will find you something interesting to have by the glass with her carefully curated options that change daily. There are also beers and non-alcoholic drinks, and cocktails, like the Cherry Cherry, that are as stylish as they are strong.

Where should I go after? The lounge-style atmosphere of Note is made for lingering, but if you want to keep the drinks flowing after closing time, head to The Ginger Man pub, which is usually buzzing seven nights a week.

Variety Jones collage

Variety Jones, The Liberties

Why should I go? To experience Michelin-stared food made with local ingredients cooked over an open fire in one of Dublin’s loveliest neighborhoods. This is where I send people in the mood for something special.

What’s the vibe? This cozy hideaway space has no sign above the door; you’d probably walk if it weren’t for the warm glow of the restaurant’s soft lights inviting you to take a second look. Despite the Michelin star and the unanimous critical praise, there is nothing stuffy about Variety Jones . It’s warm, relaxed, and sophisticated without even a hint of snobbishness. 

What should I order? Before we even think about food, I must warn you that to secure a spot, you must be well prepared. Bookings open two months in advance (December’s bookings open on October 15 at midday GMT) and usually sell out within a few feverish hours. It’s worth giving them a follow on Instagram for alerts on last-minute openings through cancelations. If you do get in the door - phew! - you’ll be treated to a small and seasonal chef’s choice sharing menu that’s all smoke and char and delicious. The menu is divided into snacks, cold, warm, pasta, family-style, and after (dessert), and there are generally one or two options under each heading. It can be tweaked to suit pescatarian diets but not complete vegetarian or vegan requirements.

What about drinks? An organic wine list that’s robust enough to complement the dialed-up flavors of the dishes coming from the kitchen.

Where should I go after? You’re in the distillery heart of Dublin, so you can easily pay a visit to the Jameson , Teeling , or Roe & Coe whiskey distilleries. The Guinness Storehouse is about a 15-minute walk away. If you want a late-night drink: Lucky’s , Dudley’s , and the LGBTQ-centric All My Friends are always good options.

Collage of food from Mamo, Howth

Mamó, Howth

Why should I go?  To enjoy a lovely day trip to the seaside village of Howth and eat in a restaurant that’s consistently voted one of the best places to eat in Ireland . Ingredients are sourced nearby, with much of the seafood coming straight off the boats in Howth Harbour.

What’s the vibe?  Great food and great views aren’t supposed to mix (one usually takes precedence over the other), but Mamó , with its light-drenched views of Howth Harbor and inventive contemporary Irish cooking, is an exception to the rule. 

What should I order?  Like all of the restaurants on this list, the menu is seasonal, but if you happen to stop by when the bluefin tuna tartlet or Lough Neagh smoked eel are on the menu, order them - there’s something incredibly special in eating fresh-off-the-boat fish just meters from the sea. But it’s not only seafood that’s turned out well here: it’s a stronger person than me who can resist Mamó’s crispy rosemary and garlic potatoes or chargrilled broccoli and spiced almonds with yogurt for dipping. And you can’t come to Dublin without trying Irish lamb. Mamó’s Moroccan take on Irish lamb - belly, shoulder, and rump with couscous, pistachio, and chantennay carrots from McNally’s Farm - is a must-try.

Where should I go after? A walk along Howth Pier, a hike through the cliffs, a visit to the weekend market , or enjoy a pint of Guinness in The Harbour Bar .

Hakkahan collage of food and drink

Hakkahan, Stoneybatter

Why should I go?  If you’re looking for knockout food with budget-friendly prices, this Siuchan-focused Chinese restaurant in Stoneybatter is it. Suppliers are local and named (meats come from Dublin institution FX Buckley and organic veg is sourced from the greengrocer next door), and every dish is priced under €16, which is almost unheard of in Dublin, especially for cooking of this quality. 

What’s the vibe? This neighborhood favorite is a small, casual, and blush-pink space that’s perpetually busy. Service is quick, efficient, and incredibly warm. 

What should I order? Order something from each section of the menu, especially if there’s more than one of you. I recommend getting at least one portion of dumplings (each portion has four servings - except the spicy kimchi dumplings, which come with six - so they’re made for sharing) and the pillow-soft Chinese scallion bread. Add some small chow dishes like the perfectly seasoned pork yuk sun or mouth-numbing spicy cucumber salad for a zingy burst of freshness. Highlights from the main dishes include the basil Silverhill duck and the crisp-edged, stir-fried aubergines.

What about drinks?  A carefully considered wine menu with choices like Spanish Albariño and German Pinot Noir. Prices start at €23 for a bottle, €13 for a carafe, and €6 for a glass. There are also cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options. 

Where should I go after? One of Dublin’s coziest cinemas, the Lighthouse , is about a five-minute walk away. If you’re looking for a drink, you’re spoiled for choice in Stoneybatter with wine bars like A Fianco and Joli  and pubs such as Walsh’s , the Belfry , and the Glimmerman .

Food and drink collage from Mr Fox

Mr. Fox, north city center

Why should I go? It’s the sort of restaurant you wish you had in your neighborhood, where you can skip the decision-making and enjoy reliably delicious dishes from the seasonal tasting menu brimming with excellent Irish ingredients.

What’s the vibe?  Despite its location in the basement of a historic Georgian townhouse, there’s no pretentiousness at Mr. Fox : just excellent Irish cooking in a warm and cozy setting that almost feels like your much grander home from home.

What should I order? Dinner is a €70 set tasting menu that changes monthly. Most dishes on the menu are a combination of veg, seafood, and meat; depending on what’s in season, you might be treated to trout dressed with cucumber and caviar; a St Tola, walnut praline, and beetroot tart topped with blackcurrant; or a classic that’s done consistently well here: beef with Pommes dauphine. The set menu can be tweaked for specific dietary requirements.

What about drinks? There’s an extensive drinks list that leans heavily on Spanish, Italian, and French wines; by-the-glass options are always selected to suit the seasonality of ingredients on the dinner menu. 

Where should I go after? There are some great cultural attractions nearby, including 14 Henrietta Street , Hugh Lane , and the Gate Theatre . For dancing and drinks, try The Big Romance .

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The 12 Best Restaurants in Dublin in 2024

Natalie Dyer Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Wondering if there’s more than the humble potato for dinner in Dublin? Have no fear! Our Ireland foodie has curated a list of the best restaurants in Dublin with a variety of cuisines. From traditional Irish food to Mexican taquerias and vegan dishes, you’ll not only be surprised but hard-pushed not to find something you’ll love.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Dublin Guide with more planning resources, our exciting Dublin tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Dublin .

The Top 12 Places To Eat in Dublin 

Dublin has a reputation for its drink culture. You may even have heard people say that Guinness is a food group on its own. But don’t be fooled, Dublin’s food scene is booming.

From food stalls to upscale eateries and historic pubs with grub, from the traditional to the exotic and everything in between, you’ll be amazed by your options in this city. Our Dublin insider has put together a list of the best restaurants in Dublin, so you can try it all!

If you’re headed to Dublin, definitely check out our awesome Dublin tours and day trips . They’re a fun and easy way to see the best of the city and beyond.  

How to See Dublin in a Day Guide

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our Dublin Guide .

Los Chicanos Taqueria Dublin 

dublin tourist eating

€€  | Mexican Taqueria Food Truck | Family Friendly | Contemporary | Camden Row

Los Chicanos set up shop just three weeks ago but has already garnered a cult following. Their turquoise food truck is nestled between Liberty Lane, an artsy, graffiti-filled laneway, and Wexford Street—a hive for local bars and nightlife. It’s the perfect spot for an after-drinks food refuel. 

Ordering lamb barbacoa is the way to go here. The soft tortillas are made from corn flour and there are two vegetarian options available (salsa macha cauliflower and barbacoa sweet potato). You’ll get two reasonably sized tacos with each order, but those with real hunger pangs should add a side of chips and guac to feel fully satisfied.

Address : 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s Dublin

The Hairy Lemon

dublin tourist eating

€€  | Irish Food | Family Friendly | Dine-in | Stephen Street

The Hairy Lemon has the charm of a typical Irish pub. It has decades of memorabilia on the wall with the occasional bout of live Irish music. It’s named after one of Dublin’s notable characters—a dog catcher who worked in the 1950s. 

You’ll have the chance to sample some of Ireland’s regional cuisines, such as Irish coddle (usually leftovers with no specific recipe), beef and Guinness stew (a personal favorite), and bangers and mash. There’s also a children’s menu and the turnaround is pretty quick, so you can walk in without a booking.

Address : Stephen Street Lower, Dublin

Check Out Our Best Day Trips from Dublin

dublin tourist eating

Top Rated Tour

Cliffs Of Moher and Galway Day Trip From Dublin

Spend the day exploring the west of Ireland with a friendly engaging guide and transportation included. In the morning, discover the grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher, the flora and fauna of the Burren, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Then head to the exciting city of Galway to enjoy the center of Irish culture.

dublin tourist eating

Starting at €68

dublin tourist eating

Likely to Sell Out

Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Day Trip from Dublin

Spend an amazing day exploring Northern Ireland with your Expert Local Guide. Visit the Giants Causeway, full of folklore, the UNESCO site is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Then head to Belfast for the Titanic Experience with Skip the Line access.

Starting at €85

O’Neill’s Pub 

dublin tourist eating

€€  | Historic Pub | Rooftop Beer Garden | Carvery | Live Music

O’Neill’s is one of Angel Castellanos’ favorite spots in Dublin. It dates back to 1713 and is located across the street from the famous Molly Malone statue in the center of Dublin.

With a spacious labyrinth of corners, it’s a great place to enjoy a pint or listen to live music. Their carvery (buffet including roasted meats) is ideal for a big lunch or to end a day of sightseeing. 

Address: 2 Suffolk St

dublin tourist eating

€€€  | Casual Restaurant | Contemporary | Camden Street

This is a place where you can smell the restaurant before you see it. This is due, in part, to the massive charcoal fire working overtime in the open kitchen. The interiors are dark and woody to match those aromas. There’s also a large, communal table downstairs.  

You have standard steakhouse options, such as dry-aged rib and sirloin, but also the more experimental flavours: smoked strawberries and honeycomb, burnt end rendang spring rolls. These are the combinations people come back for. Order more than you think you’ll need. 

Address : 32 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin

dublin tourist eating

€€€  | Vegetarian and Vegan | Fine Dining | Contemporary | Outdoor Seating | Chatham Street

Glas earned its first Michelin Star this year, proving that meatless options can be just as innovative and adventurous. The focus is on sustainable and locally-sourced vegetables, as well as seasonal produce. The ambiance is cosy chic. 

An example of how far this creativity stretches can be seen in the form of their artichoke croquettes, blue cheese crème brûlée, and flamed kohlrabi. Everything on the menu is very intentional but never appears to try too hard. It’s recommended to book in advance.

Address : 16 Chatham Street, Dublin

Coke Lane Pizza at Lucky’s Pub

dublin tourist eating

€€ | Neapolitan Pizza | Casual | Outdoor Seating | The Liberties

You get a two-for-one at Coke Lane Pizza because the food stall is situated in a local indie pub. On top of that, it’s based in the oldest part of Dublin, The Liberties, which is home to Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse.

All the classics are here. Marinara. Margherita. Then some superb house specials like the “Locard” pizza with goat’s cheese, butternut squash, rocket, and Irish honey. The pizzas are wood-fired and thin-crusted, and of course, nothing better than sipping on a craft beer by candlelight, while soaking those crusts up.

Address : 78 Meath Street, The Liberties, Dublin

Fade Street Social 

man eating at fade street social

€€ | Irish Cuisine | Cocktails | Rooftop Terrace | Great Ambiance

Think you know Irish cuisine? This place will change your perception for the better. Run by chef Dylan McGrath, the food here is fantastic. So, come for the food but stay for the vibe. It’s modern yet inviting and lively.

There are lots of different spaces to sit in depending on the occasion and who’s joining you for dinner. There’s a rooftop Winter Garden with great views, a cozy upstairs lounge-like area, and a slightly more formal area downstairs. I recommend getting there early to enjoy their cocktails.  

Address: 6 Fade St

Las Tapas De Lola

dublin tourist eating

€€€ | Spanish Tapas Restaurant | Outdoor Seating | Wexford Street

The romantic setting of Las Tapas De Lola is unparalleled. There’s a heated canopy with outdoor seating, while a buzzing restaurant waits for you inside. The paper menus are also the placemats, which feels very true to table service in Spain. 

On the menu, you’ll find items such as chicharrones , croquetas de jamón , patatas bravas , as well as more pricey ibérico ham. Just a heads up though, tapas are more expensive in Dublin than in Spain. You can pay upwards of €6 to 10 for a single tapas dish here. The food is delectable, however, so you won’t feel too bad parting with your cash. 

Address : 12 Wexford St, Dublin 2

 Yamamori North City

dublin tourist eating

€€ | Japanese Restaurant | Dine-in | Contemporary | Ormond Quay Lower

There are three Yamamori venues in Dublin city, but you specifically want to go to the North City one. The lighting is particularly flattering (perfect for couples) and you can also grab a stool by the bar to have your food served there.

In a separate area after midnight, there’s an underground nightclub called Tengu that plays alternative electronic and RnB music. It’s very popular with local millennials and gen z’s.

Apart from the excellent sushi selection of nigiri, norimaki, and sashimi, there’s also a menu packed with noodle and rice-based dishes. Personal favorites are the kimchi oysters and the off-menu espresso martinis.

Address : 38 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin

Sophie’s Rooftop Bar at The Dean Hotel

dublin tourist eating

€€€ | Restaurant and Cocktail Bar | Outdoor Seating | Harcourt Street

The appeal of Sophie’s rooftop is undoubtedly the panoramic views across Dublin’s South city. You take a lift to the rooftop, which is easily accessible by wheelchair (but perhaps not ideal for those who don’t like using a lift). There are about five flights of stairs in the event of that.

Once you reach the summit, it would be rude not to reward yourself with one of their specialty cocktails, such as the “Mad Ting,” a rum-infused drink with passion fruit and grapefruit. Food-wise, a top pick is the confit duck leg. After dinner, you can have a nightcap on the terrace and watch the city lights. Booking in advance is recommended.

Address : 33 Harcourt Street, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin

Luncheonette at NCAD

dublin tourist eating

€ | Lunchtime Cafeteria | Takeaway | Dine-in | Thomas Street

You can’t get more under the radar than Luncheonette. Started by Dublin-based artist, Jenny Moran, the premise of this restaurant is “placemaking, comfort, and shared experiences.” As it operates in the basement of The National College of Art and Design, the food is all subsidized—meaning that you won’t pay more than €4 for a dish.

Health-conscious visitors will relish what’s on offer here. Think of Indian dahl and coconut soup, samosa burgers, “butterless” butternut squash cake, and tofu noodle pots. You somehow walk away feeling like you’ve been good to mother earth. 

Address : 100 – 108 Thomas Street, Dublin

Hatch and Sons

dublin tourist eating

€€ | Irish Food | Dine-in | Family Friendly | Stephen’s Green

Hatch was named after a nearby dairy parlor that ran during the 18th century. The owners felt the name was apt, considering that milk and beef are two popular ingredients in Irish cooking. As you take in the surroundings, you’ll notice the restaurant looks like the kitchen of a modern Irish farmhouse. There’s ample seating, so walk-ins shouldn’t be a problem.  

It’s worth mentioning that all the dishes are very Instagram-worthy. The double-baked skillet eggs with homemade soda bread tend to be the most regularly snapped plate. The beef and Guinness stew and the sandwich blaas (a soft white roll, native to Waterford) are also a must-try!

Address : 15 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 

 Locks Windsor Terrace

dublin tourist eating

€€€ | Fine Dining | Dine-in | Contemporary | Portobello

Locks is a neighborhood favorite and one that visitors might not be acquainted with. Historically, the building used to be a sweet shop. However, during the Irish rebellion, it was used as a vantage point to spy on the British soldiers’ barracks across the road. Now, it just serves marvelous food.

Their menu is a hot take on French cuisine but uses only the freshest Irish ingredients. For example, you could start with the Kelly oysters from county Galway and finish with the côte de boeuf . Honorary mention must also be given to the pastry chefs for their spread. Namely, the Seville orange cake and salted caramel tart. Make sure to book in advance.

Address : 1 Windsor Terrace, Portobello, Dublin

Gursha 

dublin tourist eating

€€ | Ethiopian Food Truck | Takeaway | The Liberties

Mel Roddy, one of three siblings from Ethiopia who grew up in Dublin, is serving the only Ethiopian food available in Ireland! And boy, we are lucky to have it. Gursha’s food truck is situated in the heart of The Liberties, available for both collection and takeaway.

For €21, you can mix five dishes, which include national Ethiopian foods such as yebeg tibs , doro wat, and gomen . All dishes are served on injera bread and are meant to be eaten with your fingers. 

Address : Iveagh Markets, Francis Street, Dublin

dublin tourist eating

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in Dublin

Deciding where to stay in this historical city of Dublin, Ireland is easy with our local’s guide to the best hotels and neighborhoods. From Portobello to the Dublin Docklands, you’ll love your stay here!

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A pizza from Pi Pizza in Dublin

The 13 best restaurants in Dublin right now

Get that appetite ready. All tastes (and budgets) are catered to when it comes to the best restaurants in Dublin

The people of Dublin have long cultivated a reputation for creativity, and that innovative streak extends to its kitchens. The chefs of the city are taking the recipes of yesteryear and twisting them into new and exciting shapes, serving up some delicious grub in the process. The true winners? The diners, obviously.

Here, the food is good and times are great. Our ranking of the best restaurants in Dublin attempts to capture just how diverse and exciting the food scene in this city is right now. Curated by Ireland-based writers  Nicola Brady  and Amy O'Connor, here you’ll find everything from meaty feasts and delicate veggie innovation to exciting fusion dishes. Tuck in! 

RECOMMENDED: 🏨  The best  hotels in Dublin 🏡 The best  Airbnbs in Dublin   📍 The best things to do in Dublin

This guide was recently updated by Amy O'Connor , a writer based in Dublin.  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

Top restaurants in Dublin

Note

1.  Note

At first glance, Note may seem like yet another  bog standard wine bar and small plate spot. But look past its effortlessly cool facade and you'll discover a dining spot that successfully marries style and substance. Situated on Fenian Street, it boasts a vibrant, seasonal food menu as well as an expertly curated selection of wines. Visitors can enjoy a casual evening over snacks and small plates or splurge on the whole hog (starter, main and dessert). Either way, this is seriously elevated cooking that wouldn’t be out of place in London, Amsterdam or Paris. For a cost-effective outing, take yourself out for Sunday lunch where you can nab yourself a three-course set menu for €35.

Price : Mid-range

Clanbrassil House

2.  Clanbrassil House

  • price 3 of 4

It didn't take long for Clanbrassil House to become a firm favourite among Dubliners. This tiny restaurant has a friendly neighbourhood feel, with exposed brick walls, chalkboards and high wooden tables. Expect standout starters like veal sweetbread and tuna crudo, and the ever-popular Hereford rib-eye for two. A side order of fried spuds with roast garlic mayo? Mandatory. 

Price: Mid-range

Chapter One

3.  Chapter One

  • price 4 of 4

If you want to go for one super-luxe, blowout meal when you’re in town, then Chapter One is the place to head. Yes, it’s pricey, and you’ll need to book in advance, but this is the pinnacle of fine dining in Dublin. As with most of the city’s fanciest restaurants, the lunch and pre-theatre menus offer tremendous value.

Price:  High-end

4.  Bambino

Saunter by Bambino on any given day and you’ll see a smattering of very excited looking people patiently waiting for their number to be called out. And with good reason. Since opening last year, this New York-style pizza slice shop has established itself as one of the best pizza joints in the capital.  The menu is deceptively simple  – pizza slices, fountain soda and beer  – but manages to hit the spot each time. Highlights include the Hot Pep, a spicy pepperoni number drizzled in hot honey, and the incredibly moreish courgette and ricotta. You can pick up two hefty slices plus a can of their house beer for €14.50, making it one of the best-value meals in the city. 

Price: Bargain

Bunsen

5.  Bunsen

  • price 1 of 4

If you’re craving a burger, then Bunsen is your only man, as Dubliners would say. With multiple outposts dotted across the city, it’s the perfect spot to pop into for a dinner that’s quick and satisfying. The menu is so small it fits on a business card – they only do one thing, but boy, do they do it well. The patties are minced every morning and dripping pink and juicy, while the hand-cut fries are quite possibly the best in town. Wash it all down with a glass of their signature pale ale, developed in conjunction with Dublin-based brewery Whiplash. Outstanding. 

Etto

6.  Etto

You’re all but guaranteed an amazing meal at this intimate spot on Merrion Row. The Etto menu brims with dishes you’ll be dreaming of for months after you lick your plate clean, and there’s a great value weekday lunch menu for two courses. Dishes often change by the day, but be sure to order a side of crispy hashed potatoes with Lyonnaise onions, and the red wine prunes with vanilla mascarpone for dessert. If enjoying a romantic dinner for two, consider the Côte de Boeuf. It comfortably serves two and is one of the best in the city. 

Banyi Japanese Dining

7.  Banyi Japanese Dining

  • price 2 of 4

Temple Bar isn’t exactly known for its first-rate dining options, but there are a few winners among the tourist-trap bars hawking €9 pints. Banyi is one of the city’s best sushi spots  – it’s unpretentious, casual and reasonably priced. The tempura prawn and avocado roll is a winner, and the sashimi is quiveringly fresh. You'll also find comforting rice bowls and big, steaming bowls of ramen on the menu  – the perfect pick-me-up for grey, gloomy days.

Price:  Bargain

Terra Madre

8.  Terra Madre

This tiny Italian joint only has a few tables, but the food coming out of the kitchen is exquisite. This is the kind of earthy food you’d be served in a Tuscan village, with moreish pasta dishes and traditional secondi . The plates of pasta are rich and prepared perfectly, with just the right amount of flavour packed into the sauces, while the involtini di bresaola, a starter of lean beef wrapped around celery and aged parmesan, is nothing short of heavenly.

Price:  Mid-range

Michael’s

9.  Michael’s

Michael's , down in Mount Merrion, has a cult-like following among Dubliners. And with good reason – head chef and owner Gaz hand-picks the best the local waters have to offer each day, and there’s a cracking wine list. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but for the ultimate treat, go for one of the restaurant’s signature sharing platters. Choose from the seafood platter or the surf  ’ n’ turf, both served with lashings of herby garlic butter. For something more casual, wander a few doors down to Little Mike’s , which has more of a wine bar feel.

Pi

10.  Pi

Join the inevitable line at the door, put your name on the list and order a pint while you wait for a table to come free - because Pi continues to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Rest assured, though: the pizza is worth the wait. The crust is charred, chewy and perfectly done, and the toppings, including Irish chorizo and artisan cheeses, are divine. Be sure to leave space for dessert – their vanilla ice cream, topped with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, is dreamy.

Mr Fox

11.  Mr Fox

It’s still (inexplicably) a little off the radar, but Mr Fox is serving up some of the finest food in the city, hands down. It operates a seasonal set menu, focused on impeccable ingredients served simply – think juicy lamb with smoked ricotta and black garlic or langoustine carpaccio. Save room for dessert, too, as they are serious about that around here. Vegetarians are catered for with a vegetarian set menu, but do note that there is currently no vegan set menu.

Price: High-end

12.  Fish Shop

If it's seafood you’re after, make it your business to stop by Fish Shop in Smithfield. This modestly sized seafood bar does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up everything from traditional fish & chips to Irish oysters and mussels. The Fillet o’ Fish Burger is one of the stars of the menu but don’t look past the delicious snacks, including smoked haddock croquettes and anchovy and Russian salad  on toast. Prop yourself up at the counter and enjoy with a glass of wine or sherry from their extensive wine list. Warning: space is tight so be sure to book in advance. 

Brother Hubbard

13.  Brother Hubbard

  • Middle Eastern

It opened during the dark years of the recession, but Brother Hubbard has gone from strength to strength, recently expanding its branch on the vibrant Capel Street. By day, it offers a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast and brunch menu with a baba ganoush aubergine plate and lamb shawarma plate to die for. At night, it transforms into a restaurant with sharing plates and mains – think flatbreads served with labneh and Lebanese-style chicken wings with feta-yoghurt dip. 

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THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Dublin

Restaurants in dublin, establishment type, online options, traveler rating, michelin guide, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighborhood.

dublin tourist eating

  • PI Temple Bar
  • KHUSHEE - Modern Indian Cuisine
  • Copper + Straw
  • WILDE Restaurant
  • The Sidecar Bar at The Westbury Hotel

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The Best Places to Eat, Stay, and Play in Dublin

By Amy Louise Bailey

Dublin Guide The Best Places to Eat Stay and Play in Ireland's Capital

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Ireland’s capital, Dublin is steeped in history, dating back to its origins as a Viking settlement in 795 AD followed by centuries of tumultuous change. It has earned a reputation for its spirited pub culture, rich literary tradition, and friendly locals that are as humorous as they are melancholic. And while the clichéd, Guinness-drinking character of Dublin remains, in recent years the city has moved into a golden new era, with a vibrant hospitality scene, a thriving digital sector, and a cacophony of urban developments marking the city’s surge into the future. 

There are over 50 new hotel projects in the pipeline, including The Standard Hotel—sure to infuse its playful brand of glamor into the social scene (and capitalize on newly extended nightlife hours that reach into cappuccino territory). Similarly stylish boutique hotels are set to open in the city center, including Merrion Square–adjacent The Leinster , and further out by Dublin Bay, Hotel Cherrywood will become part of Ireland’s largest urban development. By the end of this year alone, the Irish Hotels Federation estimates that an additional 2,000 rooms will be available—and that figure will be doubling in 2023.

Part of Dublin’s evolution can be attributed to the wave of affluence stemming from Silicon Valley transplants (it’s the European headquarters for Meta, Google, Microsoft, Airbnb , Twitter, and LinkedIn, among others). It has also been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit, with over 135 financial firms relocating operations from London (surpassing Paris and Luxembourg) and adding to its increasingly diverse and sophisticated population. 

Like many cities on the rise, previously neglected neighborhoods have been transformed. “Dublin 8, one of the city's oldest areas, and home to many historic and cultural landmarks, has become a thriving neighborhood in recent years, brought on by an influx of new creative hospitality concepts that found a home in the affordable area,” says Laura Arnold of Press Up , Ireland’s largest hospitality group. And things have become distinctly more multicultural; you can now find world-class sushi and shakshouka alongside inventive fine dining restaurants that are redefining Irish cuisine. 

With a confluence of factors at play, one thing is clear: there has never been a better time to visit Dublin. If you find yourself in the Emerald Isle , here are the best places to go in Dublin.

Cafe en Seine's pornstar martini

Cafe en Seine's pornstar martini

Suckling pig belly at Cafe en Seine

Suckling pig belly at Cafe en Seine

Where to eat in Dublin right now

Arriving at  Café en Seine feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film set. The lively multi-restaurant venue is an Instagrammer’s dream, with jewel-hued, art deco décor and costumed jazz singers. People drop in for lattes and lunch dates during the day, and by night, it’s one of the city’s most happening gastronomic destinations. It was also named Jameson’s Bar of the Year for 2022.

Regarded as one of Europe's most creative fine dining experiences,  Chapter One is a much-lauded Michelin-starred restaurant where seasonal Irish ingredients are presented like art on a plate (or an elaborate sculpture, in the case of the canapés). The vibe is authentic and remarkably unpretentious for its caliber (although, it’s not a place for children). Go for the five-course tasting menu and the sommelier’s wine pairing recommendations.

Trendsetters and tourists can be found ascending to  Sophie's stylish rooftop bar located at the top of The Dean Hotel . It offers one of the only 360-degree views of the city and has creative cocktails, craft beers, and a menu with delicious sharing plates, pizzas, and entrees. An essential stop on any Dublin itinerary.

The Shelbourne Dublin A Renaissance Hotel Hotel Dublin Ireland

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Where else to stay

Facing Ireland's version of the White House, The Merrion is an appropriately stately hotel spread across a row of 18th-Century Georgian townhouses. Everything is meticulously polished, from the charming doormen in top hats to the elegant high tea served in the drawing room with a pianist and an impressive collection of art. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with crystal chandeliers, antiques, and large marble bathrooms. Although it’s in a prime position, within walking distance of Trinity College, The National Gallery of Ireland, and the main shopping and dining strips, the atmosphere is discrete and serene—something that guests arriving from Transatlantic crossings can appreciate.  The Merrion has regularly featured on Traveler ’s Gold List and the Reader’s Choice Awards over the years for good reason. 

Then there's the vibe at The Dean , which feels part Soho House, part Bowery—in other words, a magnet for creatives that favor an unstuffy, low-key luxury. It’s a nondescript, 51-room boutique hotel located in the edgier south side of town, where the nightlife scene is bustling every night of the week (a dream for some, a nightmare for others). Enter through a moodily lit doorway and you’ll find a neon sign spelling “ I Fell in Love Here, ” and similarly cool décor throughout.

There are certain hotels that embody the spirit of a place—New York has The Carlyle , London has Claridge’s —and Dublin has The Shelbourne . It was here that Ireland’s Constitution was signed in 1922, and today, glimmers of 100 years ago linger.  Located opposite St. Stephen’s Green, it boasts an Old-World charm from the opulent entrance through to the grand guest rooms. It’s also home to the most beautiful cocktail bar in the city, No. 27. Order the Grande Dame with pomegranate liqueur, peach, and Laurent Perrier champagne.

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The National Gallery of Ireland

Classic things to do in Dublin

For some history to complement Dublin's shiny-new offerings, the  National Gallery of Ireland is Dublin’s answer to The Met, with elaborately decorated halls and an impressive collection of art including works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and, of course, Yeats. International exhibitions are on rotation (Giacometti just wrapped up), and it is just as enchanting for children as it is for adults, with its immersive arts and craft stations that allow young imaginations to run wild.

New Yorkers would equate  Brown Thomas to Bergdorf Goodman—a historic and elegant department store featuring luxury brands and contemporary designers.  Located on the pedestrian-only Grafton Street, it champions local design talent and is where some of Ireland’s most famed designers got their start, including JW Anderson, Richard Quinn, and Richard Malone. It’s a festive place, especially magical during Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, and and Easter, when decor takes over.

For a traditional pub experience, head to  O'Donoghues . It’s been around since  1789 and is a place where you’re just as likely to be rubbing shoulders with a celebrity as you are a local that’s been a regular for 50 years. Live music is on every night and the vibe perfectly sums up the quintessentially Irish pursuit of craic .

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Foodie Favorite Restaurants In Dublin

dublin tourist eating

Albert Pego / Shutterstock

  • Activities and Interests
  • Destinations
  • Food and Drink
  • Restaurants

Ireland has come into its own as a foodie destination in recent years, with excellent farm-to-table restaurants, a new generation of inventive chefs, and a growing number of food companies that offer excellent produce, superior dairy products, and exceptional wheat. Dublin has excelled in the new food movement of Ireland, and it best shows up at the restaurants and cafes with their talented chefs and inventive owners.

We have gathered a list of some of the most fantastic places to dine in Dublin.

1. Glovers Alley

One of the top hotels in Dublin, the five-star Fitzwilliam, can also boast about having one of the top restaurants in the city, Glovers Alley . Dublin-born Andrew McFadden first went to London to show off his culinary talents and, at age 28, became the youngest chef ever to earn a Michelin star in the UK. McFadden decided to return to his roots and opened Glovers Alley in tandem with the hotel.

The decor of the elegant but comfortable dining room, with marble-topped tables, clementine-colored, plush banquets and club chairs, floral carpeting, and Art Deco style lamps and sconces, is a smart match to the contemporary cuisine. Dublin Bay prawns with tarragon and carrots, lamb with black curry, parsnips, and pears, and a citrus souffle with dark chocolate for dessert are just a few of the inspiring dishes to be enjoyed at Glovers Alley.

Various menu options are offered at different price points, from a two-course lunch menu for 45 euros to a six-course dinner menu for 115 euros, and 265 euros with prestige wine pairings. A vegan and a vegetarian menu is also available.

2. Hatch And Sons

Downstairs from the quirky and delightful Little Museum off of St. Stephens Green, which is housed in a handsome former mansion from the late 1800s, is one of the best lunch and tea rooms in Dublin. Hatch and Sons delivers an authentic Irish dining experience by sourcing many of its products, including handmade preserves, cheeses, and yogurt, from local, artisanal producers. Enjoy a menu that includes Irish beef stew with Guinness, house-made scones with raisins served with iconic Irish butter, homemade soda bread, and sandwiches made with blaa, an Irish roll from Waterford. Hatch and Sons also serves breakfast dishes all day long, including organic porridge, double-baked eggs with bacon and roast tomatoes, and a toasted blaa roll with bacon. Leave some room for their lemon and blueberry polenta cake, and fruit crumble drowning in Irish cream. Hatch and Sons has a second location at Charlemont House on Parnell Square North.

3. Fade Street Social

Fade Street Social is one of the most happening places in Dublin. It has an extensive 8,000-square-foot space that incorporates a restaurant, cocktail bar, tapas and gastro bar, and rooftop terrace in one building. MasterChef judge Dylan McGrath has gathered the best Irish foods and ingredients and presents them in a stylish setting.

The cocktail bar has an impressive list of classic cocktails and wines from France, Italy, Portugal, Austria, and Spain. The wood-fired menu consists of foods cooked over a wood-burning fire. It includes dishes such as crispy duck confit, mac and cheese for two with truffle cream, lamb calzone, and wood-fired carrots.

The restaurant has a straightforward menu of familiar comfort foods such as roasted salmon, poached butternut squash (a vegetarian main course), roasted pumpkin soup, and burrata.

A brasserie with a French-inspired interior of wicker cafe chairs, a zinc bar, and white ceramic tiles, Balfes is a popular favorite with locals. Its eclectic menu, served all day, combines some Irish classics along with other renowned specialties such as haddock fish and chips, 28-day dry-aged steak, dry-aged burger on a brioche roll, and for vegetarians, hearty chargrilled winter squash with piri piri, charred leeks, and feta cheese.

On the weekends, Balfes offers a brunch menu with Irish smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, a three-egg omelet with honey-roasted ham, smoked Gouda, caramelized onions, Eggs Benedict, and buttermilk pancakes.

The extensive bar menu serves wine, beer, spirits, and original cocktails such as Spring Skye (prepared with Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch, fennel, citrus, and egg white) and In a Pear Tree (prepared with Hennessy V.S., red wine, black pepper, winter spices, poached pears, and fresh cream).

5. Chapter One

You can dine at Chapter One , one of the finest restaurants in Dublin, for less than 40 euros for a two-course lunch. Chef Ross Lewis has spent 27 years refining and creating his award-winning cuisine, winning accolades and stacking up numerous awards, including a Michelin star. He was the head chef for Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland in 2011. Set in the Dublin Writers Museum on Parnell Square, the restaurant is proud to support local craftspeople by featuring their products, including baskets and wood tables, in the dining room.

There are a range of menu options at Chapter One, including premium four- and six-plate dinner menus. You can add matching wines for each course for an additional price. For the ultimate dining at Chapter One, you can book the Chef’s Table, a private dining room that seats four to six and serves either a six- or seven-course menu.

6. Clanbrassil House

An intimate restaurant seating only 25 people, Clanbrassil House has recently gained momentum with chef Grainne O’Keefe at the helm, who has worked in a number of the top Dublin restaurants. The cuisine focuses on grilled meats and vegetables. The four-course set menu, with two seatings at dinner, starts off with light snacks, followed by a choice of two appetizers, two entrees, two sides, and dessert.

Pro Tip: Clanbrassil House also has a separate vegetarian menu with five courses.

If you have a hankering for Italian food, Grano is the spot. It’s a family restaurant that is so authentic, the mother is often still the cook. The reasonably priced restaurant offers appetizers under 10 euros and main courses below 20 euros, and they’re proud to have recently been listed in the Michelin 2020 guide.

Grano uses mostly organic and biodynamic Italian products. The food menu includes dishes such as spicy meatballs in red sauce with smoked ricotta cheese from Calabria, pappardelle in a wild boar ragu, eggplant parmigiana with pesto, stuffed ravioli with butternut squash, and amaretti with toasted hazelnuts on top.

Pro Tip: Most of the pasta dishes can be made with organic, gluten-free pasta.

8. Legit Coffee Company

With the explosion of artisanal coffee bars in almost every city on the globe, listing at least one is required when writing an article like this.

The rustic setting of Legit Coffee Co. , with wood tables, counters, and floors, plus baristas wearing flannel shirts, give the coffee “legitimacy.” The coffee is from one of the top coffee companies in Dublin, Full Circle Roasters, and the menu includes espresso, cappuccino, lattes, macchiatos, Americanos, and filtered coffee.

The food menu is heavy on breakfast and brunch dishes such as homemade granola, sausage rolls, eggs and sourdough toast, almond and oat porridge, and pancakes topped with fresh berries, toasted almonds, orange butter, and maple syrup. The sandwich board offers roasted veggie and goat cheese melts, roasted chicken and cheddar cheese, and pulled pork in a brioche.

House-made desserts like brownies, granola coffee and dark chocolate bars, salted caramel cookies, and white chocolate and cranberry cookies, are last but not least.

9. The Pig’s Ear

Located in the old part of the city near Trinity College, The Pig’s Ear presents a modern Irish menu in a cozy and comfortable setting. House specialties include slow-cooked beef cheek with beets, black pudding, and truffles, barbecued pork belly with pineapple, butternut squash soup with chestnuts, and for dessert, the special Pig’s Ear vanilla cheesecake or chocolate custard with peanut butter ice cream. The Pig’s Ear is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and for lunch on Friday and Saturday.

Since there’s a big theatre scene in Dublin, many restaurants offer pre-theater menus, sometimes with a set price for two or three courses. Reservations at the restaurants above are essential, and you can reserve online at most of them. The tipping policy in Dublin and Ireland is 10 to 15 percent.

Supplemental Reading:

  • Tips For Renting A Car In Ireland
  • 8 Fantastic Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

Image of Richard Nahem

Richard Nahem is an ex-New Yorker living in Paris since 2005. A travel writer and photographer, he’s been publishing his blog Eye Prefer Paris since 2006 and also writes for publications such as Travel Agent Central, Passport Magazine, The Guardian, Bonjour Paris, and Luxury Travel Advisor. He focuses mainly on luxury travel in Europe. Richard also leads private personalized tours of Paris for clients looking to explore the off the beaten path Paris they never usually see on their own.

The Ultimate Dublin Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Places to Eat and Stay

Save this ultimate Dublin travel guide if you’re visiting the city for the first time. It covers some of the best attractions, accommodation for all budgets, and favorite places to eat and drink.

Last updated: January 21, 2023

4 Days in Dublin and Ireland - Roads and Destinations

They say no route in Dublin goes without passing by a pub. I tried to question this saying and failed. Yet while proving myself wrong, I learned many other things about the city. These experiences gave me enough information to prepare this Dublin travel guide. In it, I’ve shared some of the top attractions the city is proud of along with the best places to eat and stay.

DUBLIN TRAVEL GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

In this Dublin travel guide you’ll find:

  • A quick travel guide to Dublin location
  • A beginner’s travel guide to Dublin culture
  • Top tourist attractions in Dublin
  • Where to stay when you travel to Dublin
  • Best places to eat and drink in Dublin
  • A quick travel guide to Dublin transportation

A Quick Travel Guide to Dublin: Location

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the largest city in the country. In fact, it’s the only city in Ireland with population over one million. The Irish capital is located at the mouth of the River Liffey on the east coast within the province of Leister. On the south, Dublin neighbors the Dublin Mountains that belong to the Wicklow Mountains , the largest upland area in the country.

While at first glance the River Liffey doesn’t have anything in common with the name of the city, it’s a reason why Dublin got its name. In truth, two rivers were involved in this.

The River Poddle met the River Liffey to form a deep, very clean pool near Dublin Castle. When the Vikings invaded the city, they polluted the pool. The crystal clean water got so dirty that the place became known as dubh linn or “black pool” from the Gaelic.

Irish capital - Roads and Destinations

A Beginner’s Travel Guide to Dublin Culture

Just as you’d predict, Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, is a hometown of many prominent Irish people. It introduced to the world such figures as William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula .

The list is in no way complete. Yet as part of this Dublin travel guide, it unveils rich cultural heritage of the city, a place that many travelers know only as a center of Irish pubs.

But written works are not the only form of art that travel from Dublin to the other parts of the world. Music is another popular topic in the city and country. In fact, traditional Irish tunes are as popular as Temple Bar itself, most popular neighborhood in central Dublin.

Furthermore, the city has expanded its international cultural influence thanks to such musical bands as The Dubliners, U2, The Script, and Westlife.

READ MORE: Irish Culture: Music, Pubs, Saint Patrick’s Day, and More

Things to do in Dublin - Roads and Destinations

Top Tourist Attractions in Dublin

Guinness storehouse.

As it’s often the case, after learning a little bit of history and culture of the city, you want to find these elements on the streets of Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse is the right place to start.

Regarded as the most visited attraction in Ireland, the iconic brewery tells you everything from A to Z about Ireland’s famous stout. Get ready to learn tales, facts, and what it takes to make a perfect pint of Guinness when walking through every floor of the building. To top it off, beer tasting and a rooftop bar might help you digest new information quicker.

Temple Bar is an essential part of every Dublin travel guide and Dublin itinerary. Even if beer is not your first choice of drink, this busy riverside neighborhood will entice you with authentic Irish culture. We are talking about folk music, traditional Irish cuisine, brightly colored buildings, and of course the traditional pubs.

TIP: On the other hand, if you decide to have a drink or two, make sure not to get too tipsy. You still want to remember how much you pay for that pint of beer. As a matter of fact, so often tourists don’t realize that a single pint of beer in the famous Temple Bar neighborhood can cost as much as 18 euros.

Trinity College - Roads and Destinations

Trinity College

Dublin is worldwide known for its academic and cultural heritage. At different point of time, the most popular Irish as well at city’s prominent citizens had called Trinity College their alma mater. One of the oldest universities in Western Europe, up to this day the College sets up some of the highest standards in the world.

You don’t have to be a student to explore Trinity College’s campus at your own pace or via a guided tour. After you finish your wanders through the 47-acre university grounds, make sure to visit the Library of Trinity College and the Books of Kells.

TIP: For those who plan to visit Trinity within the next few years, check out the status of the Books of Kells beforehand. During my recent visit, a replica of the Book replaced the original, which was sent for restoration.

Dublin Castle - Roads and Destinations

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is one of the most important historical attractions in Dublin. Built in the early 13 th century, it served as the headquarters of British administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle became the seat of the new Irish government.

Today it’s a major Irish government complex and conference center. Guests of Dublin are also welcomed. Here they can learn more about the city and Irish history and admire splendid décor and artifacts.

Take a look at the following tours if you’re looking for a guide to help you see and learn more about Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

Formerly a prison, Kilmainham Gaol is a museum in Kilmainham, Dublin. The building serves as a reminder of the traditions of militant from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-1923. Many revolutionaries were imprisoned here. Some of them were even executed in the prison.

Yet Kilmainham held not only the leaders of the rebellions. Thousand of ordinary Irish citizens were detained here for all kinds of crimes, including stealing food and petty offenses. Today only guided tours are allowed on the territory of Kilmainham Gaol.

TIP: If you’re interested, book your ticket in advance, as the groups are usually small.

Dublin Travel Guide. From Top Attractions to Places to Eat and Stay - Roads and Destinations

Where to Stay when Y ou Travel to Dublin

Like most Western European cities, Dublin is expensive. And while you can find good deals or even free entry to many of its attractions, accommodation can really take its toll on your budget.

On the other hand, Dublin offers different kinds of lodging that can suit backpackers and luxury travelers alike. We start our travel guide to Dublin’s accommodations with a budget-friendly hostel and hotel. Later you’ll find a couple of recommendations for luxury travelers.

Generator Dublin

If you’re equally concerned about money and location, Generator Dublin is a place for you. This hostel is located near the major attractions, such as the Jameson Distillery and Smithfield Chimney Viewing Tower. Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse are just a ten-minute walk away. On top of that, the guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a late night bar, free walking tours, along with shared and family rooms.

Maples House Hotel

For those who prefer to skip the hustle and bustle of the center of Dublin, The Maples House Hotel offers affordable standard and family rooms. The hotel is set in Glasnevin about a 30-minute walk from the major tourist attractions.

This family-run house-hotel strives to create a temporary home away from home for its guests. Therefore, you can count of their bistro-style restaurant for your breakfast and a traditional bar for your last drink of the day.

First time visiting Dublin - Roads and Destinations

The Merchant House

Located in the heart of Dublin, The Merchant House is all you need for an unforgettable stay in Dublin. Built in 1720, and restored in 2005, this guesthouse offers luxurious suites just a few minutes away from the favorite restaurants, pubs, and historic landmarks. On top of free Wi-Fi, the guests are welcomed with chocolates and complimentary refreshments.

The Spencer Hotel

Yet if you long for a classic hotel-style accommodation, our Dublin travel guide got you covered. The Spencer Hotel is here at your service. Settled about 20 minutes away from the Temple Bar area, it offers luxurious rooms with coffee and tea making facilities. Apart from it, the guests can recover from jet lag at Spencer Health Club that includes a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Dublin

As the biggest city in the country, Dublin offers all kinds of cuisines. You can surely satisfy your cravings for Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean food here. In this Dublin travel guide, though, we’ll focus on classic Irish restaurants and bistros.

Irish capital - Roads and Destinations

O’Neill Pub and Kitchen

2 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland

Locals confirm that O’Neill Pub and Kitchen is one of the best places to try traditional Irish cuisine. Even though your choices are limited during current reconstruction, you can still count on full Irish breakfast. A couple of main dishes and Irish stew with sandwiches are also too good to pass especially on a rainy day.

The Bank Bar and Restaurant on College Green

20-22 College Green, Dublin, D02 C868, Ireland

The Bank Bar and Restaurant on College Green, another popular place to eat in Dublin, is located a few minutes away from O’Neill Pub and Kitchen. This elegant bar with live music, and beautiful décor ensures that you don’t leave hungry or thirsty.

Make sure to try homemade soups and pies. Full Irish breakfast will satisfy even a champion. Moreover, the restaurant caters for its vegetarian guests and offers such specialties as homemade vegetable tagliatelle and roast root vegetable salad.

And before we go to the next place on our Dublin travel guide, it’s important to mention that the restaurant’s menu changes throughout the year. The Bank Bar and Restaurant on College Green uses local produce. So it strives to serve a seasonally changing, farm-to-table menu.

Blazing Salads

42 Drury St, Dublin 2, Ireland

Blazing Salads is a heaven for all vegans and vegetarians living in or visiting Dublin. A small vegetarian spot without a proper place to sit doesn’t look any special from outside. However, give it a chance and step inside. And this is all you need to become a loyal customer.

From its sweet potato shepherd pie to savory stews, and millet and sweet potato burgers, it knows exactly how to win you over. Moreover, you can learn its secrets by taking evening cooking classes.

Vegan places to eat in Dublin - Roads and Destinations

Butlers Chocolate Café

51 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

When it comes to satisfying your sugar cravings, look no further than Butlers Chocolate Café. It’s by far the sweetest spot in this Dublin travel guide. Wouldn’t you agree after having a few of its chocolate brownies, caramel slices, muffins, and chocolate biscuits? And don’t let me start about its chocolates.

Although the sweets aren’t intended for vegan shoppers, the place overcomes this shortcoming with delicious vegan hot chocolate.

A Quick Travel Guide to Dublin’s Transportation

Getting around Dublin is easy. Due to the fact that the majority of its attractions are located in the center of the city, you can explore Dublin on foot. Bicycling is the second best alternative to see the city. However, if neither of these options seem reasonable because of heavy rain or simply they don’t suit you, Dublin has second, third, and even fourth alternative for you.

Buses are the most common means of transportation and take the first spot on this quick travel guide to Dublin’s transportation. With Dublin extensive network of public bus routes, they make it especially easy to get to your desired destination. Moreover, you can use this type of transportation to explore even suburbs.

Airlink Express

Use Airlink Express to get to Dublin City from the Dublin Airport and back. These comfortable double-decker buses are the best and quickest options for your money. Two routes – 747 and 757 – run every ten minutes. Additionally, they provide free Wi-Fi and ample spaces for your luggage, so you don’t feel uncomfortable holding it.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) system is one of the fastest ways to travel in the city. It runs along the coast of Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south, making frequent stops in the center of Dublin.

Dublin travel guide - Roads and Destinations

Luas (the Irish word for “speed” ) is the light rail system that connects the heart of Dublin with its suburbs. Trams run every five minutes at peak times and every 10-15 minutes at other times. Tickets for Luas are available at street vending machines.

Dublin is believed to have more taxis than New York City. The taxicabs are available almost on every corner of the city. You can use them to get to Dublin City from the Dublin Airport, explore the center of the city, and even the suburbs. Although flagging down a taxi is a normal practice in Dublin, you’re better off booking your ride in advance.

READ MORE: 7 Things to Learn from Taxi Drivers around the World

DoDublin Freedom Card

If you plan to spend at least three days in Dublin, get the DoDublin Freedom card . The card is your best investment when it comes to sightseeing and getting around the city. It ensures a worry-free use of Airlink Express and Hop-on-hop-off bus, including other means of Dublin’s public transportation. The price of the card depends on the services you choose. Typically it costs between 27 and 48 euros.

  • Everything You Need to Know before Visiting Dublin for the First Time
  • 17 Things to Know before Visiting Ireland for the First Time
  • 10 Excellent Day Trips from Dublin
  • Irish Superstitions and Beliefs that Are Still Alive

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Well Spent: The Best Places in Dublin to Eat, Drink, and Shop

dublin tourist eating

Ireland's capital city of Dublin is brimming with history, culture, delightful restaurants, and of course, a pub scene that can't be beat. Ready to visit? Here are all the things to see and do on a weekend trip to The Pale.

Check into The Shelbourne

If you're coming to Dublin, you might as well do it right by booking a stay at The Shelbourne, one of the city's most luxurious and history-filled hotels. The hotel has been in operation since 1824 and has acted as the hospitality heartbeat of the city ever since its opening day. Located just steps away from Dublin's main attractions, including St. Stephen's Green, the hotel is the ideal place to lay your head at night and be ready to explore more in the morning. The hotel also happens to be home to some rather fantastic guest experiences, like an in-house genealogist who can help you trace your Irish roots during your stay. (Rooms starting at about $500/night.)

Get breakfast at Brother Hubbard

Start the day the right way with coffee and a decadent breakfast at Brother Hubbard. The shop, founded by Garrett Fitzgerald and James Boland in 2012, serves every kind of caffeinated beverage you'd ever desire alongside a brunch menu featuring tasty treats with a Middle Eastern flair. Not sure what to order? Just get the Mezze Tray, which offers a little bit of everything. (Mezze Tray € 14.50.)

Head out on a 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

Soak in the city's history with a unique historical tour alongside author, historian, and founder of the 1916 rebellion Walking Tour, Lorcan Collins. He will share the historical background of the 1916 Easter Rising while walking you through some key locations around the city. And he does so with both pitch-perfect accuracy and a whole lot of fun. ( €15/per person .)

Snag lunch at Fish Shop

Go local for lunch by stopping into the adorably quant Fish Shop, a restaurant named the Best Seafood Experience in Ireland by the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2019 and the Best Fish and Chip Shop in Ireland by Catherine Cleary of the Irish Times in 2017. Come for — what else — a solid plate of fish and chips, and stay for its stellar wine selection, too. (Fish and chips plates starting at € 15.95.)

Make your way to Brown Thomas for a personal shopping experience

Need to find the perfect outfit for a night out in Dublin? Head to Brown Thomas, the crème de la crème of department stores in Ireland. The chain department store sells the most luxurious clothing, cosmetics, and homeware goods. But, for something unique, book a personal shopping experience. With the experience, you get to work one-on-one with a personal stylist who will pick out the best threads and accessories and have you walking out looking rather dapper. (Personal shopping available free of charge.)

Visit the stunning Trinity College Library

Easily one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Trinity College Library is a can't-miss sight in Dublin. Housed within Trinity College University, the Library is a breathtaking sight to behold with its rich wood shelves stacked from floor to ceiling with books from all over the globe. And, in the library, there's a small display highlighting the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament. (Tour the library for € 18.50/per person.)

Dine on the Early Bird Special at Richmond

Small but mighty, Richmond is well-known as one of the city's most creative dining venues that also comes with some relatively reasonable prices. For a great deal and a taste of its best dishes, book a table for the restaurant's "early bird" special, which comes with three dishes for just €38, which includes starters like barbecue mackerel with beets, kohlrabi, buttermilk, and main dishes like glazed lamb shoulder with fondant potato, artichoke, aubergine, anchovy, and capers. Don't worry about eating early. This only means you can get to our next stop even sooner. (Order the early bird for €38.)

Order a pint or a dram at The Palace Bar

Cool, quirky, and wildly historic, The Palace bar is a must-visit pub in Ireland. Beloved by artists, poets, and local journalists, the pub has been pouring pints since 1823. Step inside for a drink, and if you're lucky, sit inside the "snug," an area once reserved only for wives and mistresses. (Get a pint for €5.40.)

Afternoon Tea Reads

Dublin Ireland: A Complete Guide For What To Eat, See & Do

Are you planning a vacation to Dublin Ireland? Here’s my overall guide for what to see, eat, and do in Dublin your first time visiting.

I absolutely loved my trip to Dublin Ireland, and I think it has something for everyone. From an interesting history, a new culture to explore, and more alcohol choices than you can ever imagine! 

I’ll go into the main city attractions to see, give you hotel recommendations, some neat places to eat, and even some ideas for day trips from Dublin . 

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Dublin_Ireland_Pinterst1

Planning A Trip To Ireland: Why Visit Dublin?

If you’re going to Ireland, Dublin is a great place to start. It’s the capital of Ireland , the largest city, and even makes an ideal base for you to explore the rest of the country.

It has a great mix of city life and historical landmarks with a big nightlife scene, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites just a short drive away.

The people also really make this city what it is. They’re so nice, always willing to help and crack a joke. Not to mention, it’s also nice travelling somewhere you can understand and even speak the local language.

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P.S. What Does Dublin Mean?

Dublin is Gaelic (Dubh Linn) for Black Pool. The city got this name because there was literally a black pool in front of Dublin Castle.

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Dublin Travel Guide: Some Logistics!

Here’s all the important information for planning a trip to Dublin city, like where to stay, what currency they use …etc.

What Language Do They Speak In Dublin?

They speak English in Dublin, making it very easy to visit and speak with locals.

But did you know English isn’t actually the official language of Ireland?

The official language is Gaelic , a Celtic language native to Scotland. Although most locals don’t speak Gaelic you’ll notice that is is on all the streets signs throughout Ireland.

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How Long Should You Spend In Dublin?

Dublin is a very small city, so you don’t need that much time to explore the actual city.

Dublin City only needs a day or two to fully explore, but it will all depend on what you’re most interested in doing.

But I would recommend extending your time in the city to give yourself a few days for some day trips to explore the rest of Ireland (p.s. see my top 10 day trips from Dublin here ).

It lets you see the true beauty of Ireland, without adding stress of moving hotels.

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You might also be interested in reading…

Should You Visit The Cliffs Of Moher In Ireland!?

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Where To Stay In Dublin City – Hotel Recommendations

I’ve stayed in Dublin twice, at very different places, and would honestly recommend both depending on your budget and type stay!

For a budget friendly option, stay at a hostel, I really enjoyed staying at The Abbey Court Hostel ( see it on Booking.com ). We couldn’t beat the location, on the River Liffey, included breakfast, and loved the interior design with all the graffiti! See updated rates and availability here .

When I came back to Dublin with my partner, we stayed at the Zanzibar Locke Hotel ( see it on Booking.com ). This was perfect for the stay we needed, with more apartment vibes equipped with a washing machine and kitchenette. See updated rates and availability here .

Click here for more hotel options in Dublin, Ireland

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How To Get Around Dublin City?

You have a few options for getting around Dublin City. First, you can walk pretty much everywhere. If not, there are buses, trams, and even taxis.

Is Dublin A Walkable City?

Dublin City is so small that everything is pretty much within walking distance. So once you’re in the city you don’t really need a car (in fact, I highly recommend not having a car in the city. You’ll be dealing with traffic and overnight parking).

There are a few exceptions though, like the Guinness Storehouse. Although you can walk there (I did – from Grafton Street in fact!), it’s out of the way, with not much else in the area…

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Public Transit In Dublin – Buses, Trams, & Trains

When walking isn’t exactly an option in Dublin, you don’t really have to worry because there’s a public transit system of buses, trams, and trains.

See the map and schedule here .

Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tours Around Dublin City

An easy way to see the whole city without having to rely on walking or public transit is the hop on / hop off bus tours.

The bus takes you to all the main locations throughout Dublin, and you get some extra information on the bus rides between destinations. Check it out on Viator here .

For more organized tours in Dublin, click here .

P.S. Transportation From The Dublin Airport To The City Centre

If you aren’t renting a car in Ireland, the easiest way to get from the Dublin airport to the city centre is to take the 700 Aircoach bus.

The bus leaves every 30 minutes and will cost around €9 each way . See the schedule and buy your ticket here .

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What Currency Does Dublin City Use?

Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland which uses the euro .

But! Keep in mind if you decide to visit Northern Ireland while you’re there (like Belfast), they use the pound.

Top Things To Do In Dublin

The top things to do in Dublin include some historical landmarks around the city and some paid attractions.

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Why I Love Free Walking Tours On Vacation

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Go On A Walking Tour Of The City Centre

Whenever I first arrive in any new city, I immediately try to find a free walking tour, and Dublin is no exception.

A walking tour is the best way to see all the top things in Dublin city. They’ll take you to all the hot spots, give you a chance to get your bearings. Plus you might even be able to get some local recommendations.

If you’ve read any of my other travel guides, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Sandeman’s New Europe Tours and they offer one in Dublin!

They offer two free tours a day. It’s advertised as free, but at the end, you are expected to leave tip. See an updated schedule and reserve your spot here .

Walking Tours In Dublin Ireland

Learn more about the history of Dublin and see all the highlights by going on a walking tour of the city.

You can either go on a free walking tour of Dublin (tips expected) or book an organized walking tour from Viator here .

If you’re looking for a spooky tour of the darker side of Dublin, go on this Dark Dublin Walking tour instead !

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Shop Along Grafton Street

Grafton Street is the main shopping street in Dublin Ireland. I’ll admit that I was hoping for some more local shops, but it’s a lot of commercialized American stores that we have back home.

Some local Irish stores that are worth checking out are the Aron Sweater Market, and Bewley’s Cafe ( to pick up some Irish tea !).

These are both good spots if you’re looking to bring back some souvenirs from Ireland!

Don’t Forget To Detour To See Molly Malone!

Molly Malone Statue is a fictional fishmonger and the star of many well known Irish songs. It’s a right of passage to pose for a picture with her while in Dublin!

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Trinity College & The Book Of Kells

Trinity College is like the Harvard or Oxford of Ireland. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world , so take some time to walk around campus.

This is also where you’ll find the Old Library which houses the Book of Kells…

The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript and a main attraction in Dublin Ireland.

You do have to pay to see it ( see prices here ), but entry also gives you access to a small museums about what the scripture means and its history, and access to the Long Room. You can also book a fast track book of Kells ticket with a tour of Dublin Castle on Viator here .

The Old Library or the Long Room is EPIC. The only downside is that it’s almost always PACKED! There are so many people trying fit into this one room that it’s almost impossible to enjoy it.

I recommend either being the first entry or one of the last, that’s going to be your best chance as seeing it with a lot less people. I went right before closing, and was able to hang around until most people left.

2024 Update: A new Book of Kells Experience has opened giving you s an immersive virtual experience with videos and sounds taking you through a reimagined Long Room – check it out here .

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Admire The Spire (A.K.A. The Stiffy by the Liffey)

The Spire is a monument erected in 2000 on O’Connell street, on the south side of the Liffey – you can’t miss. It’s a very tall (and very phallic-shaped) 120 metre heigh stainless steel spike.

You can connect with locals over their hatred for this monument – often referred to as either the “Stiffy by the Liffey” or the “Erection by the Intersection” (not my words, I swear!).

Take A Stroll Through St. Stephen’s Green

If the city is becoming too much for you then head to St. Stephen’s Green. It’s a giant park at the end of Grafton Street. Perfect for a mid-day stroll, or picnic lunch in the park!

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Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle isn’t actually a castle, anymore! Today it serves as Ireland’s government building and a conference centre!

You can tour the State Apartments and learn more about its 700 year history in Dublin Ireland. See ticket options here .

The Liffey & Ha’Penny Bridge

The Liffey is the river running through Dublin City centre, it’s kind of hard to miss.

The Ha’Penny bridge is a pedestrian only suspension bridge crossing the river Liffey. It got its name because it used to cost a penny to cross. Now it’s free, so cross back and forth as you please!

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St. Patricks Cathedral Dublin Ireland

I’m not one for visiting churches, but if you have to visit one church while in Dublin Ireland it should be St. Patricks Cathedral, I mean Ireland is the land of St. Patrick after all!

I’d even recommend paying for the tour of the church where you’ll get a great history of the church and even access to different parts of the church you wouldn’t otherwise see! 

See ticket options here .

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Visit One Of The Many Museums In Dublin City

Let’s be real, you’re in Ireland, it’s most likely going to rain while you’re there!

You’re in luck though, it’s as though the city has planned for this with indoor museums for you to visit!

There’s no shortage of museums, and I’m sure you’ll find one for you!

The Little Museum of Dublin

If you’re looking for a quick, to-the-point history of Dublin Ireland, then head to The Little Museum of Dublin.

It’s a tiny museum that packs a lot of punch taking your from the beginnings of the city all the way to present day.

Find ticket and more information here .

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Unique Museums: The National Leprechaun Museum & Dublinia

If you’re looking for a museum that you won’t get anywhere else, then head to the National Leprechaun Museum. The museum dives into the rich folklore history of the Irish faeries.

It’s perfect for families during the day, or a great pub scene alternative for adults at night… when the lights are off throughout the entire museum! Find out more here .

The Dublinia is another family friendly museum that takes you through Irish history starting all the way back to the age of the vikings! Find out more here .

Classic Museums: The National Museum of Ireland In Dublin City

The National Museum of Ireland is somewhat of your classic museum, although it covers several sections. There’s an Archeology department as well as natural history.

This is also where you’ll find the National Gallery of Ireland.

dublinia-museum-Ireland

Explore Ireland’s Famous Alcohols

If you didn’t know before, you’ll quickly notice when you’re in Ireland: the Irish love drinking . They have two famous brews, Guinness and Whiskey.

Beer & Ireland

Irelands is famous for producing Guinness: a dry stout beer. It’s very earthy and heavy – great for drinking during the cold months of the year.

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The main attraction in Dublin Ireland is The Guinness Storehouse , to find out everything there is to know about Guinness beer. 

This museum takes you from brewing to exporting, and finally to the marketing of the beer. Your ticket also includes a pint of Guinness that you can enjoy at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city.

P.S. Tickets become more expensive later in the day and on the weekends. The Gravity Bar will also become more crowded the later you go. Although it’s a bit odd, the early you go there, the better! That’s why we enjoyed our pint first thing in the morning! Book tickets on Viator .

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Whiskey & Ireland

Whiskey has been produced in Ireland going back hundreds of years, and though their Scottish neighbours like to lay claim its invention, the Irish will always say they got there first (seriously, read about the controversy in my post about surprising food origins !).

I recommend visiting The Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street. It’s a guided history tour about whiskey in Ireland with a tasting session at the end. If you’re a bit of a lightweight (like me), I recommend not going on an empty stomach! Book tickets on Viator here .

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Whiskey Distilleries In Dublin

If you’re more interested in visiting a whiskey distillery in Dublin Ireland there are actually two in the city you can visit : Jameson and Teeling.

I haven’t heard anything about the Teeling distillery , but I’ve visited the Jameson Distillery and would recommend!

The Jameson Distillery offers a few upgrades to their basic tour. For example, we were able to book a cask draw experience where we tasted the whiskey directly from the cask – which was pretty cool!

Alcohol In Dublin Ireland

Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin tickets →

Combined Jameson & Guinness Storehouse skip the line tickets with guided tour →

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Dublin City Night Life

Part of the Irish love for alcohol is going out at night to enjoy it.

So they have a great nightlife and pub scene. You can sign up for different pub crawls or you can head to Temple Bar on your own.

Temple bar is both the “party district” and the cultural centre of Dublin City. During the day there are markets, but at night tourists will all flock there for a good time. You’ll find mostly crowded pubs and overpriced drinks, but you’ll still have an unforgettable night.

P.S. It’s known at the pints will become increasingly more expensive throughout the night in Temple Bar.

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Where To Eat In Dublin Ireland

My favourite place to eat in Dublin Ireland was The Celt . This is a fun little pub that’s outside of the tourist epicentre of Dublin. They have live, traditional Irish music 7 nights a week and delicious food (I recommend the classic Irish stew with a side of mashed potatoes).

An easy place to eat, just off of Grafton Street, is O’Neils Pub . I had the fish and chips and I think they were the best I had on my entire trip. But they were also my first in Ireland, so I might be a little biased!

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Fun Day Trips From Dublin Ireland

If you are interested in seeing some more of Ireland, I recommend doing some day trips from Dublin. This way, you don’t always have to pack up all your belongings and move every second day.

Here are some of the essential day trips from Dublin, but if you have some more time, check out my full top 10 list here .

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Visit Northern Ireland & Giants Causeway

I went on this organized tour from Viator to the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland.

The first part of the day explores Belfast, which has a completely different history than Dublin. You’ll get to choose between the Titanic museum or a black cab tour of the city.

I highly HIGHLY recommend choosing the black cab tour. You’ll be driven around by two local guides (a Protestant and Catholic) who will each describe the troubled history of the city. This way, you get to hear both sides of the story.

Just a heads up, Northern Ireland is a part of the UK (so bring pounds if you have!).

The next part of your day bring you to The Giants Causeway – a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, you’ll have some free time to walk around and take in the sights of these strange – but entirely natural – rock formations.

Before heading back to Dublin, you’ll stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge. You can cross the rickety bridge – at your own risk – to the other side. Joking! It’s completely safe.

Book the Northern Ireland highlights tour on Viator →

dublin tourist eating

Visit Cork and Blarney Castle From Dublin

For our second day trip from Dublin, I went on this organized tour with Viator to visit Cork and Blarney Castle.

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. They’ll give you a short tour and then you’ll have some free time to walk around before heading to your second stop of the day: Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is famous for a stone at the top of the tower. Legend says that if you kiss the stone, you’ll get the gift of the gab. Be prepared to wait in line to go up though… and it’s LONG! But it’ll be worth it!

You’ll also stop at the Rock of Cashel castle ruins along your route. It’s a great stop filled with history, photo-ops, and a beautiful place to appreciate the Irish countryside.

Book the the Blarney Castle & Cork organized tour here . Or see more day trips from Dublin through Viator here .

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P.S. The Reality About A Day Trip To The Cliffs of Moher From Dublin…

If you know anything about Ireland, it’s probably the Cliffs of Moher. And if you haven’t, they’re basically giant sea side cliffs (surprising, I know). The Cliffs of Moher might just be the most popular day trip from Dublin.

But when I looked into visiting the Cliffs, I found that it wasn’t worth the trip if you’re doing it in a day from Dublin. They’re actually pretty far from the city so it would be a lot of just driving.

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Update: I Went Back To Ireland & Visited The Cliffs…

I made a point to stay in Galway to visit the Cliffs instead of visiting them from Dublin. Read my honest review here: The Cliffs Of Moher: Average Cliffs Or Worth The Hassle?

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But the worst part about it all… you might not even get to see the cliffs at all.

As I mentioned, the weather in Ireland is VERY temperamental . So there’s a high chance of rain or fog. If it’s anything but sunny, you won’t be able to see the full effects of the cliffs, if you’re able to see them at all.

The reality is that with limited time, a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is risky and costly.

Cliffs of Moher Day Trips From Dublin

If you’re still interested in visiting the Cliffs of Moher, this tour from Viator is the most popular organized tour from Dublin. The tour takes you to the Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway city. See details on Viator here .

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5 Unexpected Food Origin Stories That'll Surprise You | Afternoon Tea Reads

Saturday 23rd of May 2020

[…] But we want to know who first produced Whiskey as we know it today, then the first known date is actually in Ireland. […]

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48 Hours in Dublin: What to Do, Where to Go and What to Eat and Drink

Dublin is small enough to get around by foot, and has plenty to offer for a weekend visit

For a relatively small capital city, Dublin has plenty to see and do, and it can’t all be crammed into one weekend – at least not comfortably. Here, we lay out a manageable 48-hour itinerary, taking in some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

Friday evening.

7pm until late Begin as you mean to go on, with an impeccable dinner at Delahunt on Camden Street. Housed in a Victorian building that was once a grocery store of the same name – the original sign from 1906 is inside – this historic spot also has literary significance, cropping up in James Joyce ’s Ulysses.

Courtesy of Delahunt

Its contemporary Irish menu includes audacious twists on classic national dishes, such as boxty – a potato pancake – with market fish and seaweed, while the decor is flawlessly understated. If you prefer something with a more exotic flair, try the nearby Jerusalem for top-notch Middle Eastern cuisine. And if you’re hoping to save cash for the rest of your weekend, you can get a delicious organic Irish beef burger at Green 19 for just €10. You’ll be spoilt for choice for an after-dinner drink in the Camden Street area. For a sleek New York vibe, try Sophie’s rooftop bar at the superbly cool Dean Hotel – one of the hottest hangouts in town.

9am – 11.30am Beat the crowds to an early morning walk around Trinity College – Ireland’s oldest university and the alma mater of Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde – making sure to see the Book of Kells exhibition. Then fuel up for more sightseeing with the so-called breakfast of champions at San Lorenzo’s on South Great George’s Street.

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The Long Room, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

11.30am – 12.30pm Afterwards, head to Kildare Street and take a look at Leinster House . A former ducal palace, its design was the inspiration for the US White House, and it is now the home of Ireland’s parliament. Cross to Dawson Street for coffee at the Art Nouveau Café en Seine if you need a pick-me-up, or go straight next door to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, one of the best places in the country to see Celtic artefacts.

Saturday afternoon

12.30pm – 1.30pm Continue on to St Stephen’s Green – a former Georgian square turned public park – for a ramble, or visit The Little Museum of Dublin, situated in a grand townhouse overlooking the square. A popular museum dedicated to the history of the city, you’d be wise to book a ticket for this in advance. 1.30pm – 2.30pm By now you’ll have worked up an appetite for lunch. Try Angelina’s or Saba on Upper Baggot Street – both laid-back joints with great food.

Courtesy of Eastside Tavern

2.30pm – 4pm Moving on to Temple Bar , take a stroll through the Saturday food market in Meeting House Square and check out cutting-edge concept store Indigo & Cloth , and then walk towards Christ Church Cathedral and the historic Liberties area. Having admired the cathedral, sample a locally roasted coffee in the popular new Riddler Café and Restaurant. 4pm – 6pm If you’re so inclined, you can continue down Thomas Street to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and a panoramic view of the city. Alternatively, jump on the number 13 bus to Kilmainham and visit the famous gaol (jail) or Ireland’s Museum of Modern Art . (Advance booking is recommended for the jail.)

Saturday evening

8pm until late Spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere around the Creative Quarter , having tapas at Fade Street Social’s gastro bar or dinner at either Brasserie Sixty6 or Drury Buildings – the latter billed as “a mish-mash of Berlin exterior, New York interior…classic cocktails and some really cracking food”. If you’re more in the mood for elegant dining, try Fallon & Byrne’s slow food-inspired brasserie. Finish the night with drinks at Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop or NoLIita, hip Italian bar and restaurant.

Courtesy of Nolita

Sunday morning

9.30am – 12pm Having gained an insight into life on Dublin’s Southside , spend Sunday investigating the north. Get your morning coffee at Brother Hubbard North, one of the city’s best-loved cafes, then walk up O’Connell Street past the GPO – the famous post office that sheltered Irish rebels during the 1916 Rising. Visit the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square, seeing Francis Bacon’s reconstructed studio and works by Irish and international artists. Opposite the gallery, you’ll find the Garden of Remembrance , dedicated to fighters who died in the Irish War of Independence.

Sunday afternoon

12pm – 7pm Drive (you can also take the bus or Dart train) to the seaside village of Howth and walk along the pier or hike the cliffs to the Baily Lighthouse, before enjoying lunch at one of its many renowned seafood restaurants . Once sated, make your way further up the coast to the beautiful town of Malahide , visiting its castle and gardens.

Ireland, Dublin county, the Malahide castle

Sunday evening

7pm Have dinner at Old Street, where two of Malahide’s oldest buildings have been converted into a newly opened neighbourhood bistro and cocktail bar. Alternatively, try Kajjal for highly recommended Pakistani and Eastern cuisine, or Cape Greko for Greek food. Finally, watch from Malahide Marina as the sun sets on your weekend in Dublin. Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? Check out our guide to the best weekend trips and getaways from Dublin , bookable with Culture Trip.

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Must Eat Foods In Dublin and Where To Eat Them

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February 16, 2020

Must Eat Foods In Dublin and Where To Eat Them

Edited by Elodi Troskie

Dublin might be small, but this city is an explosion of international culture where cuisines from all over the world come together. Exploring Dublin’s food scene is easy because everything is so conveniently close to each other. When thinking about Ireland’s characteristic foods, most people think potatoes, potatoes and more potatoes. Whilst that’s not entirely wrong, but Dublin’s cuisine has a lot more to offer! So here is my guide to Dublin’s must-eat foods and where to find them

Sunday roast with the locals

Sunday roast with the locals

Sunday roast is a big thing in Dublin. Think of it as a Christmas dinner once a week! There’s nothing like a good meal to bring people together and these eventful Sunday lunches do just that. It takes a whole morning of cooking and preparing for the feast, usually involving the entire family. Dublin’s typical foods are quite heavy, so you can expect a lot of starchy foods like potatoes, beef, and bread. Sunday roasts are usually really big meals that you have around 2pm – after that, you won’t eat for the rest of the day. If you want to dine as the locals do, a real Irish roast is the best way to kickstart your Dublin trip ! If you can’t work your way into an Irish grandmother’s house to join for Sunday lunch, visit one of the pubs around the city to get a taste of local cuisine. It’s always best to spot where the locals hang out – this is where you’ll find the best (and most affordable) food.

Irish stew at home

Irish stew at home

Traditional Irish stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food – perfect for the cold European winters. Similar to the typical Sunday roast, but with a twist. Irish stew can be made of anything and everything, blending a variety of meat and root vegetables. Most commonly used ingredients are lamb or mutton along with potatoes, onions, carrots and parsley. Families will often have their own adaption of this dish, but there is no exact recipe to it. Most of the time it depends on what you have in your fridge, or what you have left over from the last Sunday roast. This is a cheap, no-fuss and very versatile dish to make since you can vary it up with meatless options. You can order this stew from most restaurants in Dublin, but if you really want to make yourself at home here, try making it yourself (if your accommodation set-up allows for it!).

Chips at a chipper

Chips at a chipper

Chippers are fast food outlets selling mainly chips and other deep-fried foods. There are few things as good as an indulgent pack of chips after a night out in the city. Portions are big, cheap, greasy and can be spiced up with garlic, cheese and curry sauce. Every town in Ireland has its own number one chipper where the locals prefer to get their fried-food-fix from. The best chipper in Dublin is a place called Temple Takeaway, located in the bustling riverside neighborhood of Temple Bar. Right in the heart of Dublin, Temple Bar is the most accessible place to get local foods. It might be a bit touristic, but it’s great for eating. Visit Temple Takeaway for a no-shame local treat that both you and your wallet will love!

Seafood at The Seafood Cafe

Seafood at The Seafood Cafe

Dublin is a seaside city, so naturally we have a very active fishing culture with very good seafood. One of my favorite places to get seafood in Dublin is The Seafood Café in Temple Bar. Their fish is always super fresh, and the service is great. They serve simple dishes but add their own special touches, for example their watermelon water, candied walnut salad and prawns on toast are some of the really interesting options on the menu. Make sure you get a window seat for the beautiful view of the city, stretching all the way to Trinity College. Something pretty unusual about this place is their dog-in-restaurant policy, allowing their customers to bring their four-legged friends to join for dinner in a private area downstairs – not bad for dinner company! Opening hours are from 12:00 until 21:00 every day, and until 22:00 over weekends.

Vegetable dishes at O’Neill’s Pub

Vegetable dishes at O’Neill’s Pub

You’ll notice that Dublin’s food is largely centered around meat. But if you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly dishes, a great place I can recommend is O’Neill’s Pub. Located in the heart of Dublin’s city center just a few streets from Temple Bar, O’Neill’s is a must-visit traditional Old Irish-style pub. As one of Lonely Planet’s top picks for the best places to eat in Dublin, you won’t be disappointed! The staff are so friendly, making sure every guest is warmly welcomed into this atmospheric space. In addition to the wine bar, whiskey corner, and beer garden, they have an extensive menu of all the local favorites from the morning’s Irish breakfast all the way through to Sunday’s hearty roast. I’m suggesting this restaurant for meat-free options because they don’t skim on the greenery and source all their vegetables from the finest local producers. O’Neill’s are open from 8am until 11:30pm every day and until 12:30amover weekends.

Irish breakfast at Old Mail Pub

Irish breakfast at Old Mail Pub

Ireland is a country of farmers, and one thing this has given way to is the traditional Irish farmer’s breakfast created to sustain farm workers for a full day of work. Similar to the typical English breakfast, the Irish breakfast is typically made up of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, toast with butter and marmalade, and hot tea – it’s quite a mouthful! What makes it different from a full English breakfast is the addition of drisheen (black or white pudding) and Irish soda bread. This breakfast will keep you going for the rest of the day – perfect to prepare for a long day of exploring Dublin . Old Mill is a great pub to visit for the real deal when it comes to Irish breakfast. Old Mill serves their famous breakfast special from 10:00 until 15:00 every day. You can find this pub in the center of Temple Bar. If you miss out on their iconic breakfast set, you can try out their other specialty dishes like traditional Irish stew, cottage pie and slow-cooked beef. They also have vegetarian options!

Cake & coffee at Ann’s Bakery

Cake & coffee at Ann’s Bakery

Sure, coffee and baked goods aren’t unique to Dublin, but you’ll have to search long and far to find an equal to the lovely Ann’s Bakery. This is one of my favorite cafes in Dublin – it’s warm and homey, and I love that it feels as though you’re having tea in your grandmother’s kitchen. Ann’s is a family-owned bakery and café that’s faithfully been serving artisanal baked treats to Dublin’s residents for the past 40 years. The menu also includes small meals like soup, salad, sandwiches, quiche and all-day breakfast. A hot cup of coffee and a big slice of home-baked cake from Ann’s is like the whole of Dublin giving you a warm hug. Find Ann’s Bakery in Mary Street, Moore Street of North Earl Street. Opening hours are from 07:30 until 18:00 every day.

Guinness beer (anywhere!)

Guinness beer (anywhere!)

You can’t leave Dublin without trying the dark, dry Guinness beer Ireland is so famous for. This beer has been the country’s most popular alcoholic drink for centuries since the Irish first started brewing it in the 1750’s. The unique taste comes from the combination of malted barley and roasted unmalted barley, giving it that characteristic sting. No matter where you find yourself in Dublin, you’ll never be more than a few minutes’ away from the closest pub selling this Irish favorite. If you’re looking for a special Guinness-tasting experience, a really cool pub to visit is The Old Spot on Bath Avenue. This is a classic, timeless traditional Irish pub is one of the best bars in Dublin – even the Michelin thinks so. The Old Spot is one of Dublin’s only two gastropubs that’s made it on the Michelin’s ‘Eating out in Pubs’ Guide for the past four years. They have an extensive lunch and dinner menu and, of course, an enormous range of local wines, beers and ciders to choose from. A must-visit in Dublin! The Old Spot is open from 12:00 until the early morning hours.

Ice cream at Teddy’s

Ice cream at Teddy’s

Teddy’s Ice Cream is a longstanding local institution in Dublin. Located in Dun Laoghaire, this shop has become a household name in the southern part of the city since it was established in 1950. Teddy’s have seen Dublin through three generations of families visiting the shop on warm Sunday afternoons, remaining a well-beloved spot in town. Their famous ice cream is something everyone has to try at least once! They also serve other treats like hand-made sweets, gourmet brewed coffee and baked goods. What makes this place so special is the sense of community. A lot of people knew Teddy, the original owner, and have heart-warming stories to tell about him and the rest of the staff. Teddy’s oldest serving member has been part of this family for more than 40 years! Definitely one of Dublin’s most amazing hidden gems .

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Fun foodie experiences in Dublin you must try

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Ireland’s lively capital has a fierce reputation for being the beating heart of the country’s culture, music and burgeoning food scene. There are several foodie experiences in Dublin to be discovered.

You could spend months eating and drinking your way through Dublin and barely scratch the surface of the city’s developing food scene.

dublin tourist eating

Whilst there are the usual plethora of mediocre tourist traps and experiences, there’s also quirky foodie experiences and traditions in the city if you know where to look.

From food tours, quirky dishes, traditional eats and private dining, here’s my guide to some of the most fun foodie experiences in Dublin.

Fun foodie experiences in Dublin you must try

Learn about Irish gastronomy on a Dublin Food tour

If you want to learn more about traditional Irish food , then you need to eat your way around the city on a Delicious Dublin Food Tour .

Learn more about Dublin’s growing culinary culture as you visit several foodie hotspots in the city.

fun foodie experiences in Dublin.

On this delicious tour, you can try local cheeses and chocolates, visit food halls and artisan bakeries and food halls.

You’ll visit venues off the tourist trail and eat where the locals go. It’s definitely one of the most fun foodie experiences in Dublin.

dublin tourist eating

Eat an Irish McDonalds

If you are looking for quirky things to do in Dublin, I would head to Supermacs. You might well be wondering why I would recommend a fast-food spot in Dublin?

Supermacs is a unique chain in Ireland and with an interesting legal history.

You may have heard of them in the news after the small company won a landmark case against McDonald’s, who tried to block the company opening new restaurants in Europe.

dublin tourist eating

This is because McDonald’s argued that Supermacs sounded too much like their infamous Big Mac. Supermacs do simple fast food that can help you in a pinch but make time to try their chicken filter burger or cheesy taco chips. It’s the worst kind of food in the best kind of way.

dublin tourist eating

Treat yourself to a private dining experience in Dublin

Dublin boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants and venues throughout the city.

If you are looking to spoil yourself with a spot of upscale dining, why not book a private dining experience in Dublin?

Private dining and group dining is a perfect way to celebrate an event in the city and sample delicious cuisine.

You can book a selection of private dining rooms in Dublin for corporate hospitality, birthday parties, family gatherings and anniversary parties.

dublin tourist eating

Some of the best private dining room venues in Dublin include:

  • Al Boschetto
  • Camden Kitchen
  • Ely Bar & Grill
  • Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
  • Brasserie Sixty6

Treat yourself to a private dining experience in Dublin

Sample a traditional Dublin Coddle

A Dublin coddle is a simmering one-pot stew that is traditionally made with leftovers from the fridge.

Typical coddle ingredients can include onions, bacon, sausages and potatoes.

This rustic dish is very popular in Dublin and is also enjoyed all over Ireland. It is even reported to have several literary connections.

It is said to have been the favourite meal of playwright  Seán O’Casey  and  Gulliver’s Travels author Jonathan Swift .

Sample a traditional Dublin Coddle

There are several places in Dublin that serve up steaming bowls of traditional coddle for you to try. Some of the best places for coddle in Dublin include:

  • The Hairy Lemon
  • O’Shea’s Talbot Street
  • The Quays in Temple Bar 
  • The Gravediggers

dublin tourist eating

Sip Irish Coffee in cosy pubs

This classic drink is perfect as a wintery drink, created in Limerick in 1943 by chef Joe Sheridan.

Irish coffee was made and consumed as a way of warming up frozen-to-the-bone, disembarking boat passengers.

It took off and is now ingrained into Irish culture. It is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, with a layer of thick cream poured ever so carefully over the top.

Irish coffee

Best places for Irish coffee in Dublin

There are several pubs in Dublin that do the Irish Coffee very well. Check out some of these cosy places for a warming and boozy coffee:

  • The Rag Trader on Drury street 
  • Kennedy’s on Westland Row 
  • The Old Storehouse
  • Darkey Kelly’s on Fishamble Stree

Best places for Irish coffee in Dublin

Visit a trendy food market 

Spend a foodie afternoon shopping and eating at the trendy Dollard & Co. Food Hall and Diner . This popular food market is located within the historic Dollard Printing House, in Temple Bar.

Explore all the wonderful feature of the store including the Coffee Dock, Grocers, Cheesemongers, Wine & Off Licence, Bakery as well as exquisite Hampers & Gifts.

The Deli & Diner has multiple food options and serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

Their exciting menu features pancakes and french toast, sandwiches and wraps. Tasty burgers, pizzas and traditional Irish mains also feature in the diner.

dublin tourist eating

Try a Dublin spice bag

The party-goers of Dublin, have found an ingenious way of being able to eat Chinese food while walking home on a night out.

If you need something to snack on after being out, get yourself a spice bag. It’s essentially a paper bag with salted chilli chicken and chips inside.

The ingredients are put in a bag before spices are thrown in, the bag is twirled closed and shaken vigorously.

Some of the best spice bags in Dublin include:

  • The Sunflower Chinese, Templeogue
  • Duck, Fade Street
  • Starry Night, Pearse Street
  • Foo Lok, Blanchardstown

dublin tourist eating

Learn about whiskey making at Jameson Distillery

Learn the secrets of making Irish whiskey on a Jameson Distillery fully guided tour and enjoy comparative whiskey tasting!

Your guide will explain how whiskey-making was once one of Dublin’s main industries.

dublin tourist eating

The whisky industry actually employed a range of people with differing skills from engineers and coppersmiths to saw millers and ironmongers.

dublin tourist eating

Immerse yourself in the world of Jameson’s as you touch, smell, interact and taste Jameson whisky in the original Bow Street distillery buildings.

On Jameson’s distillery tour you can also visit the live maturation warehouse and taste Jameson’s straight from the barrel. After the tour, enjoy a wee dram of Whisky in the JJ bar.

dublin tourist eating

Drink the best Guinness in Dublin

Oh, a pint of the black stuff. It’s pretty much a law that anyone visiting Dublin for a bit of fun has to try a pint of dark.

There are dozens of lively bars and traditional pubs to check out around the city that claim to serve the best in town.

dublin tourist eating

Depending on how long you’ll be visiting Dublin, some of the best places to try a perfect Guinness:

  • The Guinness Storehouse – a major tourist attraction but surprisingly fun and informative.
  • Bad Bobs – where locals who have to go to Temple Bar go because it’s on the periphery and doesn’t charge rip-off prices for drinks.
  • Gravediggers – Anthony Bourdain once famously claimed while having a pint there that “this is what heaven looks like”.
  • McGowan’s – McGowan’s – In Dublin for a big gig at Croke Park? Avoid the overpriced bars at the venue with this local haunt just a few blocks away.
  • The Barge – You can’t drink by the canals in the sunny days, but that doesn’t stop locals grabbing a Guinness here and sneaking across the road to sit by the water.
  • Toners – Just off St Stephen’s Green, it is an old school Dublin pub that most tourists don’t know about.

dublin tourist eating

Sample Irish Cheese at Sheridans

No trip to Dublin is complete without sampling delicious Irish cheese at Sheridans Cheesemonger .

Enthusiastic staff are on hand to talk about all things cheese and to hand out samples of Irish cheese as well as Italian and French varieties.

Some of the must-try Irish cheeses include Carrig Bru, Cashel Blue Mature, Knockanore Smoked, Gortnamona Goat and Derg Cheddar.

Make sure to check out their collection of delectable hampers, full of farmhouse cheeses, handmade Irish foods and wine.

dublin tourist eating

Drink local ales in Temple Bar

Temple Bar is the quintessential place in Dublin to go and experience Irish culture and music.

Yes, it’s a huge tourist trap but don’t let that detract you from the fun of sipping Irish ales whilst listening to live music.

In this picturesque part of the city, you’ll find some of Dublin’s most famous pubs, folk music, restaurants, quirky graffiti and walking tours.

dublin tourist eating

The very best of Dublin is squeezed into a small and charming area that has the most delightful cobbled streets and lively drinking holes.

To experience the best of Temple Bar, I recommend going on a  Temple Bar traditional Irish musical pub crawl . It’s one of the most fun late-night activities in Dublin.

dublin tourist eating

Learn to cook traditional Irish dishes

Cooking classes are a great way of gaining new skills and learning more about local cuisines when travelling.

Book a Dublin Cooking Class & Dinner and you’ll get a social dining experience whilst you help chef cook a traditional Irish dinner. You can then enjoy the fruits of your labour with all the participants in the class.

Learn how to cook a range of traditional Irish dishes such as Irish Soda Bread, Beef and Guinness Casserole, Colcannon, and your own Irish Coffee! it’s one of the most hands-on foodie experiences in Dublin.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin’s food scene

Thanks to Square Meal for partnering with me for this article. What do you think of my guide to fun foodie experiences in Dublin?

Are you planning to eat your way around Ireland’s capital on your next trip there? Let me know in the comments below.

dublin tourist eating

Planning your trip to Dublin

Ready to book your trip to Dublin? Use these awesome travel resources to get you started:

  • Search for the best flight deals with  Skyscanner
  • Search for the best hotel deals on  Booking.com
  • Get the best travel tips with a  travel guidebook
  • Book an Airbnb and have  £25 towards your first booking
  • Get the best destination recommendations from  TripAdvisor

Check out all the best travel resources on my bumper  travel resources page !

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Whilst there are the usual plethora of mediocre tourist traps and experiences, there's also quirky foodie experiences and traditions in Dublin if you know where to look. From food tours, quirky dishes, traditional eats and private dining, here's my guide to some of the most fun foodie experiences in Dublin. Dublin food guide | Dublin food scene | Irish food | Irish dishes | Where to eat in Dublin

Portia Jones

Portia has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist, editor of Pip and the City and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic and Lonely Planet. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.

  • Portia Jones https://pipandthecity.com/author/thatpip/ One Week in Malta: Ultimate holiday itinerary for 2024
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What to Eat in Dublin: 13 Treats You Should Not Miss

dublin tourist eating

The largest and the capital city of Ireland, Dublin is a vibrant metropolis that boasts a rich history and culture. Set on the River Liffey in the Irish province of Leinster, Dublin is a hub for education, industry, arts, culture and administration. In fact, it is one of the most visited destinations not just in the United Kingdom but in the entirety of Europe, welcoming an average of 9 million tourists annually.

One of the many draws of the Irish capital is its bustling dining scene. Dublin’s food scene is extremely diverse and features cuisines from different parts of the globe. The city's restaurant scene is also impressive. Here, you can find a mix of fine dining establishments and even a Michelin starred restaurant along with traditional eateries and pubs serving no-frills Irish food. While it is exciting to have a myriad of cuisine options, you’d be remiss not to sample the authentic flavors of traditional Irish cuisine while on a trip to Dublin.

The local cuisine in Dublin features everything from hearty stews and breakfasts to pies and sweet breads. If you want to eat like a local, here are some of the treats that you should not miss out on when in Dublin. If you plan to take your foodie itinerary up a notch, check out these guides on the city's top vegetarian restaurants and must-try local Dublin street food . (Pro tip: Before heading out, check your luggage at a Bounce storage locker in Dublin to avoid any inconvenience).

Dublin Food: Irish stew

If there is one local delicacy you should definitely eat in Dublin, it would have to be the Irish stew. Ireland’s national dish, this traditional stew dates back to the 19th century and was invented to create a hearty meal using whatever leftover ingredients were available. While the original recipe of the Irish stew was composed only of mutton, potatoes, barley and onions, there have been several variations of the dish over the years.

Local ingredients such as lamb, beef carrots, parsnips, turnips, thyme and parsley are now added to the stew. Because it is the quintessential comfort food in Ireland, you won’t have any difficulty finding the Irish stew; it is easily available in most pubs in Dublin, though each version may vary depending on each location’s personal recipe. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try the unique Beef and Guinness Stew version available at the iconic Guinness Storehouse .

Dublin Food: Boxty pancakes

Unlike any other pancake you’ve ever tried before, the boxty is a traditional Irish food made using potatoes. More specifically, it is made by combining mashed potatoes, grated raw potatoes, eggs, buttermilk and flour to create a pancake-like batter, which is then fried until golden brown. Boxty pancakes are originally served with just butter or sugar, although there are many variations available today.

One of the best places in Dublin where you can eat this local dish is at the Gallaghers Boxty House, located in the buzzing Temple Bar district. Established in 1988, the pub serves traditional Irish fare but is best known for the extensive selection of boxty pancakes on its menu, including flavors like corned beef, smoked salmon, mussels, ham and lamb boxty.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin Food: Beef and Guinness pie

It’s no secret that the Irish love their Guinness, so much so that they include it in a lot of their local dishes, one of which is the beef and Guinness pie. A local favorite, this quintessential Irish food is essentially a beef stew topped with the iconic dry stout and baked inside a pastry.

Aside from the two main ingredients of Guinness and beef, the filling also features ingredients like onion, carrots, stock, redcurrant jelly, mustard powder and celery. If there’s leftover sauce, it is placed in a jug and served on the side, which you can use gravy for the pie.

Dublin Food: Irish breakfast

If there’s an English breakfast, then you can bet that the Irish have their own version of a hearty breakfast; a full Irish breakfast is a traditional meal that is composed of meat (commonly sausage or bacon), fried eggs, potatoes, vegetables and black and white pudding, all fried in creamy butter. Some places serve full Irish breakfast alongside brown bread or boxty pancakes and with a side of coffee or tea and a glass of orange juice.

This dish is a huge part of Irish history; the meal was invented to prepare workers for a full day of labor, particularly during the winter season. Today, however, the dish is more often prepared on Sunday mornings or during the holiday season (or as a hangover cure). Most pubs and cafés in Dublin serve full Irish breakfasts, with some of the popular joints being O’Neill’s Pub and Kitchen, WUFF, and Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin Food: Spice bag

One of the most popular Irish fast food dishes to come out of Dublin is spice bag. While the dish is noticeably Asian-inspired, spice bag was popularized in the city around 2010, although its precise origin is unknown. The popular takeaway meal is composed of some form of chicken (often shredded or nuggets), deep-fried potato chips, chili peppers, onion and capsicum, all placed in one paper bag. Some versions of the spice bag even use more exotic spices such as garam masala or cumin.

Dublin Food: Dublin coddle

With a history that dates back to the 1700s, the coddle is no doubt the most iconic dish in Dublin and a must-try during your stay in the city. Believed to have been derived from the French word caudle, which translates to “to boil gently”, the Dublin coddle is a meat stew consisting of bacon, sausages, potatoes, sliced onions and various herbs and spices that bring flavor to the dish.

The dish was invented by locals while trying to figure out a way to reuse leftover food that was about to expire. At present, it is still one of Dublin’s most beloved comfort foods and is served in the city’s top pubs and restaurants. Renowned Irish writers such as Sean O’Casey, James Joyce, and Jonathan Swift have also mentioned their love for the Dublin coddle on more than one occasion.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin Food: Colcannon

The Colcannon is best described as the Irish version of the classic British working-class meal known as bubble and squeak. Invented during the 18th century, this traditional dish features mashed potatoes as the main ingredient, along with ingredients such as cabbage or kale (or both), onions, cream and milk. In some places, the colcannon is served with a side of Irish bacon, salt pork or ham.

Today, colcannon is primarily served on festive days during the year, particularly during St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and Christmas. However, almost all pubs in the city center serve colcannon as it is widely considered comfort food for the locals. One of the most popular places in Dublin for colcannon is Hairy Lemon along Stephen Street.

Dublin Food: Seafood chowder

The seafood chowder is by no means an invention of the Irish, but their version is certainly up there with the best. Originally a French delicacy, the Irish variation features a combination of two or more seafood, mainly smoked salmon, cod, prawns, shellfish, haddock and other white fish. What makes the Irish seafood chowder stand out is the freshness of the ingredients; Ireland’s proximity to the water means that seafood is a huge part of the nation’s local cuisine.

This assortment of fresh fish and seafood is then cooked in cream, milk and an array of vegetables to form a thick chowder. It is finished with a garnish of fresh parsley and served with bread. Irish seafood chowder is easily available in most Dublin restaurants and pubs and can be consumed any day of the year.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin Food: Barmbrack

The barmbrack is one of the most renowned traditional baked goods in Ireland and a must-try when in Dublin. Similar to a Christmas cake, the delicious barmbrack bread has raisins and sultanas that add to its overall flavor. The bread can either be served on its own, toasted or with a dollop of butter and a cup of tea. Some of Dublin’s most popular bakeries that offer barmbrack include Hansel & Gretel Bakery, The Firehouse Bakery and The Butler’s Pantry.

More than just being a tasty snack, the barmbrack is also a major part of Irish culture and is widely associated with the Celt celebration of Halloween. During the holiday, a trinket such as a ring or a coin is hidden inside the loaf; whoever gets the slice containing the trinket is believed to be the recipient of good fortune.

Dublin Food: Soda bread

Next to barmbrack, soda bread is one of Ireland’s most traditional breads and a staple in the Dublin dining scene. A type of quick bread, this Irish treat got its name from baking soda, which is the ingredient in the dough used as a leavening agent in place of yeast. Soda bread is a timeless dish and every household in the city has its own recipe passed down to the next generation. However, if you want to sample the bread in Dublin, some of the go-to spots include Fallon & Byrne, The Bakery Temple Bar and Bretzel Bakery.

Soda bread is made from basic ingredients such as baking soda, milk, flour and salt. Once baked, the brown bread presents a soft center with a crispy crust. While the original recipe is plain, there are some bakeries that add toppings such as nuts and raisins. Soda bread is served with either butter or jam during afternoon tea. It is also often prepared as a side to almost any dish, including Irish breakfast, coddle and seafood chowder.

Dublin Food: Black and white pudding

One of the staples of a traditional Irish breakfast is the black pudding, which is a kind of sausage made from meat, blood, oatmeal, fat and potato or bread fillers. On the other hand, white pudding is essentially a black pudding without the blood ingredient. In Dublin and most parts of Ireland, these two kinds of sausages are served together in a single dish, the black and white pudding. The breakfast favorite is offered in most restaurants and pubs across Dublin but perhaps the best version can be found at The Pig’s Ear along Nassau Street.

dublin tourist eating

Dublin Food: Bacon and cabbage

One of the most popular seasonal dishes in Ireland, bacon and cabbage is no-frills Irish food that is quick and easy to prepare. Traditionally made and served during St. Patrick’s Day, the dish mainly consists of cured pork bacon and cabbage; every now and then, other ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, turnips or onions are added. The dish is served with a side of white sauce made out of milk, flour, butter and different herbs.

The bacon and cabbage dish was originally invented by Irish farmers who had to make do with ingredients that were readily available to them. Over the years, however, the simple but hearty dish has become a huge part of the Irish dining scene and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition.

Dublin Food: Irish coffee

Although not technically a dish, there’s no way you can leave Dublin without trying an Irish coffee. This traditional beverage consists of coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar topped with cream. Despite being spiked with alcohol, Irish coffee can be enjoyed during the day or after dinner as a palate cleanser. Almost all cafés and pubs in Dublin serve Irish coffee; some of our personal picks include Vice Coffee, The Brazen Head and The Long Hall.

Savor and Enjoy Irish Food

If you are planning on visiting Dublin in the near future, you should not miss out on the chance to sample some of the most iconic local treats in the city. From a food hall to a restaurant to a street vendor, amazing eats await!

After filling yourself up with Dublin's best dishes, you may want to burn all the calories that you've happily consumed. If so, check out this list of the best hikes in Dublin or walk the span of the O'Connell Bridge to help recover from your food trip around the Irish capital.

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Dublin   Travel Guide

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22 Best Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

Locals might say Dublin is full of "craic" (good times), with a healthy mixture of history and little debauchery that can be found on nearly every street corner. Start in the north at Phoenix Park and head south to the River Liffey, cross the famous

  • All Things To Do

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Trinity College and The Book of Kells Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Note: The Old Library is undergoing a massive restoration and conservation effort. While the Old Library will remain open for visits until construction begins in 2025, all books have been removed from the shelves. The Book of Kells is still on display and there will be a new exhibit about this important manuscript.

U.S. News Insider Tip: This must-see attraction is worth the (typically) long wait. The gift shop is a particularly good spot to pick up inspiring gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your trip. – Rachael Hood

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St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral

U.S. News Insider Tip: After seeing the sights, take a short walk to the cozy Brazen Head pub, said to be the oldest pub in Dublin. Come for the fish and chips but stay for the live music. – Elizabeth Von Tersch

St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Dublin and the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Built on the site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts some 600 years earlier, this massive cathedral was erected between 1220 and 1259 with major restorations beginning in the 1860s. It remains one of the few buildings still standing from medieval Dublin.

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Chester Beatty Library Chester Beatty Library free

Widely known as one of the mote notable museums in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library is often overlooked by tourists. The library is home to an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts and drawings dating back to 2700 B.C. The museum includes religious and artistic collections from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The library's namesake comes from the American mining millionaire and collector, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, who donated his immense collection to Ireland when he passed in 1968. Works include Babylonian clay tablets, the Biblical Papyri and more than 250 different manuscripts of the Quran.

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St. Stephen's Green St. Stephen's Green free

This beautiful park (known for remaining green throughout the year) is a great place to spend a day outside without leaving central Dublin. It's been enjoyed by locals and visitors since 1880 when Arthur Edward Guinness re-opened it as a public park after it served as a private community for the wealthier residents of Dublin for more than century.

These days, the park is maintained by the Office of Public Works and includes a playground and garden for people with blindness or low vision. The green space is also home to several monuments dedicated to some of Ireland's most important figures, including James Joyce and Arthur Edward Guinness. Past visitors appreciated the peaceful grounds and described it as a great place to relax in the middle of the city. Reviewers also praised the park's cleanliness and recommended future visitors pack a picnic to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

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EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

This interactive museum details 1,500 years of Irish history, with stories of the 100 million people who left Ireland, how and where they lived, and their impact on the rest of the world. State-of-the-art interactive exhibits feature touch screens, quizzes and audio and video recordings, which bring Irish history to life. Everything from Irish music and dance to Irish literature to touching letters home, reveal the Irish emigrant experience from multiple points of view.

Recent visitors called the museum highly educational and informative and said it's a must-see for anyone of Irish descent.

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Phoenix Park Phoenix Park free

When the hustle and bustle of the city gets to be too much, seek refuge in Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in a European capital. Encompassing more than 1,700 acres, Phoenix Park features plenty of lush green lawns, shady wooded areas and cool, clean lakes. Once upon a time, it was the royal hunting park (in the 1600s) and opened to the public in 1747. To this day, visitors can encounter fallow deer.

Travelers can start out at the park's Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle to learn about the history of the park and tour the medieval tower that dates back to the 17th century. The park is also home the 78-acre Edwardian estate, the Farmleigh House , which still acts as a working farm as well as a Victorian walled kitchen garden. Recent visitors called the park beautiful, clean and peaceful.

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Kilmainham Gaol Kilmainham Gaol

U.S. News Insider Tip: While a prison may not be the most uplifting place to visit, a tour here really provides insight into the lives of the Irish people and the hardships they endured. – Rachael Hood

According to many, this gaol , or jail, gives its visitors one of the most unique looks into the darker side of Irish history. Occupied from 1796 to the 1920s, the prison housed many famous figures in the fight for Irish independence, including Thomas Francis Meagher and James Connolly, and was also the site for more sinister executions and hangings. Additionally, the prison acted as a transportation point for approximately 4,000 prisoners to Australia – then a penal colony – in the early 19th century. The gaol was known for the harsh treatment of its inhabitants, with no segregation by gender until 1861 when men were transferred to the newly built East Wing. It was later abandoned in 1924 and reopened as a museum in 1966 (though remodeling and updates have taken place since).

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National Gallery of Ireland National Gallery of Ireland free

If you're an art lover, make sure to save some time for this extensive (and free!) museum, which has housed Ireland's national art collection since 1854. Here you'll find numerous works by such renowned artists as Caravaggio, Vincent van Gogh and the French impressionists. But the main attractions are works from some of Ireland's masters, with an impressive collection of works by notable residents such as Jack B. Yeats and Helen Mabel Trevor. The National Gallery also hosts notable traveling exhibitions as well as concerts and lectures.

Recent visitors called the museum outstanding and well worth a visit. If you're a fan of the arts, previous travelers recommended you set aside several hours to tour the museum. You'll also want to grab a map at the entrance as its collections are spread out.

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Dublin Castle Dublin Castle

Right in the heart of the city, the site of the Dublin Castle has played a part in Ireland's history since the land was used by Vikings to build a fortress in the 900s. Parts of the castle were built and torn down through the ages, but the oldest remaining structure, the Record Tower, dates back to the 13th century.

In addition to having been a stronghold against foreign attacks on the city, the castle and its grounds have also been home to a prison, an office of record, a water station, a seat of parliament, a royal court for entertainment and a military residence – all before 1850. The castle grounds were also the site where the Easter Rebellion of 1916 began, and after five years of fighting, where the treaty that granted Irish independence was signed. Many previous visitors recommended taking the guided tour, which they say is more extensive and informative that the self-guided tour.

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Christ Church Cathedral Christ Church Cathedral

Formally known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Christ Church Cathedral has been visited for almost 1,000 years. Originally a Viking church founded in 1030, Archbishop Laurence O'Toole (the future patron saint of Dublin) merged it with the Irish Church in 1152. The Romanesque gothic church is known for its magnificent architecture and its famous bells (one of which is from 1738). This church also holds the largest and oldest crypt in Ireland and is full of historical objects of worship. Among the items stored in this church is a royal plate given by King William III, a rare 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae, and the heart of St. Laurence O'Toole. There's even a morbid oddity of a mummified cat and rat, better known as Tom and Jerry, frozen in eternal pursuit on display for all to gawk at.

Past visitors declare that it's a must-see attraction when visiting Dublin and it's quite affordable as well. Self-guided audio tours – included in your ticket fee – are available and recommended to get an experience filled with hidden facts and stories. Others say it's still a great place to wander about without the audio.

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Jameson Distillery Bow St. Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Did you know that in Irish, whiskey is called  uisce beatha  and literally translates to "the water of life"? Chronicling the history of the Jameson family and the "water" they're known for, the Jameson Distillery no longer makes the hard stuff (that's done elsewhere) though it does offer tours that provide insight on just how to do it. Whiskey drinkers hail the 45-minute guided tour (and the included tastings) as informative and fun, with energetic guides and a beautiful refurbished facility.

Whether you're a fan of whiskey or not, learning about the history is sure to entertain anyone. Even non-drinkers say they enjoyed the informative tour. Learning that the founder of the most famous Irish whiskey, John Jameson, was actually a Scotsman is a favorite tidbit. Or that the Latin on the bottle's label,  Sine Metu , means "without fear."

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Guinness Storehouse Guinness Storehouse

Like the Jameson Distillery , the Guinness Storehouse is no longer a functioning brewery, but it will give you an insider's view into the history and process behind the storied stout. Take the self-guided tour through the former brewery's seven floors to learn about the history of the one-of-a-kind beer, from the ingredients used in the brewing process to the iconic advertisements seen around the world. At the top, you'll be treated to a complimentary pint and city views from its rooftop Gravity Bar.

The best part of the tour for some visitors? The complimentary pint at the end along with the rooftop views. Even non-beer drinkers enjoyed the storehouse for its interactive and multimedia exhibits, but noted that during peak times they can be crowded. Other comment that tickets are a bit pricey. To make sure you get in at your preferred time, book your tickets online in advance. If you sign up for one of the best Dublin tours , you'll likely also visit the storehouse.

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The Little Museum of Dublin The Little Museum of Dublin

To discover Dublin, head on over to The Little Museum of Dublin to learn about the city's illustrious history in approximately 30 minutes. Located in a quaint 18th-century Georgian townhouse near St. Stephen's Green , this charming museum was founded in 2011, with more than 5,000 artifacts donated by Dubliners. You'll find items from Queen Victoria's visit, a copy of James Joyce's "Ulysses" and tokens from the Abbey Theatre's long history. There's even an exhibit on the top floor dedicated to the rise of U2 featuring signed albums, photographs, and gig tickets.

Being that the museum is so small, it's best to book a tour in advance as tickets sell out quickly. You can walk around on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended and should not be missed, according to travelers. Museumgoers routinely praise the lively guides who left everyone – even small children – mesmerized.

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Grafton Street Grafton Street free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're looking for something special to bring home from your trip, head to Weir & Sons for fine Irish jewelry, Brown Thomas is a lovely department store to peruse and Avoca on nearby Suffolk Street has Irish-made Avoca Mill Handweavers wool goods. For a treat, tuck into Bewley's Cafe for coffee or tea and a scone. – Rachael Hood

When you need a break from all the museums and historical sites, head to Grafton Street. This pedestrian street – which runs from  Trinity College to  St. Stephen's Green  – is Dublin's premier shopping district. Here, you'll find everything from familiar brands to more unique items like quirky shoes and used books. There are also two shopping centers in the area, the Stephen's Green Shopping Centre and the upscale Powerscourt Centre. So, if you're looking for a place to exercise your credit card, this would be it.

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Temple Bar Temple Bar free

Often compared to Bourbon Street in New Orleans , this neighborhood is Dublin's famous party hub. During the day, this district thrives on artistic vision, featuring numerous independent galleries and performance art venues. At night, dozens of pubs (including one with the same name as the district) open their doors to those looking to share a pint of Guinness and click their heels to spirited Irish music.

Many visitors say the district has become more of a tourist trap than an authentic representation of Dublin's pub culture, but while in Dublin it is a sight one must see. Pull up a chair, order a (likely overpriced) pint and enjoy the music. For help navigating the crowds, sign up for one of the best Dublin tours , many of which stop in the area.

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Abbey Theatre Abbey Theatre

U.S. News Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the nearby National Leprechaun Museum . It may sound a little cheesy, but this museum is dedicated to preserving Irish folklore and myths about the fair folks plus other Irish heritage tales through the art of oral storytelling. – Yolanda Evans

Although the Abbey Theatre looks quite contemporary, even swanky with its glass front and the theater name bathed in blue light, the performance venue has turn-of-the-century origins. Famed poet, W.B. Yeats, along with another Irish writer, Lady Augusta Gregory, opened the national theater in 1904. It's since been rebuilt and now features 620 seats between  the Abbey and Peacock auditoriums and a continuous playbill of Ireland's most promising playwrights.

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Wicklow Mountains National Park Wicklow Mountains National Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend time in Glendalough  exploring the ancient ruins of the Christian settlement nestled in between two beautiful lakes. Then pick up a bottle of Glendalough whiskey or gin with the image of Saint Kevin plastered on the bottle to remind you of your visit. – Yolanda Evans

Just south of Dublin, Wicklow National Park is one of Ireland's largest parks consisting of more than 20,000 hectares (more than 50,000 acres) of winding mountain paths, bogs, lakes and breathtaking views for all that venture to the park. There are plenty of hiking trails – like the Wicklow Way – for outdoorsy travelers who want to spend more time in nature. For less adventurous visitors, you can seek out historical sites such as the old mine ruins or take a drive around the Great Military Road for a stunning view of the mountains. Also, be sure to check out Glenmacnass waterfall for photo for your Instagram!

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Dublin Zoo Dublin Zoo

The biggest attraction within Phoenix Park is the Dublin Zoo. Opened by the Zoological Society of Ireland in 1831 with just four acres, this zoo is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. The zoo's first collection included monkeys, lions, bears and parrots; an elephant and rhinoceros later joined the collection as rentals (though London gifted the zoo an elephant in 1835). Today, Dubin Zoo spans nearly 70 acres and is home to more than 400 animals in a variety of large habitats. Popular exhibits include the Humboldt penguins and western lowland gorillas. Recent visitors praised the zoo for its size, cleanliness and obvious commitment to the care of its animals. Others note that the zoo can get extremely busy, especially in the peak summer season. After you leave, you can keep a keen eye on the animals via webcam.

The zoo is open every day starting at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. Admission costs 22.50 euros (about $24) for adults and 17 euros (about $18) for children ages 3 to 15. Family tickets and tickets or visitors who need additional assistance are also available. If you book online, you'll save a few euros. Learn more on its website .

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Farmleigh House & Estate Farmleigh House & Estate

U.S. News Insider Tip: After wandering the estate grounds soaking up the history, treat yourself to a little snack and drink at the on-site restaurant, The Boathouse, for Italian and Irish cuisine. Located along the beautiful lake, it's the ideal setting for rest and relaxation. – Yolanda Evans

Once the home of the famous Guinness family, Farmleigh was purchased in 1999 by the government to house visiting dignitaries. This lavish Edwardian estate is nestled on 78 acres that includes the main house, a walled and sunken garden, a beautiful lake and the famous clock tower. Then there's the large collection of art as well as a rare collection of rare books and manuscripts in the library that remained in the house to be on display for visitors. Also on-site is the charming Cowshed theater where artists and performers can showcase their craft. As a bonus, there's a food and craft market behind the Gallery on the first Sunday of the month from Easter Sunday to December.

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Glasnevin Cemetery Glasnevin Cemetery free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  After visiting the cemetery, stop by  John Kavanagh – better known as "The Gravediggers" – for a pint. This bar's nickname was coined because gravediggers used to visit this pub after completing their shift. – Yolanda Evans

Opened in 1832, Glasnevin Cemetery was once one of the few places where Irish Catholics could be buried. It was founded by Daniel O'Connell, who largely helped remove restrictions on Irish Catholics in the early 1800s. Not only is Glasnevin the final resting place for O'Connell, but it's also the burial location for other famous Irish icons like politician Charles Stewart Parnell; the co-founder of the Irish Republican Army Michael Collins; and politician and first female cabinet minister in Ireland, Countess Markievicz. In fact, more than 1.5 million souls are buried in this cemetery. The tombs are also a great work of art, as many are adorned with Irish symbols such as the harp and clovers. There are also indoor exhibits exploring the cemetery's history and burial practices from around the world. With so much to offer, it's little wonder that Glasnevin is Ireland's national cemetery.

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St. Michan's Church St. Michan's Church

Located about a block from the Old Jameson Distillery , St. Michan's Church was founded in 1095 and is the oldest church on the north side of the River Liffey in Dublin. Rebuilt in 1686 by William Robinson, this church has a stunning vaulted ceiling and a large pipe organ. In fact, the organ is rumoured to be the one that George Friedrich Handel played when performing "Messiah" for the first time. Besides the history and architecture, the main draw to this church is its famous, yet eerie, crypts that contain the mummified remains of Dublin's most notorious residents dating back to the 17th century. Among the dead in the vaults are Irish rebels John and Henry Sheares, Earls of Leitrim, and Wolfe Tone. There are also four mummified corpses on display without lids, famously called the Unknown, the Thief, the Nun and the Crusader.

Travelers say visits to St. Michan's Church were still interesting due to their engaging tour guide who entertained them with the historical facts and spooky tales. 

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National Museum of Ireland – Natural History National Museum of Ireland – Natural History free

Note: The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is undergoing extensive renovation. At this time, only the ground floor is open to visitors.

Nicknamed the "Dead Zoo" due to it being a zoological museum, the National Museum of Ireland on Merrion Street was opened in 1867. It features exhibits of animals native to Ireland like badgers, golden eagles, mussels, trout and insects (Ireland is home to some 12,000 of them!). Also available is the Wonder Cabinet, a take on the Victorian curiosity cabinets that showcases about two million scientific specimens of mammals, birds, and insects. This unique space also doubles as a filming location – it was featured in an episode of "Ripper Street" and "Penny Dreadful" – due to its charming architecture.

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A woman inspects plants in a floral shop.

A local’s travel guide to the San Francisco Bay Area: what to eat, see and do in three days

The best spots from Oakland to San Francisco to the Pacific coast – and a tourist-free way to admire the Golden Gate Bridge

S an Francisco is widely known for its cable cars, foggy weather and hilly landscapes – but as someone who has lived here for five years, I know there is a lot more to the city than the picturesque postcards would have you believe.

I grew up in Iowa, where life is a little quieter, and I later lived in New York City, which nobody would describe as quiet. The Bay Area is my favorite place I have ever lived, though, a happy medium between a noisy city and peaceful small town – with plenty to do, and beautiful naturescapes never far away.

San Francisco and its surrounding areas have been subject to a lot of bad press recently, but for me, despite the problems (and occasional traffic congestion), living here feels like having access to a sunny playground all year round. If I were offering a friend a locals-only guide, here’s what I would suggest they get up to.

Day 1: The Jewels of Oakland

I love San Francisco, but the entire time I have lived out here I have stayed on the east side of the bay. The neighboring city of Oakland, where it is consistently warmer, more vibrant and, frankly, more fun, is what I call home. In general, I suggest renting a car when staying in the Bay Area. If you are primarily sticking around San Francisco, most activities are easily accessible by public transportation, but having a vehicle will give you easier access to all of the beautiful destinations surrounding the city.

A woman walks by a crowded sidewalk cafe.

Start out your day on Piedmont Avenue, which has a number of must-see spots. Grab a bagel or doughnut at the vegan cafe Timeless Coffee and stroll down the block to the beautiful nearby plant store Crimson Horticultur al Rarities . Just across the street, Spectator Books has an excellent selection that leans heavily on local authors. Vintage stores line the street, and I especially enjoy Mercy Vintage , where I once found an excellent wool skirt covered in hand-stitched ducks . I always love to stop by a picturesque flower stand situated in an alleyway on the same street and pet Luna, the shop dog.

After you get your shopping in, head down to Lake Merritt for a stroll. Historically known as “the Jewel of Oakland”, the lake is a popular meeting or strolling place. On a typical weekend day, expect to see the shores lined with picnicking Oaklanders, stands selling food and locally made goods, and lots of wildlife. The full perimeter of the lake is 3.1 miles (5km). I recommend starting at the pergola on the north end and wandering past the bonsai garden towards the Oakland Museum of California , just a half-block walk from the lake, for an afternoon of art.

Kari Paul on the ferry from Jack London Square in Oakland to San Francisco.

After the museum, you can walk to the Lion Dance Cafe in downtown Oakland. The award-winning, farm-to-table restaurant offers an often-changing menu of Teochew-Singaporean and Cali-Italian family recipes. They do not take reservations or preorders, so prepare to wait in line – it’s worth it! Though they offer sit-down dining, I recommend getting the food to go and driving up to Joaquin Miller Park for a beautiful panoramic view of the sunset over the bay. If you can get there before it’s dark, check out the redwood trees in the park as well. They’re breathtaking.

Day 2: Souvenirs & Splurges

A woman eats a flatbread at a counter.

If you are coming from Oakland and want to get to San Francisco on your tour of the Bay Area, there is no better way to do so than by ferry. Park your car in Jack London Square and take the boat route marked for the Ferry Building in San Francisco. If you arrive on a Saturday, there will be a farmers’ market brimming with local fruits and vegetables. No matter what day you visit, the Ferry Building is full of food stands and other shops. You must stop by Arab street food purveyor Reem’s . The Ferry Building location is an outpost of its main restaurant in the Mission and its menu features its signature varieties of man’oushe (a homemade flatbread). Also in the building is the Fog City Flea Trading Post , a cute stop for vintage clothes, jewellery and San Francisco souvenirs.

Take the train to the Mission District , perhaps my favorite neighborhood in San Francisco. Along Valencia Street you’ll find vintage shops and stores selling goods from local artists. My personal favorite is Paxton Gate , an oddities shop that sells everything from crystals and candles to teeth and taxidermy. While you’re in the Mission, be sure to turn down one of the street-art-filled alleyways for a free outdoor gallery of sorts.

Of course, everyone wants to see the Golden Gate Bridge when visiting San Francisco, but rather than book a touristy bike tour, I recommend seeing it from Lands End – the national park which to me is the most beautiful place in the city. Take an Uber there and wander around the Sutro baths. A now-defunct public recreation center that opened in the late 1800s, the Sutro baths featured massive pools, an ice-skating rink and an amphitheater. Today, all that remains are the ruins, which make for a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

A woman and her children smile on a ferry as a couple look on in the background.

For a dinner splurge, I highly recommend Nari , a Thai-Californian restaurant inside the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. Afterwards, wander to the neighboring Japan Center malls to buy kitschy toys and eat soft-serve matcha or sesame taiyaki ice-cream (from a fish-shaped pastry) at Uji Time Dessert . Close out the evening at the Do Re Mi Music Studio , across the street, a karaoke spot with private rooms available by the hour.

Day 3: Hit the Road

One of the best parts of living in the Bay Area is how easily accessible beautiful natural landscapes are. There are countless day trips you can take from Oakland and San Francisco, but if I had to choose my favorite it would be Bodega Bay – a stunning unincorporated area in Sonoma county along the coast.

A foggy landscape with green hills dropping into the ocean.

Drive up Route 1 and take the long way, stopping at Point Reyes Station and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the shoreline there. Many hikes and beach walks can be found along the way. Keep an eye out for seals. I highly recommend staying at the Lodge at Bodega Bay – which is a relatively affordable luxury experience with room rates starting at $280. As someone who loves birding, this is truly a dream location for me as the Lodge overlooks a protected nature preserve full of wildlife. Relax in the hotel’s infinity hot tub, take a dip in the pool or enjoy its spa amenities. It also has a great on-site restaurant.

While in Bodega Bay, you can also stop by the church where the classic Hitchcock thriller The Birds was filmed. Of course, you will be in wine country, so if that’s your thing check out some local vineyards. I am always sure to drive a little farther up the coast for a stop in Jenner , a tiny beachside town with great hiking trails and kayak rentals. A must-see is Cafe Aquatica , where you can enjoy a coffee overlooking the water and occasional live music. With spotty cellphone service, sitting alongside the water where the river meets the Pacific Ocean and watching seals play on rocks and kayakers float by will make you feel worlds away from life’s responsibilities. Amazingly, though, you’re less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco.

Kari Paul is the Guardian US’s tech reporter. When she’s not working, she’s birding, crocheting and exploring California

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Hundreds of Australians say they skip meals, visit food banks and 'dumpster dive' as the cost of living crisis continues

Line art of a shopping cart, canned food, coins and a budget sticker on a colourful background

A mother skips meals to make sure her son can eat dinner. 

Later in the week she will join a line of people accessing a food bank for the first time in their lives. 

Others get through the day on little more than coffee or a bread roll, going hungry to pay rent, electricity bills or buy their pets food. 

A Senate committee, which launched an inquiry into the cost of living, has asked Australians to share their experiences and they have responded — more than 900 by the latest count.

They are struggling to afford the basics, at times going without food to make sure their loved ones can eat.

Some provide their names. Others are anonymous. But their responses paint a picture of a food insecurity problem experts say is "on the rise" across Australia.

I look after my animals over myself. Some days all I have is coffee or a bread roll as they cannot feed themselves. Last year a can of home brand cat food was .85 cents. This month, $1.60.
I cannot afford to put nutritious food on the table, let alone eat three times a day.
I eat one meal a day at the moment, it's all I can afford.
[I] limit food intake so I can feed and look after my dog as I have no one else except a couple of friends.

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Salvation Army mission leader Lauren Martin says staff are seeing many people visit support services for the first time. 

"They're embarrassed, they're like, 'Should I be here, other people have it worse than me,'" she says. 

"There's no buffer anymore. As things are getting more and more expensive, people have run out ... so they are literally living pay cheque to pay cheque. 

"I think for a lot of Australians who are in that middle- to high-income bracket, there's always somewhere we can get money from if we're running low. 

"But for many ... it's super scary and stressful [that] for the first time, that's it. When your bank account says 27 cents, you've got 27 cents." 

Currently receiving food hampers from charities and [it's] the first time I have had to reach out for that kind of help, as well as [receiving] government vouchers to cover some of my gas and electricity bills.
I go without food to ensure my son has something to eat … [I] have also gone to a charity for the first time in my life ... you have no idea how humiliating this was for me and almost cost me my life.
For the first time in my life I am accessing food bank charities for groceries.
I've had to stop shopping at supermarkets as I can't afford it and use charity food banks for food.

National food relief organisation Foodbank told the inquiry it had seen the root cause of food insecurity across Australia shift from sudden, unexpected expenses — or "bill shock" — to people struggling to afford "expected" everyday expenses. 

Foodbank's chief executive Brianna Casey says the organisation is seeing a "quite significant shift" in the types of people seeking food relief. 

"We know that those who are experiencing hunger for the first time are increasingly younger, young professionals in particular," she says. "They're employed, they're actually in the mid- to high-income bracket.

"There would be a lot of assumptions about the cost of living impacting those on the lowest incomes, and it categorically is ... but it is also impacting our professionals and it means we are having to find new and creative ways to provide [relief] because people simply cannot access it nine-to-five, Monday to Friday because they're working full time." 

Some Foodbank workers are adapting to offer pop-up or drive-through stalls or extend their hours to extend support to more and more people. 

Ms Casey says the level of food insecurity seen across Australia currently is unprecedented. 

"When we look at things like natural disasters ... we experience this very significant spike in demand for relief during the crisis phase, and then there's a long and complex recovery phase," she says. 

"The concern we have right now is the cost of living crisis is lasting such a long time in that crisis phase that we think recovery could actually take many, many years." 

'I eat my son's left overs' 

People across Australia are "being forced to ration food" to afford other essential items, according to the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS).

"Almost three-quarters of people receiving income support are eating less or skipping meals due to the low rate of payments and rising cost of living," the organisation said in September.

"The average Australian grocery bill is $160 a week, or $23 a day, while average unit rents are $510 per week, or $73 a day."

For many, says Ms Martin, common cost-cutting advice like buying groceries in bulk is just "out of the question". 

"It's a great idea, it's an awesome idea to save money but, particularly for people on benefits ... it's actually a luxury," she says. 

"You actually end up paying more per item when you are under severe financial hardship than people with money. That's a huge injustice. 

"You're going to the supermarket 1-2 times per week because you can't afford to buy in bulk, so you're buying the smallest item [which] costs the most per unit price. 

"There's all of these things associated with living in financial hardship that actually stack against people." 

[I'm] relying on dumpster diving, i.e. getting food from garbage bins. 
I eat my son's left overs.
Missing meals to make ends meet ... one meal every second day, can't afford medication. [I'm] homeless, cannot afford to rent as I don't meet the standard requirements with great rental history ... Cannot afford nutritional food.
I buy things like rice in bulk when it's half price and use it for most meals … We don't eat steak anymore. We have mince bulked out with lentils. I've had to use charity shops for food. I am so severely depressed it's hard to think straight.

'Red meat is a luxury' 

Some have grown to fear going to the supermarket at all, says ACOSS's Social Security program director Charmaine Crowe. 

"They know that the little money they have is not going to buy all they need," she says. 

"So they're having to walk up and down the aisles, making horrible decisions, whether to buy canned food for the week or buy the milk and bread that they need. 

"The first thing people will tell us is that their health suffers because they're unable to afford fresh fruit and vegetables. 

"You end up relying on food that's not as healthy, bulky food like pasta or rice."

The cost of living inquiry was initially commissioned on September 28, 2022.

An interim report, released in May 2023, found "increasing cost of food and groceries [were] a major contributing factor to the cost of living crisis".

"Supply chain disruptions are a primary driver of increasing food and grocery prices," it said.

"However, increased input costs to the production and provision of these goods, including energy and fuel, will impact the prices paid by consumers."

I am careful to look for 'specials' on supermarket shelves. I do not buy non-essential food stuffs that formerly were a treat. I am aware of an almost 'invisible cost' which may not appear to be 'inflationary,' where sellers reduce contents of products in the same or similar packaging.
We shop around for the best prices on groceries online before going to the shops. So the weekly groceries are done across multiple shops to get the best prices. Red meat is a luxury, limited to a few hundred grams per person or mince.
I live in a country area 120km from the nearest city. I can't afford to buy groceries in my hometown because It's too expensive! I have had to cut meat down to once or twice per month and other groceries l need for better health … I can't afford to go out for lunch or dinner with friends ... or entertainment, or treat myself with a coffee and slice at a cafe.
No longer buy brand names at the supermarket … No longer buy take-out or fast food. Do not buy lamb or beef.
Every part of my financial life is budgeted to the cent (I can't even risk rounding bills up or down) … I make sure the kids have good lunches, but 2-3 days a week have the work supplied (terrible) coffee instead of bringing lunch. Frozen vegetables are more economical than fresh, only buy in season fruit and mince based dishes are now 3 times a week ... My shopping is based on a fortnight meal plan and then looking at online catalogues to see where the cheapest prices are.

The message from advocates on the ground, says Ms Martin, is: "Come and see us." 

"Please don't leave it, it's easier for us to help people early," she says.

"One of the first things we say ... is, 'Make sure you pay your rent and utilities first, we can always assist with things like food.' 

"Come and see us if you're in need. There's hope." 

The committee is set to hand down its final report on May 31, 2024. 

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