10 traditional Irish foods to try

1. Boxty

Eat it at Holohan’s Pantry, Belfast

Like the sound of expertly prepared Irish food in a gorgeous environment? Then take a seat at Holohan’s Pantry, a charming little restaurant in the heart of the city. This restaurant is famed for its boxty: a traditional potato pancake, which it serves with a choice of ham hock and cabbage or seafood and dill. 

2. Home-smoked salmon

Eat it at Delahunt, Dublin

Bring on one of the best fish dishes in Dublin. This is a thing of brains and beauty: lapsang souchong home-smoked salmon, served in the incredible surroundings of a converted Victorian building on Dublin’s Camden Street. It’s the very essence of contemporary Irish cooking – creative, fresh AND delicious.

3. Coddle

Eat it at The Woollen Mills, Dublin

Perched on the edge of the River Liffey, overlooking the iconic arc of the Ha’penny Bridge, The Woollen Mills has a light, modern-industrial interior – a great counterpoint to a dish that dates back to the 1770s, Dublin coddle. Grab a seat upstairs at the window, look out on the rippling river, and enjoy a no-nonsense bowl of Irish bacon, sausages, onion and potato. Honest, hearty and very Dublin.

4. Seafood chowder

Eat it at Darcy's, Belfast

In the scenic delight that is Queen's Quarter in Belfast, you can enjoy one of Ireland’s most popular seafood dishes: seafood chowder. Darcy's is a family-run establishment uses local ingredients, and can either be a starter or a main. Come for the history and views, stay for the chowder.

5. Cockles and mussels

Eat it at Davy Byrne’s, Dublin

Fever-ridden Molly Malone wheeled her wheelbarrow around the Dublin streets selling these fresh local molluscs. Thanks to the proximity of the bay, they’re easy to get. But, to dine on them, we’d recommend Davy Byrne’s, with white wine and homemade Guinness brown bread.

6. Ulster Fry

Eat it at St George’s Market, Belfast

The pinnacle of fried breakfasts, head to the St George’s Market Bar and Grill in the city centre to taste an award-winning plate of sausages, bacon, potato farl (potato bread), tomatoes, fried egg, baked beans, and black and white pudding, and eggs. The secret? It’s all cooked in the same pan to let the flavours run riot. A winner, every time.

7. Slaney River slow-roasted lamb

Eat it at The Vintage Kitchen, Dublin

Snuggled into beside Mulligan’s pub on Poolbeg Street is the Vintage Kitchen, a veritable mecca for Dublin’s foodies (such is its popularity, you must book well in advance for a weekend sitting). Bring along your own booze, bring along your own vinyl and enjoy an exemplary dish of Slaney River slow-roasted lamb. Delicious.

8. Oysters

Eat it at the Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast

Traditionally served with pints of Guinness, sample some of the finest at the Mourne Seafood Bar in Belfast. In this relaxed informal space, seafood takes centre stage. Try local oysters three ways: au naturel, Japanese-style or Rockefeller. Either way, they’re delicious, so get shucking. 

9. A fresh fish supper

Eat it at John Long’s, Belfast

A philosophy of simple but impeccable fish and chips runs through this Belfast institution, which has been described by the Belfast Telegraph as “the holiest of holy culinary shrines”. Grab a space at a Formica table, order a cup of tea, and wait for some of the best fish and chips you’re ever likely to taste. 

10. The Waterford Blaa

Eat it at the Crystal Café, Waterford

Waterford locals love their “Blaa” – a soft bread roll introduced by the French Huguenots in the 17th century. Paired with dry-cured bacon, it’s a real delight. The Blaa is such a regional specialty that you need to try it in Waterford. Enjoy one for breakfast or lunch at the elegant Crystal Café in the city’s famous House of Waterford Crystal.