Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
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Taste your way around the island of Ireland to discover the award-winning culinary experiences that are making the island a foodie magnet.

From hotels and restaurants to food trucks and fruit farms, there are gastro delights aplenty to be enjoyed across the island of Ireland. With great local ingredients, innovative chefs, talented producers and authentic experiences to be savoured, you will be certain to give your tastebuds a treat.

Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork. From Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland
Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork 
 
In Northern Ireland, on a trip along the stunning Causeway Coast, stop to enjoy award-winning food at the Bushmills Inn or at Ballygally Castle. Or treat yourself to afternoon tea in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel as you explore the city.

Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim. From Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland
Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim
 
A day in Derry~Londonderry should include a visit to El Tapas Grá, where tapas with a twist include colcannon croquetas, and mussels steamed in stout with sourdough. And for one of the best ciders around don’t miss Long Meadow Cider in County Armagh where you can see the craft cider being produced before tasting it straight from the barrel.

Long Meadow Orchard Cider Experience, Co. Armagh. From Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland
Long Meadow Orchard Cider Experience, Co. Armagh
 
At the other end of the island County Cork is a standout foodie destination. This is home to the multi-award-winning Ballymaloe House Hotel but also has a mighty list of Good Food Ireland approved food outlets and producers. Enjoy a waterfront dining experience in The Lifeboat Inn, indulge your sweet tooth with a pastry from Praline or stock up on a range of top-quality local produce with a visit to the English Market.

Hake Leek Mussels Seaweed, The Lifeboat Inn, Co. Cork. From Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland
Hake Leek Mussels Seaweed, The Lifeboat Inn, Co. Cork
 
A short break in Dublin gives you the opportunity to feast at Woodruff Restaurant, named Good Food Ireland’s restaurant of the year or to relax at a Gourmet Food Parlour, where the atmosphere is as important as the dishes. Grab a coffee a Bewley’s, a Dublin institution, or drop into the Honey Truffle or the Farmhouse Cafe, where delicious homemade food is the order of the day.
 
Along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are multiple opportunities to savour the finest Irish produce. A stay in the Europe Hotel & Resort, County Kerry, will reveal why it clinched Good Food Ireland’s Supreme Award of the Year, while Breaffy House Resort, County Mayo, and Michelin-starred Aniar in County Galway show how fresh local ingredients can be elevated to sublime heights.
 
Elsewhere on the island, foodie favourites include Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, County Tipperary, Domo’s Emporium at the home of Newbridge Sliverware in County Kildare, Rathmullan House, County Donegal, and the Seabiscuit food truck at the Strand, Cahore, County Wexford.

Entrance at Mikey Ryan's Bar & Kitchen, Co. Tipperary. From Take a culinary journey around the island of Ireland
Entrance at Mikey Ryan's Bar & Kitchen, Co. Tipperary
 
The recently launched Good Food Ireland Travel Map is a great place to start for those seeking excellent eateries to enjoy across the island.
 
And as you travel through the island’s smorgasbord of fine fare, you will find that food in Ireland isn't just about the taste, it's about the place, the experience, and the people who created it.
 

All information contained herein courtesy and copyright Ireland.com, published with permission
www.ireland.com