Castles, mountains, lakes and great food, welcome to Ireland.
Given that some of us will be celebrating St Paddy’s Day this month we thought we’d share with you some of our favourite restaurants, must visit food festivals and hotels in Ireland.
Food Festivals Around Ireland
March
Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
Award winning restaurants around Howth’s will be serving your favourite prawn dishes in bite sized portions. Loads of stalls, family entertainment and music to bop along to as you wander about the well-organized festival.
April
All Ireland Chowder Cook Off
Chowder is on the menu of most Irish restaurants, every year Kinsale, an attractive port on the south coast, known as Ireland’s “gourmet capital”, and the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, holds a competition to find the “All-Ireland Chowder Champion”. Enjoy Taste the Wild Atlantic Way Street Food Festival, an open-air street market with food stalls, live music and family fun.
Connemara Mussel Festival
Originally established to promote the excellence of the mussels of Killary Harbour, the festival has grown to become a celebration of local people, food, culture and heritage and is recognised as the premier food event for Connemara. One of the first festivals each year on the Wild Atlantic Way, it showcases the very best Connemara has to offer. A true feast for the senses: taste and smell beautifully cooked local produce; see unparalleled views of the Connemara land and seascape; hear sounds of music, dancing, talks and theatre; feel the ambience; and above all enjoy the experience!
June
Listowel Food Fair
The Listowel Food Fair is one of the longest running food festival in Ireland, it aims to showcase Kerry’s culinary scene through a range of demonstrations, tastings, competitions and workshops. Other popular events include Literary and Food Taste Trails, Wild Food Walks and there are a number of awards, like the Kerry Food Hero award.
Taste of Dublin
If you’ve ticked of Taste of Abu Dhabi and Taste of Dubai why not try Taste of Dublin. Enjoy signature dishes from Dublin’s finest restaurants, learn tricks of the trade from world-class chefs and sample gourmet food and drink producers all in one stunning setting. Whether you’re a well-dined gourmand, a new-found food lover or simply looking for a good time with friends, there’s something for everybody at Taste of Dublin.
July
Féile na Mara – Achill Island Festival of the Sea
Taking place throughout the month of July on Achill Island, Féile na Mara is a culinary celebration of Achill’s rich heritage with the sea and it showcases the bountiful harvest of the Atlantic Ocean
August
Beatyard
80 music acts and performers compliment the permanent street food yard on South Richmond Street, Eatyard. The event will host over 100 food vendors, demos, food competitions, cooks and stands.
Dalkey Lobster Fest
Dalkey is a great place to dine and entertain, this festival aims to highlight Dalkey’s local heritage. Local seafood and global jazz sensations make it a great weekend with lots to see and do for free.
September
A Taste of West Cork
West Cork is where much of the best food that grown and produced in Ireland comes from. Many hail it as the capital of food in Ireland. The festival boasts food markets, demonstrations, competitions, dinners, brunches, banquets, food-tastings, talks, exhibitions, children’s events and more.
October
Taste Cork Week
Taste Cork Week sees venues creating dishes, menus and events inspired by Cork produce, history and culture. A celebration of what Cork has to offer is guaranteed.
November
Bite Food Festival
The festival features top chefs and food experts as well as a huge range of producers, who are there to sell, sample and educate people about their unique products.
Dublin’s Best Restaurants
BANG Restaurant
One of Dublin’s most acclaimed restaurants, BANG was recently recommended again in 2016 by The Michelin Guide. BANG is rated in the Top 3 Private Dining Rooms in Dublin and was nominated in Irish Restaurant Awards for best chef and best service.
The menu at BANG highlights the best of local produce and changes seasonally. Head Chef Niall O’Sullivan is meticulous in his quest for local suppliers and only ever works with the highest levels of care and skill to deliver diners a truly unforgettable experience.
11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2
1900
One of the newer eateries on Dublin’s Harcourt Street, 1900 is part of the famous Harcourt Hotel. A city centre hotspot, 1900 has a strong focus on Irish bistro cuisine.
The fish, chicken, duck and lamb are selected by 1900’s Head Chef from quality assured Irish farms whose origin is quoted on their seasonal menus. Why not try one of their signature steaks matured for a minimum of 28 days to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness chosen by 1900’s master butcher Harry Buckley who also ensures that they use only 100 percent Irish Hereford Beef.
59 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2
Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath’s
At Rustic Stone the philosophy is simple. They source the best seasonal ingredients, then apply simple techniques to extract the most flavour, while giving you the information you need to add nutrition and structure to your diet. The produce chosen and demand for freshness, is the cornerstone of Rustic Stone’s idea, while providing a healthy but affordable eating approach. Dishes are cooked with olive oil and seasoned with fresh herbs grown by known and trusted farmers.
South Georges St, Dublin 2
37 Dawson Street
Located directly opposite Dublin’s historic Mansion House sits 37 Dawson Street. As you enter you will instantly notice the multi-coloured custom made couches and the heart-shaped fireplace right beside the bar. The décor is stunning, eye catching and innovative this is one insta-worthy venue.
Dawson 37 provides lunch, evening sharing and Sunday brunch menus. With it lively vibe Dawson 37 is the go-to destination.
37 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Drury Buildings
Drury Buildings, a mish mash of Berlin exterior, New York interior, in the heart of Dublin’s Creative Quarter, fine grapes, classic mixers, craft hops and some really cracking Italian food. Take a six story, derelict, old rag trade building in Dublin city centre. Mix a container load of reclaimed bars, floors, doors, benches, glass, timber and steel from New York. Shake with 2 years of hard graft. Finally garnish with the extraordinary culinary skills of Warren Massey.
52-55 Drury St, Dublin 2
Where to stay in Dublin
The Marker Hotel 5*
Situated on Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin’s business and cultural quarter, The Marker features a ground-floor bar and brasserie, free WiFi, a spa with 4 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art gym. The property also boasts an infinity pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre.
An en-suite bathroom, 32-inch LED TV and air conditioning are featured in each room at The Marker, as well as a Philip Stark Lamp which comes with iPod charging facilities.
The Rooftop Lounge features views of the cityscape, which guests can enjoy. Traditional Irish cooking is on offer in The Brasserie, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce.
Dylan 5*
Stunning, chic decor and spacious rooms with Italian marble bathrooms are offered at this 5-star boutique hotel. Dylan is located just a 10-minute walk from the RDS and the Aviva Stadium.
With Bose iPod docking stations loaded with historic Dublin walking tours, luxurious beds and linen, each beautiful room provides a plasma-screen TV. Guests can enjoy an in-room movie menu and free Wi-Fi.
Spacious rooms are individually designed and boast opulent furnishings and memory foam mattresses. Professional hairdryers and foot spas are available on request.
The Dylan restaurant serves gourmet Bistro-style cuisine using the finest of Irish ingredients. The Dylan Bar overlooks the restaurant and has a fine selection of beverages.
The Clarence 4*
Owned by Bono and The Edge from U2 (do we need to say anymore?) This hotel is as cool as it gets. The Clarence boasts sumptuous rooms with super king-size, wrought-iron beds and velvet drapes. On the River Liffey, the hotel is situated right in Dublin’s centre. Each individually designed room features custom-designed and hand-crafted furnishings and stained glass bedside lamps. There is free Wi-Fi in all rooms, along with American White Oak floors and a private bathroom with limestone flooring.
The Gibson Hotel 4*
With panoramic views across Dublin Port, The Gibson Hotel is next to the 3Arena. It boasts bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a 24-hour gym, a fine restaurant, and secure private parking. These rooms are individually designed and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. The air-conditioned rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and some have private balconies with city views.
Pier 19 Apartment
Pier 19 Apartment offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi. The property boasts views of the river. There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with an oven, a microwave and toaster. A flat-screen TV with cable channels is provided.
www.booking.com/hotel/ie/pier-19-apartment
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