Food and Drink
Gastronomic Ireland
While Ireland’s big cities contain a huge selection of restaurants and cafés to suit every budget – it’s not all about the urban scene. Many of the country’s little gems are nestled in the remote rural countryside.
While our cities’ Michelin star restaurants are a culinary experience second to none, the real taste of Ireland is often in our pubs. Just imagine a bowl of steaming mussels or a dish of hearty Irish stew.
In the Republic of Ireland, keep a look out for the ‘Feile Bia’ symbol, which is awarded to those establishments who source only the finest ingredients in their pub or restaurant.
Another great way to experience Ireland’s culinary delights is by attending one of the Ireland’s many food festivals. We have made a short selection of the most popular below.
With Ireland’s largest cities being cosmopolitan and catering to all tastes and traditions Halal food and restaurants are also a dining option. For a recommended list of Halal dinning options contacting Ireland’s local Islamic Centres is recommended.
Dublin :
- Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI)
www.islamireland.ie
- Islamic Foundation of Ireland and Dublin Mosque
www.islaminireland.com
Cork :
- The Cork Muslim Society
www.corkmosque.org
Belfast :
- Belfast Islamic Centre – Belfast, Northern Ireland
www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk
Food Festivals 2008
To sample the best food in a pure party atmosphere make sure you catch an Irish food festival – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Some of our most recommended Food Festivals are:
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, County Waterford, July 2008
This charming rural fishing village kicks off every July with seafood tastings, traditional and folk music and dance.
Hillsborough Oyster Festival, August - September 2008
Set in the pretty village in Co Down, the festival attracts 12,000 visitors from around the globe, and is host to the World Oyster Eating Championships, among other equally as fun events.
Midelton Food and Drink Festival, County Cork, September 2008
A mouth-watering line up of food exhibitions and tastings. Food culture combined with a truly remarkable array of entertainment.
Clarenbridge Oyster Festival, County Galway, September 2008
A celebration of the start of the oyster season with the world famous Clarenbridge oysters. Now it it’s 53rd year.
The Galway International Oyster Festival, 25-28 September 2008
A world class festival featuring the Guinness world oyster opening championship and celebrating the famous Galway Bay oysters. Great food, fun and music.
Kinsale Food Festival, County Cork, October 10 – 13 2008
A fabulous festival which celebrates everything that Ireland’s gourmet capital has to offer. Takes place in Acton’s and Trident Hotels and Good Food Circle restaurants around the town.
Listowel Food Fair, County Kerry, 6 - 9 November 2008
One of the country’s biggest food festivals, Listowel celebrates the best of gourmet food in Kerry.
