6 great Irish dishes
Northern Ireland
Born and Braised
1. Born and Braised
Voted Northern Ireland’s signature dish and developed by leading chefs, Born and Braised (shin of Northern Irish beef served with beetroot and bone marrow gremolata) is a recipe packed with flavour and voted by the public as the epitome of Northern Ireland cuisine.
Where to try:
Look out for Born and Braised in restaurants across Northern Ireland. Or sample the work of its creators: Niall McKenna from James St in Belfast, Ian Orr from Browns Restaurant and Ardtara House in Derry~Londonderry and Chris McGowan from Wine and Brine in County Armagh.
What’s nearby:
Northern Ireland is packed with food festivals and exciting food trails. Discover food gems at St George's Market, Belfast, eat like the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms on a Game of Thrones® Medieval Banquet Night experience at Castle Ward in County Down or take a ferry to Rathlin Island for the Rathlin Food Tour and immerse yourself in the traditions and tastes of this prehistoric volcanic isle off the Antrim coast.
Dublin city
Guinness Bread
2. Guinness bread
From the home of the black stuff, we give you Guinness bread. Nothing says Ireland like brown soda bread, but combined with the rich taste of Guinness, this loaf is sure to leave you wanting more.
Where to try:
Head to the Brewer’s Dining Hall on the fifth floor of The Guinness Storehouse and pair this tasty bread with beef and Guinness stew.
What’s nearby:
Take a tour around historic Kilmainham Gaol, scene of some of the most dramatic and tragic events in Ireland's history. Or visit the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks to see one of the world's largest collections of Irish silver.
Howth, County Dublin
Lobster Lawyer
3. Lobster Lawyer
When it comes to fresh seafood, Ireland’s coasts are laden with treasures delivered to shore daily. This Lobster Lawyer recipe by chef Aidan MacManus of the King Sitric in Howth is simple, luscious food at its best – caught daily by fishermen in Balscadden Bay, just outside the restaurant.
Where to try:
It would be rude to go anywhere but King Sitric, wouldn't it?
What’s nearby:
You're right in the heart of charming Howth village here, with its many seafood restaurants, bustling market and nearby medieval Howth Castle. Venture a little further and you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Howth Cliff Path Loop walk.
County Down
Balloo House
4. Chargrilled spring lamb chops with herb crushed Comber potatoes
County Down is rightly proud of the Comber Earlies, potatoes, known for their nutty, sweet taste and EU Protected Georgraphical Indication status. So it's hardly surprising that they are beloved of chefs who have a respect for tradition and a passion for innovation. Try this flavour-packed recipe from Balloo House chef Danny Millar.
Where to try:
Why, Balloo House, of course! This 400-year-old inn nestled in the County Down countryside delivers a wonderful mix of comfort and charm that nicely complements its award-winning food.
What’s nearby:
The town of Comber is situated on the northern end of Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. Keep an eye out for turreted Scrabo Tower, a 125-foot-high charity monument offering astounding views of the lough and countryside.
County Cavan
The Olde Post Inn
5. Bacon and cabbage terrine
Any Irish person worth their salt has had more bacon and cabbage dinners than they care to remember, and this tasty staple meal is elevated to new heights thanks to The Olde Post Inn’s sophisticated recipe by head chef Gearoid Lynch. Even more impressive... it's coeliac-friendly.
Where to try:
Go straight to the source – they know a thing or two about good food at the Olde Post Inn.
What’s nearby:
This part of County Cavan is an angler's paradise with a multitude of lakes to choose from. Wander a little further afield and you can explore the stunning Crom Estate on the shores of Lough Erne – a jewel of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
County Cork
Ballymaloe Cookery School
6. Rhubarb bread and butter pudding
Although traditionally used in pies and crumbles, Irish cook, Darina Allen’s comforting combination is a warm and welcoming delight, merging the tart taste of rhubarb with the richness of cream and vanilla.
Where to try:
The celebrated Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, situated on its own 100 acre organic farm and offering courses centered on country cooking.
What’s nearby:
Ballynamona beach in Shanagarry is a wildlife haven and The Old Pottery by Stephen Pearce offers world-famous handcrafted designs from local craftspeople.