One of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its food. And because it's driven by passionate producers, exceptional local produce, and a thriving hospitality scene, the island of Ireland is a dream destination for food lovers. Here are 10 of the best culinary experiences to weave into your clients' next trip.
1. Harry’s Shack, Portstewart, County Londonderry
Sitting on a beach and tucking into fresh seafood is one of life’s great pleasures, and to enjoy it in Northern Ireland, head straight to Harry’s Shack. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Portstewart, it promises the finest locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed beachside atmosphere. Harry’s Shack now has a loyal legion of fans, and is famed for offering some of the best seafood cooking on the island of Ireland. Diners can enjoy a drink from the bar alongside their food, and a DJ often plays during the summer.
2. Belfast Food Tour, Belfast
The award-winning Taste & Tour team behind the Belfast Food Tour describe themselves as “local flavour ravers”, and ensure visitors experience the incredible produce, people and places in Belfast City Centre. They’ll take clients "off the eaten track" on a four-hour, food and fun-filled guided walk to some of the city’s top spots. It’s suitable for all dietary requirements, and guests will hear the proud and varied histories of the craftspeople and connoisseurs they meet along the way.
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3. Cupán Tae, Tooreen, County Cork
If travellers visit the Sheep’s Head peninsula in County Cork, they’ll find a spot dubbed “the tea shop at the end of the world”. Overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean, Bernie’s Cupán Tae (“cup of tea” in Irish) is run by Bernie Tobin and is the perfect place to fuel up before venturing out to the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. Expect simple food done exceptionally well, with salmon sandwiches, light, fluffy scones and legendary apple pie, all served alongside breathtaking views.
4. Nancy’s Barn, Ballyliffin, County Donegal
At Nancy’s Barn the team take pride in doing things “the old-fashioned way”, so guests can expect fresh seafood, local produce, and food made with pride and personality. The menu at this quirky seaside cafe spans fresh local dishes, hearty creations and award-winning seafood chowder. And it’s not just the delicious fare that’s made it a must-visit destination for foodies – there's also the lively, friendly spirit that fills the barn every day.
5. Michelin-starred restaurants, across Ireland
The island of Ireland is brimming with Michelin-starred restaurants, thanks to the creativity of its incredible chefs, and its natural larder of homegrown produce. Guests wanting to enjoy exceptional fine-dining can choose from a variety of one-star and two-star venues, many of which offer inspiring tasting menus that showcase the very best local ingredients.
6. Farm-to-fork experiences, across Ireland
Where better to discover incredible food, than by visiting the food heroes who produce it? Encourage clients to visit a smoker, grower, baker or maker, and hear the stories behind their delicious wares. For example, at Wilde Irish Chocolates they can enjoy a factory tour with a tasting session, before making their own chocolate bar, while at St Tola Goat Cheese they can try samples and meet the hand-reared herd of inquisitive goats. At Broighter Gold they can tour the family-run rapeseed oil farm and see the pressing room and bottling plant.
7. Seafood in Dingle, County Kerry
With its location on the west coast between Slievanea Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Dingle is an excellent spot to try top-class seafood. Visitors can walk down to the harbour to see the fishing boats bringing in daily catches. The Fish Box restaurant has its own fishing trawler, so diners are guaranteed a boat-to-plate experience when trying the delicious seafood, served every way from tacos to straight-up fish and chips.
8. Sligo Oyster Experience, Sligo Town, County Sligo
Another top recommendation for seafood fans is the Sligo Oyster Experience on the Wild Atlantic Way. Here they’ll don wellies to explore the working oyster farm with a farmer, learning about the care, craft and expertise that goes into growing Sligo Bay Oysters, before enjoying an oyster tasting by the shore with local drinks.
9. Walled City Brewery, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry
Visitors can sip award-winning craft beer, try hands-on tasting experiences, and relish locally-sourced food at the independent gastropub, the Walled City Brewery. The team at this family-owned company brew fresh, unfiltered, small-batch beer, all overseen by James, who worked at Guinness for 12 years. Experiences include the Homebrew Academy, Beer Masterclass and the Earhart Gin School.
10. Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
The Smithwick's Experience offers an immersive, interactive tour that dives into more than 300 years of brewing history. It’s located on the former brewery grounds along the city's Medieval Mile, walking visitors through the story of Ireland's oldest ale and concluding with a freshly poured pint. The attraction brings the rich heritage of Smithwick's to life, with passionate local guides.
Check out the new TTG Ireland Selling Guide
Further information
Website: ireland.com
Trade website: tourismireland.com/trade
The Ireland Specialist Programme training: tourismireland.learnupon.com
Facebook: @ireland
Instagram: @tourismireland
YouTube: @discoverireland
