Ireland may not be the first destination that comes to mind for foodie travel, but that is exactly what makes it such a rewarding surprise for visitors. From authentic farm to fork experiences and fresh Atlantic seafood to a thriving fine dining scene, and inviting local food festivals, Ireland offers a rich culinary journey that can elevate every itinerary.
The island has a long history with drinks with centuries-old traditions behind its whiskey and poitín, stout and cider. While many visitors today are familiar with Irish pubs, fewer know about the Irish restaurant scene or seafood, creating a fantastic opportunity for agents to inspire experience-led travel.
Food Tours and Trails
Passionate local guides take visitors on a journey through Ireland’s vibrant food and drink scene, highlighting exceptional local produce and flavours that go far beyond traditional perceptions of Irish cuisine. Food tours take place right around the island in many cities and towns, including Kinsale Food Tours in Country Cork, Dingle Tasting Tours in Country Kerry, Donegal Food Tours and Taste & Tour in Belfast city, and many more.
While travelling around the island, visitors can also enjoy self-guided food trails, including the TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail, Sligo Food Trail and Burren Food Trail. For anyone looking for a fine dining experience, we recommend exploring our guide to the island’s Michelin star restaurants.
Food Festivals
The island of Ireland’s many lively food festivals reveal traditions, flavours and celebrations that often take visitors beyond what they expect. From coastal seafood weekends to autumn feasts shaped by Celtic heritage, these events offer a fresh way to experience the island – lively, distinctive and often more surprising than visitors imagine, with moments that stay with people long after they’ve left.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (25-27 September), one of Europe’s longest-running food festivals, celebrates Galway’s prized Atlantic oysters with tastings, cookery demonstrations and the renowned World Oyster Opening Championship.
Armagh Food & Cider Weekend (3-6 September) showcases the region’s rich apple-growing heritage through orchard tours, cider tastings, harvest suppers and events led by local producers.
Samhain Festival of Food & Culture (5-8 November) in Kells, County Meath, celebrates Ireland’s ancient Halloween origins with food, folklore and seasonal community events.
Distillery, Craft Brewery and Orchard Tours
Ireland’s excellent food is matched by the quality of its drinks. In recent years the island has seen the opening of multiple boutique distilleries and craft breweries, adding to a thriving drinks scene that now includes more than 40 distilleries across the island. Travellers can enjoy an amazing range of spirits and beers with flavours that reflect the local landscape and heritage.
Ireland’s whiskey heritage is brought to life through its distillery tours, where visitors can follow the journey from grain to glass. From the iconic Midleton Distillery in County Cork, home to Jameson and the world’s largest pot still, to Bushmills in County Antrim, the island’s oldest working distillery, each offers a unique insight into the craft. Other key stops on Ireland’s whiskey trail include Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery in County Offaly, Powerscourt Distillery in County Wicklow and Clare Island Whiskey, just off the coast of County Mayo.
The island of Ireland has a history of brewing beer dating back 5,000 years – legend has it that even St Patrick had his own brewer! Ireland offers visitors famous historic brewing institutions and vibrant modern microbreweries, from the iconic Guinness Storehouse and Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin city and the Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny city to regional craft producers like Dungarvan Brewing Company in County Waterford and Wicklow Wolf in County Wicklow.
Ireland’s orchard farms offer visitors a deliciously different way to experience the island. They are the best places to sample premium artisanal ciders and juices freshly made on site by passionate producers. Visitors can explore working orchards at The Apple Farm in County Tipperary, discover organic cider and apple spirits at Highbank Orchards in Kilkenny, or enjoy the acclaimed visitor experience at Long Meadow Cider in Armagh, home to the famous Armagh Bramley apple. Fun fact: The apple is so special that it’s been given ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ status by the European Union putting Armagh Bramley apples up there with Champagne and Parma ham!
