It seems that we’re going to need lunch/dinner recommendations in Dublin during October. We’re going to be traveling around Ireland/N.Ireland for 2 weeks but will be in Dublin for 2 nights in the beginning of the trip, then at least 2 more nights at the end. Not interested in whether a place has a Michelin star or other food rating credential, unless someone here has eaten there and can vouch for it being worth it. We mostly like smaller, friendly places where the food is the main draw due to its good ingredients, solid cooking technique & non fussy presentation. If you look at my posts & likes on the Paris board (we go there often and will be there again in May/June), you’ll get the idea. Additionally, it seems we may need recommendations for a dinner in Limerick, one in Cork and maybe 2 in Belfast.
Thanks in advance. And, of course, reciprocal recommendations are the cornerstone of food boards and I’m full of them for NYC (especially Brooklyn). Anyone?
I went here eons ago, but it involves a short, cute train-ride to the coast. Fresh seafood, modern dining room, not overly fussy. Nice view of the ocean, too (if you care about that).
It’s been 23 years since I’ve been to Ireland, and can’t give any restaurant recommendations. But for sightseeing, I would suggest Connemara on the west coast, the Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary, and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. The Causeway has the added bonus of being just a few miles from the Bushmills Distillery. 
And the people are so nice and friendly as well.
We are just starting to plan for a late June/early July trip. Mainly Dublin, so thanks for posting for suggestions. Will certainly share after our trip.
Off top of head, unfussy venerable standards:
I haven’t been in 11 years, so my recs are out of date. Definitely try thrice-fried chips if you see them. Irish potatoes are delicious.
Excellent lamb,. too.
Some trip research and found this on the NYT’ A couple of interesting spots.
Thanks. Somehow I missed that… much appreciated. By the way, “Somebody Feed Phil” (on Netflix) has a Dublin episode in Season 2 (episode 2) that’s pretty good.
The Boxty House is featured on that Phil episode. Looks good. Thanks.
We leave for Dublin tomorrow evening, through the 12th of July. We have a dinner reservation at The Little Kitchen our first night there and that’s about it. Lots of different neighborhoods and markets to visit, so we plan to play it by ear.
And the NYT did a 36 Hours in Dublin story, which was timely.
This time I’ve paid attention & I’ve already filed this NYT article for reference. Just remember that you’re not just vacationing but you’re scouting for my trip in October. 
Seriously, have a great trip.
Will share notes when we return.
We are booked to see a library, a post office, a prison, a castle and a cemetery, should be a great trip!
We too found the ride worth it.
While I can’t offer up-to-date recommendations about places, I adore Irish dairy products made from milk produced by grass-fed cows, Irish brown bread, and salmon dishes.
When we were driving between towns I enjoyed stopping for ice cream at Supermac’s, the fast-food chain, because their ice cream is made with Irish dairy. Roadtrip snack, maybe?
Enjoy your adventure!
Hi Steve, this is not what you’re looking for, but I was in Dublin 4 years ago just before the pandemic hit, and the best meals I had were at a little carry out Asian place called Xian Street Food right across from Kehoe’s pub. I had a few fancy meals and none of them were memorable but Xian’s was. Of course I don’t have the same quality Asian food at home that you do, so maybe take this with a few grains of salt.
Thanks Kari. I noticed Xi’an on the map & made a note. If its half as good as the ones in NYC, it’ll make for a good (spicy) lunch.
We had friends visit Ireland a couple of months ago and also recommended Xian. I think they had a couple of lunches during their stay.
I love that.
We enjoyed a Chinese meal in Killarney.
My uncle, who was travelling with us, picked where he wanted us to go that night.
I tend to stick with the local regional cuisine when I only have a week in a country I haven’t visited before, so I was dragging my heels a bit. I often have a list of local dishes or ingredients I want to try during my trip. We only had 6 nights in Ireland. 2 in Dublin, 1 near Waterford, 2 in Killarney and 1 near Shannon.
We ended up having a really nice Chinese meal. In a way, his choosing that Chinese meal made me think about checking more local Chinese food when I travel.
Not to seek out something necessary authentically Szechuan or the perfect soup dumplings, but to try the more popular dishes in the region at that restaurant, or Chinese dishes I haven’t seen in Canada.
I only found out about Irish Spice Bags around 3 months ago. It’s a novelty, one I would seek out if I was visiting.
@grumpyspatient Our dear @GretchenS is in Ireland, too! Have fun you two!
