There’s nothing better than eating a platter of fish and chips alfresco with the scent of the sea in the air. At East Pier, pick up your supper in the harbour and tuck in by the water, or take it out to the Waterford Estuary Coastal Path just three minutes away. Their fish and chips (“scrumptious” is the general verdict) are the big draw, but they also serve fresh and fried oysters, as well as crab claws and giant prawns.
Photo credit: @lifebythemountain
Originally opened in 1940, Kiely’s was a Cork institution until they closed their doors in 2007. But in January 2022, it was brought back to life by Blue Haven, who offer a modern take on the classics. Browse their impressive menu and try their tempura haddock topped off with tartar sauce, mushy peas and homemade chips, and their take on a fancy chip butty. Or for a unique twist, taste their catch of the day which is served up with tomato relish and homemade aioli.
Photo credit: @kielyscork
You simply can’t beat proper, handmade chips. At the Fish Box in Dingle, County Kerry, they pride themselves on their hand-cut chips made from local spuds. They’re thick, fluffy and cooked until perfectly golden and served up alongside a hefty portion of fresh battered fish, which can also be made with gluten free batter.
Experience their spin on the classic spice bag, with shredded catch of the day, chips and sliced peppers all shaken in their own spice mix. Don't forget their renowned mushy peas. “The best mushy peas I’ve ever had,” commented a converted mushy pea lover.
Photo credit: @gourmetgirlsblog
McDonagh’s Seafood House in Galway city has been a family-run business for four generations, with a legion of loyal fans in Galway coming back to the Fish and Chip Bar time and time again. Browse their menu filled with everything from classic cod and hake to mackerel, salmon and whiting, and discover why their homemade chips are the hit of the city. Be sure to kick off your meal with a few Kelly’s oysters while your fish sizzles in the fryer.
Photo credit: @brianfsmyth
If you're looking for fish and chips with all the trimmings, Sofia’s in Mullingar is a must. Open until midnight every day of the week, satisfy all your late night pangs of hunger with their colossal portions of fresh cod (fried or smoked), along with hand-cut chips and a plethora of sauces on the side.
Named after the very pier it sits on in Donegal, Killybegs Seafood Shack doles out locally-sourced fish, whether you want it battered, breaded or in the form of scampi. When the fish is this good (so good, according to one of you, that “people travel from all four corners of the island” to try it), the menu can be kept simple, with just a few options to choose from. Mix it up and go for a hefty portion of garlic mayo or pink sauce to go with your meal, instead of the classic tartare.
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If you want to eat the freshest fish around, your best bet is to head to a place that’s run by fishermen. At Fishermans Catch in Louth, they have their own boat, so the fish that comes in that day is delivered straight from the harbour into the shop and their fish ‘n’ chip trailer. Stay on your toes and savour the freshness of the day's catch, whatever it may be. “Enjoy the freshest, tastiest fish and chips” with “breathtaking views over the Mourne Mountains.” We’re sold.
With a name like Tram Chowder, how can you not love this food truck? From their location in Howth Market, County Dublin, they serve up fish and chips, accompanied by a lemon wedge and a little pot of tartare sauce ready for you to take down to the harbour and enjoy by the sea. Partake in their fresh chowder, calamari and prawns, or Brazilian brigadeiros, if you fancy something sweet afterwards.
Leo Burdock is Dublin’s best-known and oldest chipper, on the go since they opened their Christchurch shop in 1913. While they may now have eight other branches in Dublin and Kildare, this original shop is still going strong. Many famous folk have popped in over the years, including Patrick Dempsey, who declared it was “bleeding deadly!!” on his Instagram feed. Stop by if you want a classic ‘one and one’ with lashings of vinegar.
Photo credit: @hungrymaddykim
If all this talk of fish and chips has whetted your appetite, check out more of delicious food and drink experiences around the country.
