Excellent eateries
1 | Lennons @ Visual, Carlow
With a passion for sustainably sourced local ingredients, Lennon's vibrant menu has something for every dietary want and need. Set on the first floor of VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art in Carlow, foodies can enjoy their meal while surrounded by modern art and evocative installations, as well as stunning views of Carlow Cathedral via the floor-to-ceiling windows.
2 | The Tannery, Waterford
With its ever-changing menus rooted in local flavour, The Tannery in Dungarvan has earned its place as a beloved spot in the community. Housed in a former leather factory near Dungarvan Marina, this award-winning restaurant pairs a warm, welcoming atmosphere with beautifully crafted dishes and an impressive wine list. The setting is cosy, the food is inviting and the experience is one to savour. Visitors can also book in overnight for a peaceful break away.
3 | Thyme Restaurant, Westmeath
On the banks of the River Shannon, in the heart of historic Athlone, the Bib Gourmand Thyme has built a reputation for creating exciting, modern Irish cuisine. Owner and chef John Coffey and his wife Tara set out to showcase the talent and passion of the Midlands' talented producers. The dynamic menu gives a tasty snapshot of the diversity and quality of the local food artisans.
Cookery schools
4 | Cloughan Farm and School, Longford
Book your stay in Longford and join a class at Cloughan Farm and Cookery School. Under the expert supervision of chef Fiona Egan and her husband Michael, visitors prepare and make brunches, lunches and dinners with hand-reared meat and homegrown vegetables, before dining on their creations in the farm's peaceful garden.
5 | Dingle Cookery School, Kerry
Pay a visit to Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle) and book a session with the Dingle Cookery School, which provides a hands-on approach and expert-led cooking demonstrations. For an immersive cooking experience to remember, snag a slot in their 'Catch and Cook' course. Nab your catch of the day in Dingle Bay, then learn how to expertly prepare and cook it with the help of your instructor.
Fun food tours
6 | Delicious Dublin Tours, Dublin
Taste the best of the capital on the go with Delicious Dublin Tours. Follow your local food expert around Dublin and sample great Irish cuisine, both classic and contemporary, and pick up some top food recommendations for the remainder of your stay in the big city.
7 | Taste Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Go behind the scenes with local food producers and taste some of the county's best culinary treats on a Taste Kilkenny food tour. From farm to fork, visit the restaurants, cafés, markets and gastropubs around Kilkenny that are supported by this great food network.
8 | Macroom Buffalo Farm, Cork
Macroom in Cork has become synonymous with Irish dairy thanks to farmers Johnny and Geraldine Lynch of Macroom Buffalo Farm. Get a glimpse into dairy farm life on a tour – you'll meet the first herd of water buffalo to ever be introduced to Ireland, learn about the nutrition of their cheese and yogurt and sample the products yourself.
9 | Kinsale Food Tours, Cork
With great restaurants serving the freshest of seafood, Kinsale is a foodie's playground. Dive deep into the local scene with Kinsale Food Tours. Choose from one of three tour options to sample local produce from some of the town's best restaurants, forage for edible seaweed and shellfish along the coast or have a luxurious picnic and a swim on your very own private yacht.
10 | Wilde Irish Chocolates, Clare
Book your own golden ticket and treat yourself to a tour of Wilde Irish Chocolates, Clare's original chocolate factory. Learn about the factory's history as you whiff the rich aroma of indulgent chocolate, which is made entirely from 100% sustainable cocoa. Dedicated chocolate lovers need to book in advance for the 'Build Your Own Chocolate Bar' experience, where you can create your very own sweet concoction.
11 | Croagh Patrick Seafood and Tours, Mayo
For over 25 years, the Gannon family in Mayo have farmed Clew Bay oysters and other local shellfish at their aquaculture farm outside Westport. With Croagh Patrick Seafood and Tours, you can join owner Padraig Gannon on a shore-based tour of the oyster beds and learn all about Clew Bay's history. You'll even get the chance to sample fresh oysters straight from the Bay.
Food and drink experiences
12 | Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
While you’re on your city break in Dublin, tour the Guinness Storehouse and try their 'Connoisseur Experience', where you can try four different types of Guinness, learn how to pull the perfect pint of the black stuff and gain insight into the famous Guinness family. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at Arthur's Bar or the 1837 Bar & Brasserie.
13 | English Market, Cork
Explore the iconic English Market and it's amazing selection of diverse traders, from fledgling sellers to long-established family businesses passed down through generations. Whet your appetite with a fresh sushi roll, get your caffeine hit with a coffee or pick up some fresh produce for a picnic, all before venturing out to see the sights of Cork.
14 | The Sea Gardener, Waterford
Join Marie Power, The Sea Gardener, on Waterford’s Copper Coast for a deep dive into the world of seaweed. Take to the coast's secluded rocky coves for a day of seaweed foraging and learn about the variety of ways it can be used in everyday life, whether in cooking, skincare or gardening.
15 | Airfield Estate, Dublin
Visit Dublin's only 38-acre working farm at Airfield Estate and see the Overend family home, kitchen, gardens and vintage cars. Collect freshly laid eggs, see the Jersey cow herd being milked and meet the estate's goats, pigs and donkeys. Or book into one of the cooking workshops and demonstrations in the kitchen, which range from a lesson in sustainable seafood and tapas to baking with the kids.
16 | Roe and Co, Dublin
Experience this urban distillery in Dublin’s Liberties neighbourhood. Step inside the iconic former Guinness power station and learn about the whiskey distilling process. Enjoy an expert-led whiskey tasting at the 'Blending Experience,' or book in with the 'Roe and Co Flavours Experience' to discover how to create the perfectly balanced cocktail.
If you're still hungry, prepare to loosen your belt and tuck into more of the country's top food and drink experiences.
