Explore Cork’s food scene
Cork City Fab Food Trails
Cork is one of Ireland’s leading food destinations, with colourful markets, creative cafés and excellent restaurants. Book a spot on the Cork Fab Food Trail and hear about the hidden foodie treasures from a local guide, during a three-hour walking trail of the historic city.
Wander around the narrow streets and stop off at tapas bars, traditional pubs and relaxed bistros. Enjoy tasting plates while experiencing a warm welcome from proud Corkonians.
The English Market
Experience the bustling atmosphere of the English Market, famous for its artisan produce, local specialities and the freshest of ingredients. Pick up some drisheen (a delicious type of pudding) and try their tasty buttered eggs on some sourdough bread. With international fare and family-run stalls, relish the energetic pace of this Cork institution.
Ballymaloe House
Travel to East Cork and enjoy the famous Ballymaloe House hospitality. Discover the lush green countryside and savour the home-cooked meals, with ingredients sourced from the Ballymaloe grounds and walled gardens. At this historic country house, menus change daily with talented chefs creating traditional Irish meals for hungry guests.
The Midleton Distillery Experience
Go behind the scenes of Ireland’s most famous whiskey at the Midleton Distillery Experience. Enjoy a tour of the buildings and learn about the field to glass process which gives Jameson and Powers its smooth, iconic flavour.
Visit one of the original Jameson warehouses on-site and draw a special Jameson blend straight from the cask. Craft ambassadors are on hand to share tips and interesting facts with visiting whiskey fans.
If you're on the hunt for even more distilling knowledge, check out our list of Ireland's top distillery tour and experiences.
Enjoy Waterford’s unique food
The Sea Gardener
Visit Waterford and meet Marie Power, The Sea Gardener, an expert in seaweed cookery and foraging. Book in for a land walk, beach picnic or informative talk and find out how to use seaweed in your everyday meals so that you can benefit from its astonishingly healthy properties.
The Waterford Blaa
The Waterford Blaa is famous across Ireland, so you can’t visit the county without trying the doughy goodness of a Blaa sandwich. A local speciality in the Déise, credit goes to Brother Ignatius Rice for baking the first Blaa in 1802.
Try yours with sizzling bacon (a popular choice) but be warned, they sell out in record time. Head to Walsh’s Bakehouse in Waterford city or Barron’s Bakery in Cappoquin for a signature Blaa sandwich.
Taste of Tipperary
Mikey Ryan’s Bar
Drop into Mikey Ryan’s Bar, a gorgeous gastropub in Cashel, Tipperary and discover authentic Irish fare with a twist. Chefs source fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers and artisan producers, creating tasty, traditional food. Head to this spot and experience the recognisably mouth-watering flavour of Cashel Blue Cheese, which is used in many of their dishes.
Savour great food in Wicklow
The Happy Pear
After a refreshing walk along the Greystones cliff walk, venture into the town for a delicious meal at The Happy Pear. Open seven days a week, enjoy their range of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes that are vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Don’t leave without popping over to Delgany to visit Firehouse Bakery and pick up some of their tasty sweet treats for the journey home.
There's so much to see and do in this fascinating part of Ireland. Check out the full range of fun activities in Ireland's Ancient East and get more inspiration for your next visit.
