Top 10 traditional Irish restaurants

Do you want to eat a typical Irish stew or some locally caught seafood? Try one of these traditional Irish restaurants!

When coming to Ireland you shouldn’t miss out on traditional Irish cuisine. The country is known for its variety of spirits and beers, but what is a good drink without some fantastic food to accompany it? If you have the chance, try out a typical winter Irish stew or the many different kinds of fish and seafood that are caught along the coasts of the Emerald Isle. There are many typical dishes to be found across the country, and not all involve potatoes! Since a lot of traditional Irish restaurants are directed at tourists coming to Ireland, be prepared to pay a bit more. Babylon Radio has found a number of traditional Irish restaurants all over Ireland for you.

The Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant, Dublin

The Old Storehouse is a traditional Irish bar and restaurant in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar area and is the ideal place to meet some of the locals. It’s Victorian architecture gives this bar/restaurant a charming, traditional atmosphere, which is supported by live Irish music 7 nights a week. And if you feel too stuffy inside, just sit outside in the adjacent spacious beer garden and enjoy a pint. They do not accept reservations, but you rarely need to wait very long before getting a table. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-1.30am; Saturday 11am-2.30am; Sunday 12pm-1am (Restaurant closes 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends) Price: €€

Address: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Tel.: +353 (0)1 604 4003 Web: theoldstorehouse.ie

The Brazen Head, Dublin

The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and can be found on Bridge Street in Dublin. It has managed to retain its ‘old pub feel’ throughout the years, which makes it incredibly popular with both tourists and locals alike. The pub has something to offer for all appetites, served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Next to the incredibly filling traditional Irish food, they also serve numerous Irish whiskies as well as wines, gins and vodkas from around the world. Opening Hours: food every day from 12pm-9.30pm Price: €€€

Address: 20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8 Tel.: +353 (0)1 679 5186 Web: brazenhead.com

The Bakehouse Bakery & Eatery, Dublin

The Bakehouse is a famous Irish bakery and eatery in the heart of Dublin City and can be found next to the Ha’penny Bridge. They offer traditional Irish baked goods that are freshly prepared in house everyday. Next to the baked goods, the Bakehouse also offers homemade soups, traditional Irish stews, sandwiches, salads and snacks. Enjoy their incredible pastries with the help of freshly ground coffee or a relaxing tea while looking out over the River Liffey. Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday, and Saturday 10am-6pm; Thursday and Friday 9am-6pm; Sunday 10am-3pm Price: €

Address: 6 Bachelor’s Walk, Dublin Tel.: +353 (0)1 873 4279 Web: the-bakehouse.ie

Farmgate Restaurant & Country Store, Midleton

In 1983, Maróg O’Brien established Farmgate in Midleton, County Cork, as a small food store specialising in local and fresh produce. Five years later it expanded along with its food store to form the now renowned Farmgate Restaurant and Bakery. The shop is supported and loved by both tourists and locals alike and has become a national landmark of County Cork. You can find unique and traditional dishes of Cork in the restaurant and food market, along with new influences from all over the world. Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm (Restaurant); Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm (Store and Bakery) Price: €€

Address: Coolbawn, Midleton, County Cork Tel.: +353 (0)21 463 2771 Web: farmgate.ie

Connemara Greenway Café & Restaurant, Oughterard

The Connemara Greenway Café is a quaint little restaurant, café and deli situated on the main street in Oughterard, County Galway. Inside, you will find the café and restaurant area in the front and the small local market in the back. All produce you can find there is locally sourced and includes famous Irish brands such as Connemara Smokehouse salmon and Sheridan’s cheese. Each day, the kitchen prepares fresh lunch, with most of the dishes differing depending on the season and what’s currently available. Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-10.30pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm; Closed on Mondays Price: €

Address: Main Street, Oughterard, Galway Tel.: +353 (0)91 866 645 Web: facebook.com/connemaragreenway

Martine’s Restaurant, Galway

Martine’s are a family-run restaurant located on Galway’s Quay Street with deep connections in the area and the local food scene. The restaurant is built on family tradition and offers traditional Irish foods but also take inspiration from Galway’s international ties and influences. Because of that, you will find traditional Irish classics along with flavours from Spain, Portugal and Italy on the menu, especially in their international wine selection. The food is made from local ingredients using both traditional and modern preparation techniques from Ireland and around the world. Opening Hours: Everyday 12.30pm-3pm (Lunch), 5pm-10.30pm (Dinner) Price: €€

Address: 21 Quay Street, Galway Tel.: +353 (0)91 565 662 Web: martines.ie

Wicklow Heather Restaurant, Glendalough

Established over 40 years ago, Wicklow Heather House and Restaurant is a family-run establishment in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. You can rest at the Wicklow Heather House or enjoy a blend of traditional Irish and continental dishes at the restaurant. All of their dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farms in the surrounding area. After enjoying a meal at the restaurant, why not spend some time in the House’s Irish Writers Room. This room showcases first editions and original manuscripts from famous Irish writers such as James Joyce, WB. Yeats, Oscar Wilde and many more. Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday 8am-9.30pm; Saturday 8am-10pm Price: €€€

Address: Laragh, Glendalough, County Wicklow Tel.: (0404) 45157 Web: wicklowheather.ie

The Brewer’s House, Donaghmore

The Brewer’s House Gastropub and Restaurant is located in the picturesque village of Donaghmore, County Tyrone. It is one of the oldest public houses in Ulster and dates back to the 18th century. This Irish country pub in the heart of the village offers tasty traditional Irish pub food and a welcoming atmosphere. Their dishes combine the best of pub food with delicious contemporary cuisine. Whether you want to unwind after a stressful day or have a family lunch, the Brewer’s House is the place for you. Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 4.30pm-8.30pm; Friday 3pm-8.30pm; Saturday 1pm-10pm; Sunday 1pm-7.45pm; Closed on Tuesdays Price: €€

Address: 73 Castlecaulfield Road, Donaghmore, County Tyrone Tel.: +44 (0)28 8776 1932 Web: thebrewershouse.com

Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast & Dundrum

If you enjoy fresh seafood caught locally to reasonable prices then you must try the Mourne Seafood Bar, either in Belfast or Dundrum. The relaxed atmosphere and the fresh and delicious seafood hauled from the local ports make eating at Mourne’s a unique experience. You can find everything from oysters au naturel to pots of fresh Mourne mussels prepared in the most delicious way possible. They even get their shellfish from their very own shellfish beds. Opening Hours: Belfast: Monday-Thursday 12pm-9.30pm; Friday and Saturday 12pm-3.30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sunday 1pm-9pm Dundrum: Thursday and Friday 12.30pm-3pm, 5pm-9.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm-9pm; Closed Monday to Wednesday Price: €

Address: 34-36 Bank Street, Belfast; 10 Main Street, Dundrum Tel.: +44 (0)28 9024 8544 (Belfast) +353 (0)28 4375 1377 (Dundrum) Web: mourneseafood.com

The Central Wine Bar, Ballycastle

The Central was first established in 1861 by the McHenry family as a small bar. Over the years this small bar has grown into an award-winning pub, restaurant and beer garden. The restaurant itself opened in 2007 and has become a great success and well-visited locale in Ballycastle. Their menu changes according to the seasons to offer fresh and flavourful traditional Irish dishes, supporting local suppliers at the same time. Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm; Friday+Saturday 11am-1am; 12pm-11pm Price: €€

Address: 12 Ann Street, Ballycastle Tel.: +44 (0)28 2076 3877 Web: centralwinebar.com

So there you have it, a roundup of some of the best traditional Irish restaurants in the country where you can sample some local Irish cuisine. Do you have a favourite place to go to get your carvery lunch? Have we missed out on the best spot for a Full Irish? Let us know in the comments below.