Savoring Ireland and Northern Ireland: Notable food destinations ranging from ancient castles to quaint countryside cafes
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Explore the enchanting world of Irish and Northern Irish cuisine, where traditional recipes meet modern innovation in unique settings. From historic hotels to rustic farmhouses, these memorable eateries offer more than just a meal—they provide an experience.
Northern Ireland
Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen
Step back in time at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, nestled in a 17th-century thatched cottage on Strangford Lough, County Down. Here, you can savour traditional Irish dishes while learning to make soda bread, wheaten bread, and potato bread. Interact with farm animals and immerse yourself in the charm of this historic establishment.
Bank Square Brasserie
Bank Square Brasserie, located in County Antrim, offers a beautiful setting with a focus on local produce and flavours. Known for its excellent service and dishes, it is one of the top dining spots in Northern Ireland.
The Titanic Hotel, Belfast
Indulge in an afternoon tea experience like no other at The Titanic Hotel, Belfast. Set within a historic building commemorating the Titanic, this hotel offers a unique dining experience with flavours inspired by the era of the famous ship.
EDŌ
For a modern Spanish tapas experience, head to EDŌ in Belfast City Centre. With a lively atmosphere and diverse menu, this eatery offers a wide variety of small plates that are sure to delight.
Ireland
Ireland's culinary scene is rich and diverse, with Michelin-starred restaurants, local food markets, and artisanal producers scattered throughout the countryside. Explore Dublin's Temple Bar area for a vibrant dining experience or venture into the countryside for farm-to-table experiences that showcase Ireland's unique settings.
Michelin-starred Restaurants in Dublin
Among the standout restaurants in Dublin is The Edge Restaurant, which has been awarded Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year for both 2024 and 2025 at the Yes Chef Ireland Awards. Located at the Redcastle Hotel & Spa in County Donegal, The Edge Restaurant offers a panoramic view of Lough Foyle and emphasizes locally sourced ingredients.
The menu at The Edge Restaurant, under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Gordon Smyth, focuses on a seasonal approach and a wide-ranging menu, including award-winning Irish beef and lamb. Dishes such as torched mackerel and citrus-cured salmon showcase a blend of local sourcing and modern technique.
Kai Restaurant and The Railway Tavern Firebox Grill
Kai Restaurant, housed in a former florist shop in Galway's Westend, serves high-quality, locally sourced produce prepared with care. Meanwhile, The Railway Tavern Firebox Grill, set inside a converted early 20th-century railway station in Fahan, County Donegal, offers bold, flame-licked flavors, such as charred seafood and tender steaks cooked low over embers.
The Wolff Grill
The Wolff Grill, located in the heart of Belfast's Titanic Quarter, highlights Northern Ireland's seasonal bounty, including grass-fed meats and just-caught seafood. Overlooking the Titanic Belfast museum, this restaurant offers a relaxed, contemporary feel.
Cedars Restaurant
Cedars Restaurant, located within the ivy-clad walls of Lough Eske Castle, a 17th-century estate, features understated elegance with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking castle gardens and woodland. Ideal for romantic dinners or relaxed family lunches, Cedars Restaurant offers a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you're seeking a traditional Irish meal or a modern culinary adventure, these memorable eateries in Ireland and Northern Ireland promise to delight your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
- At Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in County Down, Northern Ireland, immerse yourself in traditional Irish cooking and learn to make various types of bread.
- Bank Square Brasserie in County Antrim offers a unique dining experience focused on local produce and flavors, earning it a spot as one of the top dining spots in Northern Ireland.
- Step back in time for an afternoon tea experience at The Titanic Hotel, Belfast, where flavors are inspired by the Titanic era.
- For a modern Spanish tapas experience in Belfast City Centre, visit EDŌ, offering a variety of small plates and a lively atmosphere.
- The Edge Restaurant in County Donegal, Ireland, boasts a seasonal approach and uses locally sourced ingredients, having been awarded Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year in 2024 and 2025.
- Kai Restaurant in Galway's Westend features high-quality, locally sourced produce prepared with care, while The Railway Tavern Firebox Grill in Fahan offers bold, flame-licked flavors.
- The Wolff Grill in Belfast's Titanic Quarter showcases Northern Ireland's seasonal bounty, including grass-fed meats and fresh seafood.
- Cedars Restaurant in Lough Eske Castle, Ireland, offers understated elegance, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning views of castle gardens and woodland.
- Enjoy vegan cuisine alongside traditional Irish dishes at Irish and Northern Irish restaurants, catering to various lifestyles and dietary preferences.
- The culinary scene in Ireland is diverse, with Michelin-starred restaurants, food markets, and artisanal producers scattered throughout the countryside, inviting visitors to explore new flavors and cooking techniques.
- After a memorable dinner, return to your home-and-garden accommodation and research new food-and-drink recipes to enhance your cooking skills and lifestyle.
