Ireland offers an array of foodie delights, from oysters to the famous Irish stew, and no wonder, with the best and finest ingredients around. Of course, you also need brilliantly creative chefs, and there is no shortage of them in well-established restaurants around the country. All you need to do is jump in the car for a culinary tour of the island.
And the only way to bring the car is by hopping across the Irish Sea by ferry, which is less than a two-hour journey. With Irish Ferries, you can choose between one of two routes. Drive on at Holyhead in north Wales, travel on “Ulysses”, the largest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea, or “Dublin Swift”, the fastest vessel, speeding you to your destination in 1 hour 49 minutes, and roll off in Dublin. Or for easy access to Ireland’s sunny south-east, take the more southerly route from Pembroke in south Wales to Rosslare in County Wexford, travelling in style on “Isle of Inishmore”.
Whatever you fancy, you’ll find something in Ireland to whet your appetite. Check out the craftsmanship on display from up-and-coming artisan chefs as well as their long-established counterparts. Try out the wares of the fine cheesemongers in Dublin, or enjoy delicious home-baked goodies with a cup of revitalising tea in one of the dozens of tearooms. In the evening, enjoy sumptuous Galway seafood with crisp, fresh vegetables and some tasty soda bread; accompany your meal with a glass of ale from one of the exciting new microbreweries or even a traditional glass of Guinness.
Celebrate Ireland’s excellence with one of the fantastic food festivals. Most famous perhaps is the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, held in September every year to mark the city’s oyster harvest. You can also marvel at some of the best shuckers in the world – entrants to the Irish and the World Oyster Opening Championships.
And when you’re ready for some entertainment, you won’t be short of options. Pack up the car and make your way to Doolin, the home of Irish music, where singing and storytelling are the heart of the community and have been for decades. It might be a small fishing village but its lure is strong – there are performances all year round, featuring local musicians plus visitors who want to be part of the tradition.
If your musical tastes fall more on the other side of the Atlantic, drive to the annual Kilkenny Roots festival, showcasing the best in alternative country and Americana. Artists from around the world have flocked to perform there for almost 20 years – and if you’re not quite sure about committing to buying a ticket, there are even free gigs in the local pubs.
Wherever you are in Ireland, though, there’ll be no shortage of residents ready to offer you some of their warmest hospitality, whether that’s a pint of Guinness or a rendition of a favourite old song. Enjoy it.
Top spots for food and refreshment
Located in the heart of Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. And no wonder – once you get to the top of the building, you’re rewarded with a pint of the black stuff.
If your tipple is whiskey, try the Old Jameson Distillery tour in Dublin city centre. You’ll learn about the famous drink’s history and enjoy a comparative tasting.
Try out an array of cheeses at Sheridans Cheesemongers, with shops in Dublin, Galway, Waterford and Kells. The Galway branch has a wine bar upstairs where you can enjoy a leisurely glass or two along with a tasty platter of goodies.
Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin is the best place to enjoy traditional Irish music, and well worth the drive to County Clare. With plenty of seats so you can sit and listen to the performers plus room to dance should the rhythm overtake you, this is an essential trip.
Want to try out everything Ireland has to offer, but not sure where to start? Irish Ferries can help. They will even help you plan your ideal holiday, whether it’s a short break, an action-packed adventure or just some time for relaxation and reflection.
