Ireland’s Ancient East has a plethora of gastronomic experiences in towns dotted along its beautiful coastline and further inland. Not only that, this part of Ireland mixes food with the best of heritage and culture. From innovative to traditional dishes, food stalls and budget to high-end restaurants, there are plenty of places to stop and fill up on delicious and memorable feasts along Ireland’s Ancient East.
To make sure you make the most out of the culinary pleasures along Ireland’s Ancient East, below is a list of seven great locations to stop off in for some of the best food Ireland has to offer.
7 Great Spots for Food Along Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Wexford Town, County Wexford
The historic Viking town of Wexford has built a reputation for providing delicious and exciting food. Every year the Wexford Food and Drink Festival draws in crowds from near and far to enjoy a selection of local and international food and drink, and in 2018 the festival will be celebrating its 10th birthday. Outside of the festival, visitors can try a host of different restaurants within the town – from wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers to Thai cuisine. Within Wexford, there are also various local producers that sell produce locally and further afield.
2 Midleton, County Cork
Over the years Midleton has really stepped up its food game with a great selection of eateries in its town and surrounding area. A trip to Midleton is sure to satisfy hungry travellers and, for hardcore food fans, a visit to the town during the Midleton Food Festival is a great opportunity to soak up all that the area has to offer. The festival includes excellent local produce and adventurous dishes from further afield.
3 Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is a treat for food lovers, especially during its Savour Kilkenny festival. The festival is packed full of good quality food from local and national producers and includes cookery demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to taste all the different kinds of foods from the area. Kilkenny also has its own Food Trail, which includes visits to local producers and lots of tastings thrown in along the way! Kilkenny itself is awash with good restaurants filled with local and international flavours, as well as two Michelin-starred restaurants for those wanting a unique and special culinary experience.
4 Kildare Town, County Kildare
Kildare is a great foodie stop along Ireland’s Ancient East. The village has everything from perfect brunch spots and afternoon tea, to crepes and doughnut filled shops for travellers known to have a sweet tooth. Plus, the history of Kildare goes as far back as Neolithic times and the Anglo Norman invasion of Ireland, making it a perfect place for combining a love of history and food.
5 Carlow Town, County Carlow
Carlow is another place along Ireland’s Ancient East that has its own food trail. Between Carlow Town and its countryside combined, there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to food. This includes free-range produce from local farms, locally grown apples and artisan cheeses. Carlow Food Trail weaves together the story of Carlow’s great array of local produce. In the town, there is a selection of local, contemporary and international eateries to choose from.
6 Carlingford, County Louth
The quaint village of Carlingford is filled with plenty of places to enjoy great cuisine. This could be anything from pub grub in a cosy pub along one of the village’s cobble stoned streets to a high-end restaurant overlooking Carlingford Lough. The village is also lined with a few great ice cream shops, as well as cafes offering lighter bites and wholesome breakfasts and lunches. What’s more, Carlingford has an annual Oyster Festival that attracts visitors from near and far to sample oysters and on many occasions to wash them down with a few pints of Guinness.
7 Cork City, County Cork
A food trail starting in Cork City takes visitors to a selection of artisan producers in the wider Cork area. Stops include Clonakilty and Kinsale, two of Cork’s most attractive villages, which are idyllic settings for feasting on the local area’s best ingredients and recipes. In addition to the food trail is a vast array of food stops in Cork’s city and its wider area – from the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School to the city’s endless choice of local and worldwide inspired eateries along its streets.