In line with government advice, our St Patrick’s Day Festival was cancelled on March 12th
No one celebrates St Patrick’s Day like Dublin, Ireland and you’re missing out if you’re not sampling our rich culinary scene and history while you’re here.
We’ve picked 10 places to eat in Dublin that are serving up delicious Irish dishes. Are you hungry?
What St Patrick’s Day is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse? On the fifth floor of Ireland’s favourite visitor attraction, you can experience a contemporary Irish pub in Arthur's Bar. It’s the perfect place to taste an Irish staple – corned beef – or opt for a classic Beef and Guinness Pie, all to the tune of a traditional Irish music session.
The 1837 Bar and Brasserie is an upscale dining option at the Guinness Storehouse, that takes its name from the year of the original pairing of Guinness and oysters. The Guinness’ rich, creamy head compliments the brininess of the oysters, drawing out their more complex tastes – you’ll never have oysters like it. Where better to enjoy this famous duo than at the home of Guinness?
Wholesome, local Irish produce is the focus at Brewers' Dining Hall, at the Guinness Storehouse, famous for its Guinness-based take on the traditional Irish stew. Fifty thousand people every year come to sample it in the informal communal dining space, inspired by St James’s Gate’s own dining rooms in the 18th and 19th centuries, so don’t miss out.
Locals typically enjoy a full Irish fry up for breakfast on St Patrick’s Day, and The Dean’s rooftop restaurant, Sophie’s serves one of the best. Set yourself up properly for a day of fun ahead, all while overlooking stunning views of the city. You can spot the Guinness Storehouse on the horizon – it’s only a ten-minute drive away.
If you’re full up on fry ups, trying The Fumbally’s famous Green Eggs and Ham is on everyone’s list of places to eat in Dublin. Its approach is food-first in an open kitchen, with only the best locally sourced suppliers, served up without any attitude in a super-cool space, only a 15-minute walk from the Storehouse, and five minutes from the Parade route near St Patrick’s Cathedral.
On the northside of the city, you can try a true Irish classic gone fancy at The Legal Eagle. A crisp sandwich on batch bread with homemade crisps and ‘too much’ butter (is there such a thing?) is a local favourite and the perfect mid-afternoon snack. The food here is innovative, with interesting takes on well-loved dishes, using only the best of Irish produce. Try the roasted bone marrow for something different at dinner.
You can also find great seafood in the city at the Cliff Townhouse overlooking St Stephens Green. Their fine dining Seafood Restaurant uses locally sourced, fresh produce and menu staples include Donegal Cod, West Cork Scallops and Galway Bay Mussels. Downstairs, the Urchin Bar serves light seafood bites and tapas, alongside excellent cocktails, in what feels like a fun beach-hut in the city.
Another top choice overlooking the city’s most famous park, Stephen’s Green, is The Grayson, where you can enjoy a candlelit dinner from a menu of modern takes on classic dishes. Stay for the dancing in the stunning glass-ceilinged atrium, where you can try their mouth-watering cocktails, like Roe’llin Like A Cherry, which features Roe & Co whiskey, cherry puree, lemon and a soda top – delicious!
You can’t leave Ireland without sampling our world-renowned Irish beef, and if you miss it on your visit to the Guinness Storehouse the next best thing is at FX Buckley Steakhouse Restaurant at The Bull and Castle. FX Buckley supplies half the city with its top-quality beef, so you’re in good hands at the steakhouse. The Bull and Castle location is across from Christchurch Cathedral and right on the parade route, so you won’t have to travel far.
Two minutes from the front gates of Trinity College, The Bank on College Green, is a restaurant and bar housed inside a magnificent Victorian bank building that has been restored to its former glory. The surroundings are impressive, and the menu packed with classic dishes and local suppliers. If you’ve built up an appetite, opt for the slow roasted Wicklow lamb shank and enjoy every bite.
With plenty of foodie options in Dublin city, it’s tough to pick just a couple, but you’re in for a treat wherever you end up. Be sure to save a few hours to visit the Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy your St Patrick’s Day pint of the black stuff, alongside some Guinness-inspired menu favourites.
