The Emerald Isle. It’s known for many things. But until recently, food hasn’t been one of them.
After spending a week in the country, I have no idea why a trip focused on a taste of Ireland isn’t near the top of any foodie’s travel list.
I mean I seriously had the best steak of my life — twice!!
Don’t even get me started on the oysters! I’m still dreaming about them. And the chowder, oh, the seafood chowder!!!
I didn’t think about what we’d eat as we planned the trip. But you should!
Here are five unexpected things you’ve gotta try while in Ireland!
The Beef
Topping my “must eat while in Ireland” list is the sirloin steak at Sean Collins and Sons in Adare.
It was thick and flavorful on it’s own … but it’s served with fries and an amazing peppercorn sauce on the side.
I dipped the steak in the sauce (gasp!), I dipped the fries in the sauce, I thought about eating the sauce like soup!
This is the best steak I’ve ever eaten. (And I grew up eating some great steak!)
The steak at Sean Collins and Sons in Adare was so good that we returned and I ordered it again just a few days later! And it’s the first place I’d head if I were to return.
Natural Oysters
Look at these beauties!
You’ve gotta try the natural oysters at Moran’s on the Weir.
We stopped at the restaurant after a day in Galway.
The restaurant opened at the turn of the 19th century. Think of all of the people who’ve enjoyed meals there since then.
If they were smart, they ordered the oysters. The natural oysters were flavorful and full of brine straight from the sea.
I needed nothing else to eat with these gems, and could have easily eaten them all afternoon!
Seafood Chowder
The day we toured the Ring of Kerry was sunny, but blustery.
By the time we hit Monks in Ballyvaughan, we were ready for a break. And we sure chose the right place!
Monks served up huge portions of fish and chips and other choices, but I opted for a bowl of seafood chowder.
It was hot and flavorful. If seafood isn’t your thing, a thick and flavorful Guinness stew is another option.
Each was paired with a slice of thick soda bread, and it turned out to be a perfect stop for lunch.
The Full Irish
The Gandon Inn put a new twist on a traditional Irish.
Instead of just serving up eggs with black and white pudding, the chef tossed it on a bun. I mean look at that thing!
Don’t worry, they also serve a traditional full Irish breakfast, as well as a full menu of other breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Bread Pudding
Got a sweet tooth? Don’t pass up the bread pudding. I’m usually not a fan of it, but the Irish won me over … with both taste and presentation.
This warm, gooey dessert, served with ice cream and topped with caramel, is the perfect ending to any day in Ireland!
Guinness
And you can’t really visit Ireland without a toast of Guinness!
This dark, heavy beer is normally too much for me. But order one in any Irish pub. It tastes different when you’re there.
Still too much? Order a Guinness and currant. A little currant syrup added in cuts the beer’s after taste.
What’s not on my list that should be?