Dublin Food and Drink
Dublin is full of eating and drinking opportunities from historic beer pubs to buzzing restaurants to bountiful markets. Here are some of the best places to taste and drink in Dublin including Irish food festivals and tasting courses.
Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair
Described as Ireland’s largest craft beer festival (who doesn't love craft beer?!), this big tasting event happens at least once a year in Dublin. “Enjoy the latest craft beers, ciders and spirits. Be entertained by up-and- coming, home-grown musical talent, enjoy Six Nations rugby and tempt your taste buds with delicious artisan food.” Sounds good to me!
CHQ Dublin
I did not know that the chq building was formerly a tobacco store in the 1800’s with vaults down below used to store vine. All I know is that this shopping centre in the heart of the IFSC is a pleasant spot to shop, eat, and explore the Liffey just outside. Their email newsletter keeps you informed about events in such spots as Ely Winebar and Mitchell & Son Wine Merchants, in addition to annual festivals in the adjacent George’s Dock.
Cooks Academy
Interesting in taking cooking lessons in Dublin? The Cooks Academy on South William Street has a demonstration theatre and hands on facilities to teach you how to cook food like the pros. They offer full courses, evening workshops, and even a 50 minute lunch and learn demonstration. They also happen to run the Dublin Wine Academy with opportunities to earn a certificate in wine tasting and pairing. Subscribe to their newsletter so see what types of local and international cuisine and cooking opportunities are in your future.
Corkscrew
Close to St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, this acclaimed and friendly wine shop offers wine courses and was responsible for the incredible Winter Wine fest which I attended in the past at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin.
Dublin Food Co-op
The ever popular Co-op moved location from Newmarket Street so check their website for the latest updates. , but I have only made it there a Saturday myself. It's well worth it the stroll to shop for produce and appreciate a home-cooked tasty lunch. Besides all the organic and wholefood vendors, there is also health foods store onsite plus local people selling fun crafty items. By signing up for their email newsletter, you can find out about the many Sunday bazaar and flea markets as well as family activities and special events.
Ely Wine Bars
Spanning the Wine Bar in Dublin 2 and the cavernous location at CHQ, they host numerous wine tasting events to please all palates. Subscribe to their newsletter to be the first to know about the best in wine.
Guinness Storehouse
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/
I don't need to remind you this is the most popular tourist attraction in Dublin and for obvious reasons. It's worth it to book ahead and explore the brewing and history from bottom to top where you can enjoy a hand-crafted pint of the black stuff in the rooftop bar.
Irish Village Markets
http://www.irishvillagemarkets.ie/
Heading out to a lunchtime market near where you work is a wonderful way to appreciate the fresh and delicious food of local restaurants and catering businesses. I've always found them to offer a huge variety of well-priced meals to choose from including Asian stir fry, Irish roast pork with potatoes, Indian curries, Middle Eastern falafel, and Spanish paella. You can follow Irish Village Markets on Twitter since sometimes weekly events can change location or be closed during the holidays.
Irish Whiskey Museum
http://www.irishwhiskeymuseum.com/
Dublin finally has a museum of whiskey – spelled with an ‘e’, the Irish way! I've taken the 45 minute guided tour and recommend it as a fun and informative way to learn the rich story of whiskey in Ireland. You are taken room by room to experience centuries of Irish whiskey history with interactive storytelling, artifacts, and audio-visual displays.
Jameson
https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-EN/visit-us
Take a tour of the original Bow Street distillery in the Smithfield neighbourhood of Dublin. Like Guinness it is a bit touristy but worth it if you enjoy learning the history of this most famous of Irish whiskies. Make sure to raise your hand quickly when they ask for volunteers to earn a bonus taste!
Pearse Lyons Distillery
https://www.pearselyonsdistillery.com/
Even if you are not a huge fan of Irish whiskey you must visit this stunning distllery built in an historic and ancient church. They offer a fabulous tour of the grounds including the cemetery along with the large copper pot still located in the nave.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
https://teelingdistillery.com/
Tour the distillery and taste the best of Irish whiskey at Teelings. It's a bit of a walk outside of city centre, so consider taking a bus or taxi to their location at Newmarket, Dublin 8. This is one of several newly opened distilleries in the city including The Dublin Liberties, Pearse Lyons, and Roe and Co.