The authentic Irish taste

IRISH heritage may be richly imbued with myths, legends, fairytales and folklore, but the locals would declare their food culture equally just as strong - playing a huge role in constructing Irish traditions to this day.
You’ll find eateries serving traditional Irish cuisine everywhere regardless the town you’re in. Also, thanks to Ireland’s increasing cultural diversity, it is now home to a flourishing specialty food sector and has a myriad of international cuisine choices to offer.
During a recent media trip to Ireland sponsored by Trafalgar tours, the company’s professionally trained Irish travel director took charge and saved me the hassle of researching places where I could enjoy authentic Irish meals.
Ireland will be a food heaven to fans of the humble potato. From deep-fried golden hash browns and fries, to creamy mash and crisp roast potatoes - these are immensely common side dishes for nearly every dish served, fancy or plain.
You can also find them in stews, a hearty popular traditional dish that sits on the majority of menus in Ireland.
With no questions asked, Irish lamb stew falls under the must-try-foods category when visiting, especially well-paired with a chilly temperature, and you’ll find one of the best ones served in the rustic Nancy Hands pub in Dublin.
You can also gain insights into the cultural and historical significance of this crop, and about the potato disease which caused the tragic Great Famine (1845-1852) at the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Emigrant Experience in New Ross.
The Irish dining culture is a far cry from ours - the locals enjoy taking their time socialising over a meal and pint, whereas we’re mostly governed by our fast-paced lifestyles.
Head over to some of the local pubs in town such as The Curragower Pub which is overlooking the hauntingly beautiful King John’s castle in Limerick, or the rustic-looking Old Killarney Inn in Killarney.
Take this opportunity to loosen up and dine like the Irish - indulge in wholesome Irish meals that are specially curated by these pubs for Trafalgar guests, while mingling with the other travellers in private rooms accompanied by entertaining live Irish music.
You can also widen your perspective by dining with the locals, and listening to their stories firsthand through the ‘Be My Guest’ experience, another exclusive for Trafalgar guests.
One of the locals whom you can join as part of the experience Irish TV chef Catherine Fulvio, who will welcome you with heart-warming hospitality, making you feel at ease as you dig into delectable home-cooked Irish meals made from fresh ingredients straight from her backyard.
You can also explore the vibrant English Market in the County of Cork, a hidden gem proposed by the travel director.
Here, you get to smell the aroma of rich pastries and freshly grilled sausages, or browse through a plethora of fresh seafood, meats, cheese, fruits and more. The energetic vibe will surely be enough to give you a breath of fresh air.
Trafalgar also wants to change the mindset that guided tours do not offer enough free time. That is why its travellers can choose to forgo its ‘Optional Experiences’ - which are activities that are specially designed to make the trip more authentic for guests - to have ample time to conduct their own discoveries.
Quinlan’s Seafood Bar in Killarney was one of the restaurants I discovered during my leisure time, that serves incredibly fresh seafood dishes, especially Fish and Chips - although this worldwide classic, just like the stews, is a popular menu item in Ireland.
Lastly, you can’t leave Ireland without enjoying a pint of Guinness. Even if you’re not a fan of stout, it’s worth a try since it is relatively smoother and has a lesser bitter after-taste.
Otherwise, give their cream-based liquors a try such as Bailey’s, Kerrygold, Saint Brendan’s and more. These are widely available in just any pub or restaurant in Ireland.
Caffeine is taken quite seriously in Ireland, and coffee connoisseurs won’t be disappointed even with their brewed coffee. Or you could forget about regular coffee and try sipping on the famed Irish Coffee or Bailey’s Coffee, attainable in most pubs as well.
Otherwise, satisfy your sweet tooth with alcohol-infused desserts such as Guinness chocolate cake and Bailey’s cake. Those who prefer non-alcoholic desserts will be just as delighted with the apple crumble, a local all-time-favourite that will never disappoint.