Delicious Dublin Food Tour

Three hour tour was actually 3.5 hours. Five destinations with a great deal of standing - hard for senior participants. Cost a bit high for food samplings.

A very fine experience indeed! A guide with a Master’s in Culinary Arts made it about, in addition to good food, the history of Ireland and how socio-economic changes, immigration etc. affected food and the preparation of it.

What an excellent food tour! Our tour guide, Sinead, was perfect. I love that she has a culinary degree and experience in the food industry. She also had a sunny disposition and a great sense of humor. It was a small group tour which made it nicer to be able to speak with Sinead and get additional food tips. Our first stop was at XXX, where we enjoyed scones with a berry compote. They were, of course, delicious. It was a very small establishment and we all stood around a metal table in the back room making it a very intimate experience. Our second stop was Vice, where we were served Fancy Frankie’s, an award-winning Irish coffee. And it was truly wonderful - a hint of orange made all the difference in the world. I’ll be adding that to mine when I make them from now on. Our third stop was Gallagher’s Boxty House. We were served lunch. Because I’m a pescatarian, I didn’t have the Irish stew that the others ate, but instead I had their Boxty: potato dumplings, Irish potato pancake with goat cheese, and very crispy fries with cilantro mayo. All of it was wonderful and filling. I had mine with a Smithwicks, which was the perfect complement. Then off to have ice cream at Murphy’s. That place had a line out the door! We all got 2 scoops in a cup: Dingle Sea Salt and the Irish Brown Bread. The Irish Brown Bread was very tasty with bits of caramelized bread mixed right into the ice cream. The final stop was Sheridan’s Cheesemongers. Because that store is very small and very cold, we stood outside in the gorgeous weather and Sinead brought us samples of Durrus cheese, which was soft and brie-like, and Coolea Extra Mature, much like aged cheddar. Both were very tasty but the Coolea was my favorite. Book this tour. You won’t regret it!!

Started at the Spire which is easy to find - Kevin was there with his board. We strolled up and he ticked me and mum off his list whilst we waited for the others to arrive for the 10.45 tour. Food history of Ireland began then went and tried some scones in a trendy cafe, down lots of stairs so not for those who can’t manage steps. Scones were lovely and quite filling and there were toilet facilities the group could use. Off to the next venue with narration along the way. We all watched a real Irish coffee being made and then got to sit down and sample them. Some chose hot chocolate or plain coffee as they were non-drinkers. Walking across the bridge to temple bar we all enjoyed three types of stew with three different breads and a half pint of ale lager stout, or soft drinks if preferred. Again down a number of steps. Delicious and very filling. Half an hours stop here so was lovely chatting to Kevin and the other tourers. Another restroom option before leaving. Next off to an ice cream parlour and followed up by a visit to a fancy cheese mongers. Lovely day even though it rained non stop for three hours! Kevin had a couple of spare brollies with him. Kevin was very enthusiastic about the food and a lovely witty host. I would recommend the tour…. Gets you down into places you might not have seen and visited.

Kevin’s experience in the food business provided informed perspectives on the establishments and foods we sampled. His knowledge of history also helped put the city into context for us. Highly recommend.