Ireland is known not only for its green hills and castles, but also for its sincere, hearty and soulful cuisine. Here, food is not just food, but part of the culture, reflecting the character of the people: simple, honest and hospitable. In this article, we will tell you what a real Irish breakfast consists of, what traditional dishes are worth trying, and where to do it – whether you are in Dublin, Galway or a village on the coast.
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What is a real Irish breakfast?
A full Irish breakfast is a real culinary challenge for a tourist. This dish is most often served in the morning, but some establishments offer it all day.
Classic Ingredients:
Fried eggs (usually sunny side up)
Bacon (rashers)
Irish sausages
Black and white pudding (blood and liver sausages)
Fried tomatoes
Mushrooms
Fried potatoes or potato pancakes (boxty)
Bread – usually toast or soda bread
Butter and jam
A cup of strong tea or filter coffee
This dish is hearty and high in calories – it was originally intended for farmers who worked all day in the fields.
Where to try an Irish breakfast?
Here is a list of cafes and restaurants that serve a particularly tasty and authentic breakfast:
1. Queen of Tarts (Dublin)
A charming cafe in the city center with a homely atmosphere and amazing pastries. The Irish breakfast here is one of the best in the capital.
2. Gerry’s Coffee Shop (Dublin)
A small, slightly vintage cafe that serves one of the most generous breakfasts in the city. Locals have been coming here for decades.
3. Ard Bia at Nimmos (Galway)
A place with a modern Irish twist. Here, breakfast is traditional, but with a signature twist.
4. Café Rua (Castlebar, County Mayo)
Here, they focus on local produce and classic recipes. A real taste of rural Ireland.
Other traditional Irish dishes
Irish Stew
A thick stew of lamb (or beef), potatoes, carrots and onions. This simple but flavorful dish is a classic of Irish home cooking.
📍 Where to try it:
The Brazen Head (Dublin) is the oldest pub in Ireland, where they serve a great version of stew.
The Quays Irish Restaurant (Galway) — cozy atmosphere and generous portions.
Boxty (potato pancakes)
The national dish of the West of Ireland — a mixture of raw and boiled potatoes, fried like a pancake or pie. Served with meat, salmon or just with butter.
📍 Where to try:
Gallagher’s Boxty House (Dublin) — specializes in this dish. Here you can try all its variations.
Coddle (coddle)
A thick meat soup made from sausages, bacon, potatoes and onions. This is a classic of home-cooked Dublin cuisine.
