Dublin's food reputation lagged behind its reality for a long time. 20 bookable food tours below — plus the neighbourhoods and dishes the city is built around.
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What we’d book first
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No. 02
Dublin To Tullamore Dew Distillery Sean's Bar Clonmacnoise Galway Private Trip
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The guide
Dublin's food reputation lagged behind its reality for a long time. Ireland produces exceptional dairy, beef, lamb, and shellfish, and for most of the 20th century did very little interesting with any of it. That changed in the last twenty years. The city now has a serious restaurant scene, a bread and butter culture that is genuinely worth the cliché, and oysters from the west coast that are among the best in Europe. The pub remains the social centre, and the good ones do a small number of things properly rather than running a full menu. Prices are high; that part of the reputation is accurate.
Where to focus
Four neighbourhoods to anchor a few days of eating
Temple Bar
The tourist quarter, and honest advice is to eat elsewhere. The food market on Saturdays at Meeting House Square is the exception worth crossing for.
Stoneybatter
North of the river, formerly working class and now where the small restaurants and coffee roasters are. Walkable and priced for people who live there.
Portobello & Camden
South along the canal. Where a good number of the newer kitchens opened, plus long-standing pubs that never chased trends.
Ranelagh
Village feel twenty minutes out on the Luas. Neighbourhood bistros, delis, and the quiet end of the city's dining.
What to eat
The dishes the city is known for
- 01
Oysters
· From Galway, Carlingford, and Dundrum bays. Eaten raw with brown bread and stout, which is a better pairing than it sounds. - 02
Irish stew
· Lamb or mutton with potato and onion, simmered slowly. Plain by design, and a good pub does it without additions. - 03
Soda bread
· Leavened with bicarbonate and buttermilk rather than yeast, so it needs no rising. Served with almost everything. - 04
Boxty
· Potato pancake of grated and mashed potato, from the border counties. Filled and folded on most traditional menus. - 05
Irish breakfast
· Bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, and both black and white pudding. Eaten late morning, and it removes the need for lunch. - 06
Stout
· Poured in two stages with a rest between, which is not theatre. A good pour takes about two minutes and it matters.
Practical notes
Meal timing, tipping, payment
Lunch 12:00 to 15:00, dinner from 17:30, and kitchens in pubs often stop serving by 21:00 even when the bar is busy. Book ahead for anything well regarded, particularly Thursday to Saturday. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent in restaurants and not done at the bar. Sunday roast is standard and needs booking. The city centre is compact enough to walk end to end.
All 20 food tours
Updated 2026-09-11The full list · sponsored partner links
- 01
Dublin Private Walking Food Tour With Ten Tastings
Meet the locals with an introduction to the Eclectic Irish food scene, all against the backdrop of the vibrant & colorful Temple Bar area of Dublin. With our Private Tour you will have the undivided attention of an Exp
3h - 02
Dublin To Tullamore Dew Distillery Sean's Bar Clonmacnoise Galway Private Trip
Travelling from Dublin to Galway, why not make your transfer into a sightseeing day? Transfer & Tour, Two in One. You will be greeted by your driver at the reception of your hotel or your location in Dublin. Stress-free
8h - 03
Private Irish Whiskey Tasting in Dublin
Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Irish whiskey was one of the earliest distilled drinks in Europe. Who were the founders of this drink? What is its history? Irish whiskey uses a method called "p
2h - 04
Dublin Culinary Tour
Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, has become a veritable foodie destination with many restaurants, gastro-pubs, street food and markets. Today’s thriving culinary scene is modern and progressive while embracing local tradi
3h - 05
Dublin Holiday Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and Festive Fun
Our holiday-themed tour begins near St. Stephen’s Green at The Rolling Donut, one of Dublin’s original doughnut shops. From there, we'll make our way down to past the Luke Kelly statue to George's Street, where we'll tal
1.5h - 06
Private Historic Whiskey Walking Tour in Dublin
This private historic walking tour explores Dublin through the enduring heritage of Irish whiskey and the city's rich cultural legacy. Wander historic streets where centuries-old taverns and merchant districts helped sha
3h - 07
The True Dublin Experience: Private Irish Pub Culture Tour
Enjoy a privately guided pub tour of Dublin, where you will avoid the tourist traps and fake 'Irish' pubs! Instead, you will escape with the locals to learn how to savour a pint of Guinness. Find out how to ensure you al
4h - 08
Discover Dublin's Whiskey Distilleries: Private Tasting Tour
Enjoy learning about Irish whiskey and exploring the city, all while tasting whiskey in 3 different distilleries in the heart of Dublin with your expert host. On your private tour, as you taste whiskey, you’ll learn abo
3.5h - 09
Dublin Taste Tour Sample Irish Food, Whiskey & Pull A Pint
Experience Dublin through its rich flavours, captivating stories, and vibrant streets on this unforgettable food and drink journey. Wander through some of the city’s most character-filled neighbourhoods, soaking up authe
2.3h - 10
Luxury Ireland tour 7 day (including Ashford Castle)
A LUXURY TOUR OF IRELAND, SLEEP IN ASHFORD CASTLE & AUTHENTIC CLASSIC EXPERIENCES You’ll never forget checking into world famous 12th century Ashford Castle or any of the classic hotels on our itinerary and enjoy sleep
168h - 11
Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins
Immerse yourself in the essence of craft beer culture with Kildare Brewing Company’s exclusive brewery tour. Nestled along the historic Grand Canal in Sallins, this tour offers a unique blend of history, craft, and taste
1h - 12
10 Day Private Driver Tour of Ireland from Dublin - Luxury MPV XL
Céad míle fáilte from the Emerald Isle. Inspired by Ireland’s most authentic treasures, each itinerary is meticulously crafted to elevate your entire journey. Explore iconic landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and b
240h - 13
9 Day Guided Tour of Ireland from Dublin - Luxury MPV XL
Céad míle fáilte from the Emerald Isle. Inspired by Ireland’s most authentic treasures, each itinerary is meticulously crafted to elevate your entire journey. Explore iconic landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and b
216h - 14
Belfast: Private Whiskey Tour with McConnells Distillery
Experience Belfast like never before on a private, full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy personalized transport from your accommodation and travel in comfort as we take you to the heart of Belfast. See the city’s main sights,
1.5h - 15
Bushmills: Giants Causeway Ireland Whiskey Tour
Ireland Whiskey Tours offers private, expertly guided experience combining Ireland’s whiskey heritage with stunning landscapes. As part of Mint Julep Experiences, Kentucky Bourbon Trail experts, we bring deep whiskey kno
12h - 16
Boyne Valley: Private Whiskey Tour with Slane Castle Distillery
Whiskey, Heritage & Rock 'n' Roll: A Private Boyne Valley Experience Journey through the heart of Ireland’s ancient east in complete luxury on this private VIP tour of the Boyne Valley. With hotel pickup in a premium veh
8h - 17
Tullamore: Private Whiskey tour to Tullamore Dew & Kilbeggan
Discover Ireland’s whiskey heritage on a private full-day tour from Dublin. Travel in a luxury vehicle with your own driver, guide, and whiskey specialist, gaining insider stories and expert tastings at both the historic
10h - 18
Dublin Food Tour Private Guide Guinness Stew and more
Eat your way through Dublin on a food tour that brings Ireland’s history to life—one bite (and sip) at a time! While once described as having "simple" gastronomy, modern Ireland is world-renowned for its high-quality ra
2.8h - 19
5 Days Ireland Private Beer and Wine Tour
Dive into the vibrant spirit of Dublin on a self-guided journey, where rich history blends seamlessly with modern energy. Wander through historic castles, lively streets, and museums. Savor authentic Irish flavors, soak
120h - 20
Dublin Secret Supper Club
Gather with fellow food enthusiasts at the exclusive Secret Supper Club, where a delightful culinary experience awaits at a hidden location. Engage in lively conversations while savouring a meticulously crafted meal, des
2h