Eating in Dublin – EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog EuroCheapo editors take on the world of budget travel. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:54:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.3 Dublin: A quick guide to Irish beer and drinks https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-a-quick-guide-to-irish-beer-and-drinks.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-a-quick-guide-to-irish-beer-and-drinks.html#comments Fri, 02 May 2025 14:00:26 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=22131 The craft beer craze hasn’t caught on in Ireland. At pubs in Dublin, it’s all about the classics. If you ask the barman for a pint, you will get a pint of Guinness. Beyond the black stuff, there are a couple other Irish beers of note, and a few hot drinks that are the perfect » Read more

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The craft beer craze hasn’t caught on in Ireland. At pubs in Dublin, it’s all about the classics. If you ask the barman for a pint, you will get a pint of Guinness. Beyond the black stuff, there are a couple other Irish beers of note, and a few hot drinks that are the perfect companion for a rainy day.

Ready to start sipping? Here is a guide to Irish beer and drinks. And remember: if you order at the bar, there’s no need to tip the bartender. Keep your change.


Guinness

Ireland’s most famous stout, Guinness Draught, is brewed right in the city center of Dublin. Often called the “milkshake of beers”, Guinness is known for its rich, creamy head and hint of chocolate flavor. Remember to be patient when ordering a pint — the perfect Guinness takes time to pour, but it’s worth the wait. Walk into any pub in Dublin, and you will see a lot of locals drinking the black stuff (and they always wait for it to settle before taking that heavenly first sip).

Smithwick’s is older — and lighter — than Guinness. Photo: ach10

Alternative Irish stouts: Beamish stout, Murphy’s Irish Stout

Smithwick’s

Smithwick’s Irish Ale is even older than Guinness and other one of the most famous Irish beer and drinks. This smooth ale dates back to the 14th century and is produced in the oldest operating brewery in Ireland. While many of the best known Irish beers are stouts, Smithwick’s is the biggest ale producer in the country. If you find Guinness a little heavy (especially after the first one or two), switch to Smithwick’s for something lighter, but still flavorful.

Harp Lager

On a sunny day in Dublin, grab an outdoor table at a pub and sip on a refreshing Harp lager. This crisp beer is a light alternative to heavy Irish stouts. This smooth, light beer doesn’t have the same history as Guinness or Smithwick’s — it’s only been around since 1960 — but it’s a tasty Irish alternative to other foreign lagers on tap.

Irish Coffee

If you happen to be in Dublin on a rainy day, there is nothing more satisfying than an Irish coffee. This mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar topped with a thick layer of cream will warm you up on more than one level. Don’t over-stir the concoction; simply sip the coffee through the cream.

Irish Whiskey Punch (or a Hot Toddy)

Another traditional drink — often enjoyed when you have a case of the sniffles — is an Irish Whiskey Punch or Hot Toddy. Irish Whiskey is mixed with hot water, brown sugar, cloves, and lemon, resulting in one steaming, soothing drink.

When in Dublin, go local. Drink Irish beers and whiskey, eat Irish cheese, and don’t leave without sampling local smoked salmon and roasted lamb (preferably with a pint of Guinness on the side).

Your favorite pour? What do you order when you cozy up to the bar at a Dublin pub? Share your favorite Irish beer and drinks in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin and looking for a great affordable hotel? Our editors have hunted down the best cheap hotels in Dublin, from hostels to three-star hotels, all centrally-located, clean and cheap. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

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Dublin: 5 easy ways to save on dining https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-5-easy-ways-to-save-on-dining.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-5-easy-ways-to-save-on-dining.html#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:41:08 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=23761 Dining in Dublin can put a dent in your budget. While this city is full of opportunities to spend big on food, you can utilize a few simple strategies to keep prices down. Plan ahead and you will taste the best of the local dining scene without emptying your wallet. So book one of our » Read more

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Dining in Dublin can put a dent in your budget. While this city is full of opportunities to spend big on food, you can utilize a few simple strategies to keep prices down. Plan ahead and you will taste the best of the local dining scene without emptying your wallet.

So book one of our favorite budget hotels in the city, and start planning your eating adventure in Dublin.

And remember, the dining scene now offers much more than just fish and chips!


How to save on dining in Dublin

If you’re ready to explore all the delicious eats Dublin has to offer, here are a few tips to help you save along the way.

1. Seek out markets and street food

Staying away from restaurants is one of the best ways to keep your euros. Several markets offer great value (and large portions), such as the Temple Bar Market (Saturdays) or the Mespil Road Market (Thursdays). Browse through the market options for price and portion size. Check out the Visit Dublin website and the Irish Village Markets website for more details.

2. Plan a picnic

There’s great value in grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty shops. One of the best ways to enjoy a gourmet meal without the price tag is to stock up on products straight from the stores. Grab a sandwich, cheese, and charcuterie from Sheridans Cheesemongers, duck into the basement shop at Avoca for a loaf of fresh Irish brown soda bread, or stop into the grocery store Tesco to gather picnic supplies.

3. Take advantage of the early bird

Show up early to experience the best Dublin restaurants for reasonable prices. If you eat a light lunch, you might be ready for an affordable pre-theater dinner. For example, check out the lunch or pre-theater menus at Hugo’s, or Achara offers an early-bird menu from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with three courses for €25 per person.

4. Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime

Many restaurants have a similar prix-fixe menu for lunch. You can save a few euros by eating your bigger meal at lunchtime. Some restaurants with great lunch specials include The Winding Stair and Pichet.

5. Ethnic eats

Dublin doesn’t have the widest range of ethnic eats, especially in comparison to other European capitals. These restaurants do offer great value, both in the food and drink department. Stop into Hop House for affordable Korean and Japanese, Govindas for huge helpings of Indian-influenced vegetarian food, and Thai Spice for tasty Thai dishes.

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Dublin Budget Dining: 5 local favorites https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-budget-dining-tips-from-locals.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-budget-dining-tips-from-locals.html#respond Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:35:25 +0000 https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=51885 Dining in Dublin has never been better with more choices than ever. If you thought the city was only Guinness and shepherd’s pie, you’re in for a big treat. But what to eat for lunch or dinner without going over budget, however, is not so obvious. No worries — with these tips by Dublin locals, you’ll » Read more

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Dining in Dublin has never been better with more choices than ever. If you thought the city was only Guinness and shepherd’s pie, you’re in for a big treat.

But what to eat for lunch or dinner without going over budget, however, is not so obvious. No worries — with these tips by Dublin locals, you’ll be sure to avoid the touristy and pricey restaurants in favor of the neighborhood gems that should be on every visitor’s list.

Where to stay in Dublin: Our favorite cheap hotels in the city


Dining on a Budget: 5 Dublin favorites

Hop aboard for a tasty pizza. Photo: Maria Krupskaya

Big Blue Bus

11-12 South Richmond St.

The Bernard Shaw is a great hipster pub, but what makes it even better is the Big Blue Bus hidden in the backyard. It’s a doubledecker where you can enjoy freshly made pizza (~€10). You rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for your order, and every week there’s a different male and female name whose happy bearers get pizza for free! Feeling lucky?

Upgrade your cafe experience at Luncheonette. Photo: Kevin Gleeson

Luncheonette

100 Thomas St.

This vaulted basement cafe is hidden below the centrally located National College of Art & Design of Ireland. Luncheonette’s affordable, healthy food is primarily geared towards students, but there’s nothing stopping anyone from dropping by for some delicious artistic specialties that are also surprisingly affordable. One of local Kevin’s favorites is the Kerala curry and cashew pilaf and their beetroot burger with avocado. Expect to pay around €3.50 per small dish.

Have you had a Chinese burger? Photo: Sam Tranum

Temple Express Newsagents

4 Westmoreland St.

This small newsagent on Westmoreland Street, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Dublin, has a delicious little surprise: a small Chinese kitchen that serves street food, including soups, noodles and local Juan’s favorite Chinese burgers (€3.50) — “so tasty, so much better than a normal burger in a fast food restaurant, there’s no comparison!” Most of the customers that come to Temple Express Newsagents are Chinese, so be careful — when they say “hot” here, they really mean it!

Comfort food with a twist is the specialty at Cowtown. Photo: Cowtown Cafe FB

Cowtown Cafe

73 Manor St.

Cowtown Cafe has brought the charm of the traditional greasy spoon to Stoneybatter. Their menu consists of refreshing alternatives to the tired options of stew or fish and chips as flagships of Irish cuisine. Yet, it never strays from a menu of “comfort food an Irish mammy would make”, complete with the freshest bread and the best quality cuts of meat. Local Lucie’s favorite item on the menu is the fish-finger sandwich, incidentally also some of her hangover food of preference — an inevitable essential for any visit to Ireland. Main courses from €9.

Freshly made sandwiches are the draw at Doughboys. Photo: Kevin Gleeson

Doughboys

5 Charlotte Way

Dublin is overrun with boring high street sandwich shops, but Doughboys is a brilliant exception. Opened in 2014 and run by very friendly staff, you can even depend on them for cheap and tasty sandwiches (€5). You can order items without the bread and they have vegan/gluten-free options. However, it’s the carnivores that are really in for a treat: on Thursdays and Fridays, they serve porchetta — herb-infused roast pork with salsa verde and garlic. Just make sure you check in for lunch early, as they run out fast!

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Dublin Alfresco: 5 picnic spots (and cheap eats!) https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-alfresco-5-picnic-spots-and-cheap-eats.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-alfresco-5-picnic-spots-and-cheap-eats.html#respond Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:43:15 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=23358 By Jessica Colley— Picnics are a Cheapo’s best friend. Stocking up in a market, grocery store, café or takeaway saves cash on tips and overpriced entrees, leaving more room in the budget for delicious picnic supplies. Spending an afternoon eating outdoors is also a great excuse to explore new neighborhoods. Here are some of my » Read more

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By Jessica Colley—

Picnics are a Cheapo’s best friend. Stocking up in a market, grocery store, café or takeaway saves cash on tips and overpriced entrees, leaving more room in the budget for delicious picnic supplies.

Spending an afternoon eating outdoors is also a great excuse to explore new neighborhoods. Here are some of my favorite picnic spots in Dublin, both in the city center and a little further afield.

1. Picnic Spot: Herbert Park
Stock up at: Roly’s Bistro

Tucked away in Ballsbridge, Herbert Park is a 25-minute walk (or 10-minute bike ride) from city center. In spring, it’s full of blossoming trees and tall tulips. 

Just outside the park entrance, Roly’s Bistro beckons with sandwiches (on homemade bread), scones, salads and even tiny bottles of wine. After 4 p.m., café slashes prices on all sandwiches, making this the perfect Cheapo time for a picnic during spring and early summer when the sun sets late.

2. Picnic Spot: Pier in Dun Laoghaire
Stock up at: Sunshine Café

Take the DART train to Dun Laoghaire for a picnic on the pier. The tiny, bright Sunshine Café is the perfect spot to pick up sandwiches, salads, soups or daily blackboard specials (anything served with a side of homemade brown bread gets my vote). Then stroll out to the Irish sea to watch the colorful sailboats float by.

dun laoghair pier

Dun Laoghaire East Pier. Photo: infomatique

3. Picnic Spot: Grand Canal
Where to stock up: Supplies: Junior’s / Mespil Road Market

In addition to tasty treats, literary buffs will want to pack a pen and paper for a picnic on one of the benches along the Grand Canal—the spot where poets like Patrick Kavanagh were often seen scrawling their lines is surely to inspire you to “wax poetic.”

Before setting pen to paper, stop into Junior’s for one of Dublin’s best sandwiches (try the chargrilled chicken with lemon and basil aioli, arugula and roasted tomatoes). And if you’re planning a picnic on a Thursday, hit up the Mespil Road Market, where you can choose between several affordable food trucks.

4. Picnic Spot: Grand Canal Dock
Stock up at: KC Peaches

On a sunny afternoon, Grand Canal Dock is one of the best places to be in Dublin. With your feet dangling over the dock and a picnic by your side, a few uninterrupted hours of sunbathing and people watching feels just right. Get your picnic supplies from KC Peaches, a café and whole foods shop known for healthy eats, including grilled salmon, vegetable stir fries, noodle dishes and many a daily special. (They also make great pastries.)

5. Picnic Spot: St. Stephen’s Green
Stock up at: Fallon & Byrne

The most central and classic place to picnic in Dublin is St. Stephen’s Green. Join the buzz on a sunny day with a meal from Fallon & Byrne, the wine bar and restaurant, with a ground-floor market and café serving fresh soups, sandwiches, salads and savory pies.

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Dublin: 5 places for late-night cheap eats https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-5-places-for-late-night-cheap-eats.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-5-places-for-late-night-cheap-eats.html#respond Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:24:00 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=22994 In this guest post, Colm Hanratty of Hostelworld.com tells us his favorite places to go for a late-night snack in the Irish capital.  Dublin is famous for many things—friendly locals, outspoken rock stars and pubs being three. After sampling the local Guinness in one of its celebrated “boozers,” chances are you’ll be in search of » Read more

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In this guest post, Colm Hanratty of Hostelworld.com tells us his favorite places to go for a late-night snack in the Irish capital. 

Dublin is famous for many things—friendly locals, outspoken rock stars and pubs being three. After sampling the local Guinness in one of its celebrated “boozers,” chances are you’ll be in search of some late-night eats. Thankfully, there is no shortage of places enjoy cheap eats. These are our favorites.

Zaytoon
14/15 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Let’s face it—if you’re going to Dublin you’re going to visit Temple Bar. It’s the tourist center of the city and home to pubs playing traditional Irish music to keep tourists and (some) locals alike happy. It’s also home to Dublin’s best “kebab shop”–Zaytoon. Specializing in Persian cuisine, this late-night kebab den is a step above the rest in “town” (what locals call downtown). They’ve another “restaurant” at the bottom of Camden St. (pictured, top).

Head to The Gigs Place for a full Irish breakfast after a “skin full.”

Gig’s Place
Portobello Bridge, Portobello, Dublin 8

If you speak to anybody who’s been to Ireland prior to your trip, they’re bound to tell you you should try a “full Irish” (breakfast) when you’re there. What they might not tell you is that many find this traditional dish more pleasing after a “skin full” (Irish for “a lot”) of pints. If you want to experience this, Gig’s Place just south of the city centre is where to go.

Afsana
3 Temple Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Another Temple Bar haunt is Afsana, one of the best value Indian restaurants in the city. The décor won’t blow you away but the vindaloo will, quite literally (it’s hot hot hot!) Staff are extremely friendly and have the patience of saints. They’d have to dealing with those who’ve had one too many night after night. Try the chicken korma—it’s delicious.

Bobo’s
22 Wexford St, Dublin 2

There are many well-known burger joints in Dublin city centre. But this one, which is on the Wexford Street/Camden Street strip, gets our vote. For a start they’ve got a burger called “The Colm.” I kid you not. I’ve eaten one many times because–you are what you eat after all. Other creative titles for burgers include “The Finn McCool” and “The Grafton.”

Pizza Top Takeaway
48-50 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2

Similar to pizza places in New York, upon entering this establishment conveniently located beside Grafton Street, you’ll be presented with an array of pizza slices to choose from. Picture barbecue chicken, Hawaiian, pepperoni and more. Also, picture a large queue as this place is popular. It’s worth the wait though.

Hot dogs stands
In front of Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and across from Trinity College, Dublin 2

If it’s something lightning quick you desire and you can’t face a queue then you need street food. The two best known stands benefit from a high footfall and whisky-fueled revelers from the city’s bars and pubs. The dogs aren’t anything special, but you’re not going to care when you order.

About the author: Hostelworld.com is the leading provider of budget accommodation online and has partnered with djddz.com so you can book cheap hostels in Dublin right here on this site. You can keep up to date with everything they do by liking their page on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

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Dublin: 3 treats worth a little splurge https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-3-treats-worth-a-little-splurge.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-3-treats-worth-a-little-splurge.html#respond Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:19:10 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=22634 Part of the fun of cheapo travel is saving enough on your daily expenses to be able to afford breaking free once in a while for a big splurge. For some travelers it might be a special boutique hotel, for others it might be an unforgettable lunch. Read on to discover some of my favorite » Read more

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Part of the fun of cheapo travel is saving enough on your daily expenses to be able to afford breaking free once in a while for a big splurge. For some travelers it might be a special boutique hotel, for others it might be an unforgettable lunch.

Read on to discover some of my favorite ways to splurge in Dublin. Each of these three choices represents a mindful splurge – something you can enjoy for several hours (or overnight) that will be a memorable part of your stay. All three will also fill your stomach with some of the best grub on offer in the Irish capital.

Number 31, a boutique hotel in central Dublin.

1. Lunch at Chapter One

Two-course lunch, €36.50. Three-course lunch, €44
Website

Cheapos may have passed Chapter One — a Michelin-rated restaurant in Dublin — on their way into the Dublin Writers Museum. It all looks so appealing, downstairs in an exposed brick dining room full of white tablecloths and tall wine glasses.

Skip the dinner menu and splurge on lunch, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Start with cured Clare Island organic salmon tartare, followed by spiced daube of Irish beef with parsnip and horseradish puree, and top the decadence off with a warm chocolate mousse.

2. A Night at Number 31 From €120/night
Website

There are tons of cute hotels in Dublin, but my favorite small boutique hotel is Number 31, an architectural landmark tucked off of Leeson Street in the heart of Dublin. Step inside this Georgian townhouse for sleek design, luxurious bathrooms, beautiful artwork, a peat-burning fireplace and one memorable breakfast. The cooked-to-order Irish breakfast or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs served with fresh brown soda bread will keep me coming back time and time again.

3. Champagne Art Tea at the Merrion Hotel

Champagne Art Tea, from €49. Regular Art Tea, €36
Website

Afternoon tea is a tradition in Dublin and many of the top hotels offer it. The best version is at the five-star Merrion Hotel, a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green. Be sure to reserve in advance for this two-course substitute for a meal with champagne (or, with just tea). On a warm day, reserve a table in the garden and take a peak around the Merrion before taking your seat.

The first course includes three tiers of sandwiches, scones, and breads complete with lemon curd and berry preserves. The second course is pastries inspired by the art collection in the Merrion Hotel. All accompanied with your choice of tea and a tall glass of champagne.

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Dublin Cheap Eats: Get a taste of the Irish https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-irish-restaurants-that-are-tasty-and-cheap.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-irish-restaurants-that-are-tasty-and-cheap.html#respond Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:27:37 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=20092 Some destinations have a clearly defined national cuisine, while other places require visitors to dig a little deeper. When it comes to food in Ireland, there are many places to find cheap eats with national character in Dublin – if you know where to look. From underground options to food markets to cheap eats in » Read more

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Some destinations have a clearly defined national cuisine, while other places require visitors to dig a little deeper. When it comes to food in Ireland, there are many places to find cheap eats with national character in Dublin – if you know where to look.

From underground options to food markets to cheap eats in fancy places, Dublin is full of opportunities to banish the idea of bland Irish food for good. Stick to fresh seafood (don’t miss out on local smoked salmon) and artisanal products like Irish cheese and your trip to Ireland will be flavor-packed.

The following is a list of a few favorite cheap eats in Dublin. Some are hidden in the basement of department stores while others are clearly visible on the city’s best streets. These tasty nibbles will show that you don’t have to spend a lot for serious flavor in Dublin.

Avoca Food Hall
11-13 Suffolk Street
Tel: (+353) 1 677 4215
Web site

Avoca is the kind of place your mother would love – full of hand-woven blankets, funky picture frames, and plenty of tools for the kitchen. Yet when you stand in front of the door at this store in central Dublin you’ll notice a different kind of clientele going inside and straight down the stairs. These are locals that know of the pleasures in the basement food hall.

Avoca is known for its food (they even have a couple of beautiful cookbooks). But for me, the best way to sample a taste of Ireland in the food hall is with the baked goods. For breakfast or an afternoon snack I would stop in for a wild berry scone, crispy on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. Ask for cream and jam when paying at the counter to get the full Irish experience.

Another staple in the Irish diet is brown soda bread. If the weather is nice, Avoca is a great place to stock up on picnic supplies – don’t miss that brown soda bread.

Ely Wine Bar
22 Ely Place
Tel: (+353) 1 633 9988
Web site

If you’re looking for one place to abandon your budget, take a seat in the restaurant section of Ely Wine Bar for a variety of Irish-inspired dishes. Cheapos trying to stick to their budget will want to take a seat in the bar and order from the bar menu instead, where local flavors can be tasted in the form of Irish cheese or my favorite: Irish oysters.

Across the country, oysters from the west of Ireland are praised for their size and intense flavor. Ely Wine Bar serves up Kilkee Pacific Oysters with horseradish sauce and some brown bread for substance. Although Ely is known for its wine list, nothing pairs with oysters quite like a pint of Guinness.

Temple Bar Food Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Web site

For a sampling of the national flavors of Ireland all in one place, head to the Temple Bar Food Market on a Saturday and bring your appetite. Here you can throw back a few more of those delicious Pacific oysters, sample a range of Irish cheeses, and indulge in one of my favorite sandwiches on the planet: the Paddy Jack Sandwich.

This incredibly filling and affordable meal consists of two massive slices of fresh olive bread topped with just-carved roasted lamb, brie cheese, a pile of greens, and your choice of dressing. Take a stroll throughout the market first and sample a few other options before making the Paddy Jack sandwich your grand finale.

Your favorite Irish eats?

Do you have an Irish restaurant to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section.

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Dublin Pubs: Our favorite summertime bars https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-pubs-our-favorite-summertime-bars.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-pubs-our-favorite-summertime-bars.html#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:23:49 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19252 The Irish take their sunshine very seriously. This is mostly because they get so little of it in Dublin, and also because it’s the perfect weather to sit around for a few pints in. When it comes to summertime bars in Dublin, there are a few spots that are ideal both for atmosphere and the » Read more

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The Irish take their sunshine very seriously. This is mostly because they get so little of it in Dublin, and also because it’s the perfect weather to sit around for a few pints in.

When it comes to summertime bars in Dublin, there are a few spots that are ideal both for atmosphere and the sunshine factor. If you’re lucky enough to travel to Dublin this summer and experience extended sunshine, raise a pint bottle of Bulmers (or “Magners,” as we call it in America) to whatever forces kept the clouds at bay.

Here are a few of my favorite summertime bars in greater Dublin:

Johnny Fox’s
Glencullen, County Dublin
Web site

Now Johnny Fox’s isn’t technically in Dublin City, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the best local summertime drinking holes. Located up in the Wicklow Mountains (south of Dublin city center), this pub is full of ancient Irish knickknacks that will become increasingly interesting with every pint of Guinness you enjoy in the sun.

The appeal of Johnny Fox’s is the great views of the mountains, a sunny patio with tables for big groups and the traditional music that gets going later in the afternoons.

Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse
St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Web site

While the Guinness Storehouse might be one of the most popular attractions in Dublin, this is for a good reason. Beyond the excellent exhibits is the Gravity Bar, perched at the top of the brewery with sweeping views of Dublin. This is a great spot to have a few summertime pints on a sunny day.

Views that are sometimes obscured by clouds will finally be appreciated on a sunny summers day. Book your ticket to the storehouse online to save a few euros – the ticket comes with a free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar. Here you will also learn how to pour the perfect pint.

Davy Byrne’s Pub
Duke Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Some travelers might want to raise their glass right in the center of Dublin. You can’t get much more central than Davy Byrne’s Pub, located right off Grafton Street in the heart of the city. Located on pedestrian-only Duke Street, there are many tables out front of Davy Byrne’s for people watching.

This literary pub also specializes in seafood, and is a great spot to try the famous Irish combination of oysters and Guinness. While this pub might be central, it isn’t filled with tourists. Don’t be surprised if you’re surrounded by locals stopping in to fulfill a craving for this duo of Irish specialties.

While the Irish certainly don’t need an excuse to visit the pub, the sunshine and summer weather provide one. Join in on the fun at these bars that have a special buzz during the summer months.

Your favorite summer bars?

Have a bar to add to our list? Tell us about it in our comments section.

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Dublin Cafés: Where to find great coffee in Dublin https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-cafes-where-to-find-great-coffee-in-central-dublin.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-cafes-where-to-find-great-coffee-in-central-dublin.html#comments Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:59:38 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=18208 by Jessica Colley— Ireland has a tea culture. It’s almost considered rude to ask someone how many cups of tea they consume in a single day. For many, the answer could be in the double digits. Others who don’t have much of a “tea habit” can drink up to five cups a day. So what » Read more

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by Jessica Colley—

Ireland has a tea culture. It’s almost considered rude to ask someone how many cups of tea they consume in a single day. For many, the answer could be in the double digits. Others who don’t have much of a “tea habit” can drink up to five cups a day.

So what is a traveler to do when that java craving hits while wandering through the streets of Dublin? There are two choices. First, know the best cafés for coffee or alternatively, drink tea.

The Irish use one word that I especially like to describe coffee: “muck.” The general standard of coffee in Dublin is certainly “muck,” so if you have high standards for a cup of joe, don’t just stop in anywhere and expect to get a quality cup.

Here are three cafés that serve high-quality coffee in central Dublin:

Café Boulevard
132 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Not only does Café Boulevard offer perfect tables in the window to do some Dublin people watching, but it also offers hearty sandwiches and spicy little potato wedges that make this a favorite lunch spot in City Center. On top of the food, they also know how to make a lovely cappuccino. No burnt milk here, no bitter coffee. They also have a nice selection of desserts to accompany your coffee.

The Bald Barista
55 Aungier Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Constantly rated the best coffee in Dublin, the Bald Barista is serious about how they make their coffee. Baristas here enter competitions to show off their skills, so you can bet they can make you a cappuccino that will rival the best you’ve had at home. Ironically, the Bald Barista is located in the Avalon House hostel. Here you’re sure to find a young crowd who shares the bald baristas passion for coffee.

Queen of Tarts
4 Cork Hill, Dublin 2
Web site

Queen of Tarts might be better known for its stunning (and I mean stunning!) range of pastries, but they also serve up a solid coffee to accompany your fresh-baked treat. With plenty of tables outside, this is a nice spot to refuel after exploring the galleries, shops and markets of nearby Temple Bar.

Bewley’s
78 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Sometimes, you just have to give in to the local traditions. For one of the most traditional places in Dublin to sit down with a cup of tea (or better yet, a pot of tea) head to Bewley’s on Grafton Street. Climb the stairs to the second floor and try to get a table overlooking the street. Once you take that first sip of Irish tea, you might understand what the fuss is all about.

Have a favorite coffee spot?

Do you have a favorite café in Dublin? Tell us about it in the comments section.

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Dublin: Breakfast and brunch spots with a twist https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-breakfast-and-brunch-spots-with-a-twist.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-breakfast-and-brunch-spots-with-a-twist.html#respond Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:26:16 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=17518 You don’t have to order the (sort of scary?) black pudding or the full Irish breakfast to enjoy a meal that will banish your Guinness-induced headache on a Sunday morning in Dublin. While there are still plenty of places in town to find your traditional “fry” (as an Irish breakfast is often called), there are » Read more

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You don’t have to order the (sort of scary?) black pudding or the full Irish breakfast to enjoy a meal that will banish your Guinness-induced headache on a Sunday morning in Dublin. While there are still plenty of places in town to find your traditional “fry” (as an Irish breakfast is often called), there are also new places serving up brunch with a twist.

The ingredients are just as Irish—including smoked salmon, hearty brown bread, and farm fresh eggs. What’s new is the preparation, a slight focus on healthy options over greasy ones and a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy it all.

Here are three of my favorites in Dublin City Center:

Junior's

1. The Canal Bank Café
146 Upper Leeson Street, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tel: 353 (01) 478 9966
Web site

This leisurely café is the perfect place for groups. Inevitably, one person wants breakfast while another wants brunch. One wants only a fruit plate while another craves a hearty burger. The Canal Bank Café has it all—on a lovely corner in Dublin, where light streams through the windows and locals read newspapers at the tables.

I also like how spread out the tables are. Your chair won’t be bumped and you don’t need to listen to the next table’s conversation while you dig into your Eggs McSwiggan (similar to Eggs Benedict, but replace the ham with Irish smoked salmon). They aren’t in a rush here though, so if you arrive hungry be sure to order an appetizer (like their divine buffalo chicken) while waiting for your meal.

2. Junior’s
Bath Avenue, Dublin 4
Web site

This neighborhood favorite has the best interpretation of brunch in the city. Menu items are perfectly sandwiched between breakfast and lunch—think steak and eggs—and are hearty enough to carry you through until dinner. Open for brunch only on the weekends, the tables fill up fast when this spot opens at 11 a.m.

The best tables are outside on the sidewalk, especially if you’re in a small group. Inside can feel quite cramped, as there are only eight tiny tables for two. On the inside, however, you have the perfect view of the chef as he creates your meal. I love Junior’s take on French Toast—this is a dish I would wake up craving on a Sunday.

3. The Lennox Café
31 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8
Tel: 353 (0)1 478-9966
Web site

The most stylish of these three brunch options is the Lennox Café, tucked into the Portobello neighborhood amongst prime examples of historic Georgian architecture. The best tables here are outside on the patio, or upstairs on the second floor, where you can get a glimpse of this building’s former life.

Everything on the menu is delicious and beautifully presented, but one of my favorite dishes is their take on huevos rancheros. Perfectly poached eggs, cheddar, chorizo and avocado all find a home with a little salad on top of a toasted tortilla. Spicy and nourishing, this is a meal I always find myself reurning to.

Don’t believe the rumors that Irish food is bland and boring. By venturing away from the Irish breakfasts on offer at pubs, you can find cafés that are bringing serious brunch culture to Dublin.

Your favorite breakfast spot?

Do you have a favorite brunch or breakfast spot in Dublin? Tell us about it in the comments section.

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