Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

24 BACK ROADS IRELAND

Where to Eat

With its green pastures, fertile farmland and clear coastal waters,
Ireland enjoys an abundance of high-quality produce. In recent
years, Ireland’s restaurants have come into their own and now
talented chefs are turning all that premium beef, succulent lamb
and fresh seafood into New Irish cuisine in acclaimed restaurants
throughout the country. For those on a budget, there are hearty
pub meals as well as that Irish favourite, fish and chips, not to Above One of the many pubs in the
mention endless delicious items for a memorable picnic. Temple Bar district of Dublin
Practical Information Casual dress is acceptable in most Europe, America and the Pacific Rim
A cooked breakfast – commonly restaurants, though you may want to to put a fresh spin on familiar dishes.
known as a “Full Irish” or “Ulster Fry “– dress smartly for more expensive However, it is also well worth seeking
at your accommodation could easily establishments. Most places are out small, local restaurants that serve
keep you going throughout the day. wheelchair-accessible, but check in traditional Irish dishes, such as boxty
If not, lunch is normally served from advance. Children are allowed into (potato pancakes) or the classic Irish
noon or 12:30pm until 2:30 or 3pm. pubs with their parents until 9pm in stew. There are plenty of ethnic
Restaurants and cafés in larger towns winter and 10pm in summer. dining options too, from Indian
and cities have longer hours than Smoking is banned in any indoor and Chinese restaurants to Japanese
those in smaller towns and villages. area, including restaurants and bars. noodle bars to Italian restaurants
Although it was once customary in Menus are generally displayed and pizzerias.
Ireland to eat a large meal at midday, outside, so it is possible to make an Nearly all restaurants feature at
dinner is now the main meal for informed decision before entering. least one vegetarian option, often
most people. Restaurants’ evening Fine dining establishments usually more. Fine dining establishments
hours vary. Most open between 5:30 offer a set-price menu as well as à la usually have impressive wine lists,
and 7pm. In larger towns and tourist carte. These can be excellent value, as well as a good selection of Irish
areas they may serve until 10 or especially at lunchtime, and allow whiskeys and other spirits. It may be
11pm, but in smaller towns and you to enjoy a top restaurant at an necessary to book well in advance
villages they often close at 9pm, with affordable price. for a table in a top restaurant. In
last orders 30 minutes earlier. Many Northern Ireland, look for restaurants
pubs serve bar food from lunchtime Restaurants with the Taste of Ulster designation,
until around 9pm. Restaurants often Restaurants in Ireland range from a symbol of quality.
close for a day or two each week cosy, casual dining to trendy bistro- Visitors returning to Ireland will
(usually Mondays), but many smaller style hotspots to traditional dining be shocked to find that restaurant
establishments in busy areas stay rooms set with crystal and fine china. prices have risen significantly in
open seven days. Off the beaten Many country house hotels offer recent years, and Ireland is no longer
track, they may close out of season. outstanding dining in an elegant the bargain that it once was when it
Credit cards are widely accepted, setting, and they are often open to comes to quality dining. It may be
but some pubs, cafés and takeaway non-guests who book in advance. possible to cut costs by opting for
places may take cash only. Tax is Wild salmon, fresh seafood, oysters the “early-bird” specials at some
always included in the bill. A service and mussels feature on menus in restaurants, though this will, of
charge is often added as well; if not, season. The current trend is for New course, entail dining rather early
leave a tip of 10–15 per cent. Irish cuisine, which uses accents from (between 5:30 and 7pm).

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