Homestead Cottage Restaurant, Doolin, The Burren, County Clare.Tourism Ireland
In 2026, that connection is stronger than ever, putting Ireland firmly on the map as one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations.
With the Michelin Guide announcement on February 9, it is a packed calendar of food festivals, and August is dedicated entirely to celebrating Irish cuisine; this is the year to let your appetite lead you across the island.
As Frank Hederman of Belvelly Smokehouse puts it: “What we have in Ireland is wonderful raw material. Our landscape is at the heart of what we create.”
A grain field in County Kildare.
That philosophy is the backbone of Ireland’s food culture, and the reason 2026 is the perfect moment to taste it for yourself.
A landscape that feeds us well
Ireland’s culinary strength starts with its setting. Abundant oceans. Fertile green fields. Clean air. Wild coastlines. These aren’t just poetic images, they’re the foundation of Ireland’s world-class ingredients and artisan produce.
Cows grazing in the Blackstairs Mountains.
Farmers’ markets across the island bring this richness to life.
Farmers’ market stalls overflow with locally produced and fresh produce:
- Artisan cheeses
- Local charcuterie
- Beech-smoked Irish salmon
- Soda breads still warm from the oven
- Grassfed beef
- Mountain lamb
- Small-batch preserves and honey.
A charcuterie board of delicious Irish meats and cheeses.
They’re the perfect place to meet the makers and taste the island’s diversity up close.
Make a start to your farmers' market experience with these:
- The English Market, Cork
- St. George’s Market, Belfast
- Temple Bar Food Market, Dublin.
St. George's Market, in Belfast.
If you want to go deeper, Ireland’s food trails and guided tours offer insider access to producers, chefs, and hidden gems from coastal foraging walks to whiskey and cheese pairings, oyster shucking, farmhouse visits, and hands-on baking experiences.
Standout dining experiences across the island
Ireland’s restaurants are redefining what Irish food can be: inventive, rooted, and full of character. From tasting menus to intimate dining rooms in small towns and coastal corners, these spots show just how varied the island’s food scene really is.
Which restaurant is going on your list?
Homestead Cottage, County Clare
A love letter to hyperlocal ingredients, shaped by the Burren’s unique landscape.
The Pullman Restaurant, County Galway
Fine dining aboard restored Orient Express carriages. This is a journey through time and taste.
The Pullman Restaurant, County Galway.
OX, County Antrim
Belfast brilliance: Nordic precision meets Irish produce in a Michelin-starred setting.
Terre, County Cork
Imaginative, elegant, and technically masterful, a standout at Castlemartyr Resort.
The Muddlers Club, County Antrim
Hidden in the Cathedral Quarter, this Michelin-starred favourite champions bold, modern Irish cooking.
Fine dining at the Muddlers Club, County Antrim.
Thyme, County Westmeath
Seasonal, thoughtful, and beautifully. Thyme is a balanced and warm celebration of Irish ingredients.
What to look out for in 2026
Ireland’s food scene is rich, varied, and deeply rooted in tradition - with a modern twist.
Here are the essentials:
Cheese
Since the 1970s, Ireland’s farmhouse cheese scene has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting, from soft goat cheeses to bold blues and alpine-style wheels.
A happy goat at the St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm in County Clare.
Grass-fed beef
From ancient breeds to Himalayan salt-aged cuts, Irish beef is globally renowned for its flavour and quality.
Seafood
Guinness and oysters, fish and chips, mussels, smoked salmon, Ireland’s coastal bounty is unmatched.
A display of seafood at Linnane's Lobster Bar, The Burren, Co Clare.
Soda bread
Simple, traditional, and beloved, a daily staple that tastes like home.
Black pudding
An ancient craft perfected by award-winning producers across the island.
Yes, the classics still matter: a hearty stew, brown bread with golden Irish butter, a seafood chowder that warms you to your bones. However, make 2026 the year you go further. The year you explore the full breadth of Ireland’s culinary offerings. The year you discover that Irish food is not just comforting, it’s creative, sustainable, and world-class.
Honourable staff mentions
IrishCentral editors and staff share their favourite places to eat across the island - from hidden gems to unforgettable meals.
Hayes Bar & Kitchen, Glandore, Cork
"There are so many great restaurants and experiences that spring to mind, it's hard to choose. However, Hayes' Bar and Restaurant, in Glandore, West Cork, definitely sticks out in my mind. Overlooking the sea and the fishing village of Union Hall, we had the best fish stew. In fact, it was so good we ended up having a chat with the lovely Chef David Wine to steal his recipe."
- Kate Hickey.
Dining outside Hayes' in Glandore, West Cork.
Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Mulranny, Mayo
"Nevin’s Newfield Inn is a must-stop for anyone tackling the Great Western Greenway, or even for a well-timed pit stop on the road to Achill. Its close proximity to the sea means beautifully fresh fish, including one of the finest bowls of seafood chowder you’ll find anywhere in the west. Add in the warm, welcoming staff and a creamy pint of Guinness, and you have a perfect serving of pure Mayo magic."
- Dara Healy.
Chicken Hut, Limerick
"Chicken Hut is one of the best food spots in Ireland, originally opening as a KFC many years ago by Colonel Sanders himself, which means it genuinely holds the legacy of the original KFC chicken recipe. That history shines through in the flavour, especially in the iconic gravy that people swear by and travel for. It’s not just fast food, but a rare piece of food history served hot, crispy, and drowned in legendary gravy."
- Jack Conway.
Texas Steakout, Limerick
"One of my standout dining experiences in Ireland was Texas Steakout in Limerick. It puts a confident Irish spin on the classic American steakhouse, pairing top-quality local beef with bold flavors and generous hospitality. It’s a great example of how Irish chefs take global influences and elevate them with exceptional Irish produce."
- Kevin Hansen.
Ireland is not just a destination, it's a feeling. Follow your heart to Ireland and discover the adventure that awaits you. Whether you decide to wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East, breathe in Ireland’s magnificent west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace a giant spirit in Northern Ireland, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
This article is presented proudly in partnership with Tourism Ireland. To learn more about Tourism Ireland and get inspired for your next visit to Ireland, check out their website at www.ireland.com.