View MapView Map
HomeIreland's Ancient EastDelicious food and drink ...
Savour exceptional food and drink in Ireland’s Ancient East
Get a flavour of Ireland's Ancient East.
Ireland's Ancient East colour logo
Ireland’s Ancient East is paradise for foodie fans. From the colourful English Market in Cork to the Sea Gardener in Waterford, explore excellent eateries, cafés, breweries, distilleries, bars, organic producers and fish farms.

Book your break around one of the vibrant food festivals or visit a local distillery.

Explore Cork’s food scene

Cork City Fab Food Trails

Cork is one of Ireland’s leading food destinations, with colourful markets, charming cafés and excellent restaurants. Book a Cork City Fab Food tour and hear about the hidden foodie treasures from a local guide, during a three-hour walking trail of the historic city.

Wander around the narrow streets and stop off at tapas bars, traditional pubs and relaxed bistros. Enjoy tasting plates while experiencing a warm welcome from proud Corkonians.

A couple browsing desserts in a café.
Discover hidden foodie treasures across Cork City.

The English Market

Experience the unique atmosphere of the bustling English Market, famous for its artisan produce, local specialities and the freshest of ingredients. Pick up some drisheen (a delicious type of pudding) and try the tasty buttered eggs on some sourdough bread. With international fare and family-run stalls, relish the energetic pace of this Cork institution.

The interior of the English Market in Cork City
A visit to The English Market is a must on your trip to Cork City.

Ballymaloe House

Travel to East Cork and enjoy the famous Ballymaloe House hospitality. Discover the lush green countryside and savour the home-cooked meals, with ingredients sourced from the Ballymaloe grounds and walled gardens. At this historic country house, menus change daily with talented chefs creating traditional Irish meals for hungry guests.

People standing outside Ballymaloe House in Cork
See what fresh ingredients Ballymaloe House has to offer.

The Jameson Distillery

Go behind the scenes of Ireland’s most famous whiskey at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, County Cork. Enjoy a tour of the buildings and learn about the field to glass process which gives Jameson its smooth, iconic flavour.

Visit one of the original Jameson warehouses on-site and draw a special Jameson blend straight from the cask. Craft ambassadors are on hand to share tips, making this experience a must for true whiskey fans.

If you're on the hunt for even more distilling knowledge, check out our list of Ireland's top distillery tour and experiences.

People visiting the Jameson Distillery in County Cork.
Taste the world famous flavour of Jameson whiskey for yourself.

Enjoy Waterford’s unique food

The Sea Gardener

Visit Waterford and meet Marie Power, The Sea Gardener, an expert in seaweed cookery and foraging. Book in for a land walk, beach picnic or informative talk and find out how to use seaweed in your everyday meals so that you can benefit from its astonishingly healthy properties.

A close-up of seaweed on the beach.
Learn what seaweed can do for you from The Sea Gardener.

The Waterford Blaa

The Waterford Blas is famous across Ireland, so you can’t visit the county without trying the doughy goodness of a Blaa sandwich. A local speciality in the Déise, credit goes to Brother Ignatius Rice for baking the first Blaa in 1802.

Try yours with sizzling bacon (a popular choice) but be warned, they sell out in record time. Head to Walsh’s Bakehouse in Waterford City or Barron’s Bakery in Cappoquin for a signature Blaa sandwich.

Taste of Tipperary

Mikey Ryan’s Bar

Drop into Mikey Ryan’s Bar, a gorgeous gastropub in Cashel, Tipperary and discover authentic Irish fare with a twist. Chefs source fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers and artisan producers, creating tasty, traditional food. Head to this spot and experience the recognisably mouth-watering flavour of Cashel Blue Cheese, which is used in many of their dishes.

Cheese and grapes on a plate.
Experience Cashel Blue Cheese in its home county at Mikey Ryan's Bar.

Savour great food in Wicklow

The Happy Pear

After a breathtaking walk along the Greystones cliff walk, venture into the town for a delicious meal at The Happy Pear. Open seven days a week, enjoy their range of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes that are vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Don’t leave without popping over to Delgany to visit Firehouse Bakery for some of their tasty sweet treats for the journey home.

Uncover new locations and flavours

There's so much to see and do in this fascinating part of Ireland. Check out the range of fun activities in Ireland's Ancient East and get more inspiration for your next visit.

Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.