The Bounty of Ireland

So it has been too long since I’ve had a post, not like anyone is reading this anyway. I recently came back from a week long vacation in Ireland where I visited Dublin, Waterford, Cork/Blarney, Doolin, and Ashford (Cong). Everyone is always so fascinated with Ireland, and I can see why.

Dublin is quite the international city. It still has an old feel why being very updated and new. Coming from a small town where the ethnic diversity is almost non-existent, it was wonderful to see so many cultures in one place. Not only that, but it was clear that this melting pot was not simply due to tourists, many of these differing ethnicities take up residence here. Of course, with the diversity of culture comes the diversity of food. While the Irish pub and its famous fish and chips, Irish beef stew, bacon and cabbage, most likely have the most representation, there are tons of Chinese, Indian, middle eastern (mostly kebab), even Japanese and Greek restaurants. Ireland is not known for its food, but with farmers markets and boutique stores offering a variety of cheeses, an assortment of cured meats and charcuterie, along with plenty of whiskey and beer, you would never guess that Ireland has such a poor food reputation.

Going outside of Dublin however, it becomes a slightly different story. While the quality of the full Irish breakfast (fried egg, tomato, baked beans in a tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, rashers, black and white pudding, sausage, toast, juice, coffee, tea, and cereal) stays wherever you go, the diversity dissipates. Sausages are still wonderful, the cheese is local, and the produce is fresh, but you begin to see the same offerings again and again.

Truth be told, my best meals in Ireland were the breakfasts. I stayed mostly at bed and breakfasts, many of which were quaint and had kind owners, but most of Ireland does not seem to make its wonderful resources (fresh beef, lamb, and tons of seafood) into the gourmet food that it could. Of course there are steaks, lamb chops, and the occasional oyster festival, but there are wild blackberries growing everywhere in the country, and no one seems to be picking them!

Ireland is known for Guinness and whiskey. Its beautiful countryside and kind people are not renowned for being epicurean. While the gourmet can certainly be found, I would go to Ireland in search of a great time, a filling breakfast, and tasty pint instead.