All Destinations Ireland & Northern Ireland Dublin

Dublin Food and Drink Tour: Irish Traditions

Taste local produce and learn all about the Irish food revolution

Walking Tour
2.5 hrs
Dublin
The Finer Details
Long gone are the days of the potato famine. Today, Dublin has taken a prominent position in the food revolution taking place in Northern Europe. On this 2.5-hour Dublin food tour, we'll learn how a country once known for its poor eating standards is now leveraging the locavore movement and digging into its traditions to create a rich and diverse culinary scene. During our time together on this tour, we'll learn about Dublin's food evolution from an expert, all while tasting local specialties ranging from fresh seafood to classic soda bread, accompanied by a pint or dram for good measure.

Tour Itinerary

Starting our walk near Merrion Square, this tour will cover the area around the Libertines and St. Stephen's Green, including a group of specialty food shops selected by our local food experts for their quality and history. This area of Dublin, often known for its beautiful Georgian architecture and its former illustrious residents—think Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde—is now associated with great, innovative Irish restaurants. We'll begin with a coffee in one of Dublin's most respected coffee shops, where we'll discuss how Ireland's economic rollercoaster at the start of the century influenced the food scene of Dublin in particular.

After our introduction, we'll delve deeper into Irish specialties, paying visits to one of Dublin's bakeries to taste some traditional soda bread and discussing how this particular food became associated with Ireland. We may pair it with a cheese like Durrus Óg, or with some of the moreish salami from Gubbeen Farm, a famous organic Irish dairy farm. Along with traditional bread, we may taste some of Ireland's award-winning gluten-free products, or perhaps we'll move directly onto the world of seafood, depending on the mood of the group. Our discussion will take us from fish and chips to oyster farming, the art of preserving, and smokehouses. Our epicurean journey may finish in one of Dublin's independent pubs, with a flight of craft beers or a dram of whiskey, discussing the role of drinking in Irish society.

Along the way, we'll discuss how all of these products fit into the Irish diet and how the influx of foreigners has influenced the local food scene. Our guide, with a background in history, will contextualize current trends within the history of Irish gastronomy. At the end, we'll emerge with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Irish culinary flair and what the future has in store for farmers, brewers, restaurateurs, and foodies in the city of Dublin. We'll also pat our full bellies.

Note: Our guides select a variety of shops and food joints to visit based on their particular specialties and relationships with shopkeepers. Thus, our exact presentation and tour of shops will vary depending on the guide and group, creating a unique experience. Please use the travel info box to tell us about any food intolerances or preferences so that we can best adapt your tour.

Sites Visited

  • Cheese shop
  • Oyster Bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered by the tasting fee? The exact list of things included varies depending on the day of the week, the expert, and the preferences of the group, but the tasting generally includes a coffee or hot drink with some pastry, some cheese, and cold cuts tasted with bread or crackers, a pint of beer, gourmet potatoes and some fish (fried or raw oysters).

What if I have dietary restrictions or intolerances? The tour is heavy on dairy product tastings and we always do our best to accommodate clients with dietary restrictions. Just let us know exactly what foods you need to avoid and we'll make sure to adapt the walk accordingly. 

What if it’s raining? Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Is this tour good for kids? Yes! Learning about a new place through its cuisine is extremely popular with kids. We'll skip the beer and whisky and replace them with something sweet or fun that will be perfect for your family.

Is this a walking-intensive tour? No, the whole area is quite compact, and the terrain is always even.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour
Meet the Experts
Francesca Local Guide Francesca
Catherine Local Guide Catherine
Irene Local Guide Irene
Ruairi Local Guide Ruairi
Peter Local Guide Peter
Hogan Local Guide Hogan
Adam Local Tour Guide Adam
Deirdre Local Guide Deirdre
Cat Historian Cat
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Cheese shop
  • Oyster Bar
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Dublin Food and Drink Tour: Irish Traditions general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

72 Reviews

We had such a wonderful time with Cat, I highly recommend this tour especially with a family group where you can find something for everyone. It was a great balance of history and understanding where the food came from and why it was important, combined with the confidence of knowing these would be great quality choices that we really enjoyed. It also felt like we were able to condense a lot of varied experiences into a few short hours so was well worth it. Thanks so much, this was our 3rd tour with Context and they have all been the best tours we’ve ever done. Looking forward to the next one!

Francesca was knowledgeable and fun! We had a great time tasting Dublin’s favorites with her.

Photo Shared by Renske with their review

Cat was extremely knowledgeable kind & considerate. We throughly enjoyed our day with her!! Would highly recommend

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Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey

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Structured, never scripted

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Experts, not guides

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Discover Dublin's Culinary Traditions on Our Dublin Food Tour

Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure with our Dublin Food Tour, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich food and drink culture of Dublin. From traditional Irish dishes to contemporary culinary innovations, this tour offers a unique and comprehensive experience that showcases the flavors and traditions of Ireland.

Guided by local experts, you'll explore Dublin's vibrant food scene, sampling a variety of delicacies and learning about the history and cultural significance behind each bite. Whether it's tasting the best Irish whiskey or indulging in hearty, traditional dishes, this tour promises a deep dive into Dublin's gastronomic heritage.

For those keen to enrich their experience even further, we recommend our related lecture on the Book of Kells, which offers fascinating insights into another cornerstone of Irish culture.

Ready to learn more about Ireland's culinary traditions? Book your Dublin Food Tour today and prepare for an enriching journey through Dublin's culinary landscape.