Ireland · FOOD & DRINK
Brown bread, oysters, farmhouse cheddar and a market that predates the famine. These 15 walk the stalls, the bakeries and the small bars, priced, timed and clear about exactly how hungry to turn up.
Spend 45 minutes at Dublin’s Jameson Distillery Bow St. with an English-speaking guide. Learn how triple distillation shapes Irish whiskey, compare three pours, enjoy a Jameson Ginger and Lime drink, then linger at JJ’s Bar.
“Great experience although our guide had a very odd flourish and speech pattern (not an accent). Had to wonder if he drank too much of the product!”
At Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin 8, an English-speaking guide leads you through 500 years of local whiskey history, the Teeling family story, and five production stages, followed by a tasting. Guides such as Marc, Blaise, Dave, Gary, and Ivie are often praised for their humor and clear explanations.
“The tour was very fun and informative. Iur tour guide, Marc was funny and engaging and clearly knowledgeable and proud of the product Teeling Distillery produces.”
Walk central Dublin with an English-speaking guide such as Ann, Lee, Cathy, or Ciaran, stopping for Irish coffee, warm sausage rolls, cheese, an oyster, stew, beer, ice cream, and a secret dish. The three-hour tour ends near Grafton Street and serves enough food for a full meal.
“Ann was spectacular. She is so entertaining and really funny. She made sure that our every need was met. The foods was incredible. Everything ran smoothly. I had a lovely day altogether!”
At Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Museum, an English-speaking guide such as Brian, Linda, Andrew, or Matthew leads you through four historic rooms, then compares three classic or four premium Irish whiskeys. The one-hour tour includes storytelling, a tutored tasting, and a souvenir glass with the premium option.
“great tour and nice whiskey. tour guide very knowledgeable”
Visit Teeling’s modern, fully operational Dublin distillery in the Liberties with a guide such as Gary, Marc, or Alexandra. See the three copper pot stills, learn how Dublin whiskey is made, explore the exhibition space, and finish with a Teeling tasting. Tours run every 20 minutes and last one hour.
“Our guide Gary was super informative and hilarious! The entire tour was fun & interactive and in the end we got to taste a small batch of whiskey and their famous cocktail which was pretty good. Would recommend this if you’re looking to do something indoors in Ireland!”
Visit the historic Midleton distillery, about 15 minutes from Cork, with a guide such as Neil, Killian, Connor, Ines, or Daniela. See kilns, mills, aging casks, and old buildings before comparing whiskeys in the Jameson Bar. The 75-minute tour stays on one level.
“Extremely friendly, fun, energetic and knowledgeable young man. Wish I had his name, but he took our group (3pm Sunday, August 3rd) to school on Jameson & Midleton history, distilling, etc. literally, everything one should know to the Nth Degree. He’s quite the Representative for your brands and should be in line for raises, promotions and moving up the Corporate ladder, long-term. He’s a keeper who my wife & I throughly enjoyed.”
Walk about 3 km from the Spire to Dawson Street, stopping at independent Dublin eateries and food shops for Irish stews, scones, soda bread ice cream, Irish coffee, and more. Guides such as Kevin, Lisa, Sinead, and Maeve add food stories, city history, and practical dining tips.
“Maeve was a fantastic guide! Her passion for cooking, baking, and finding the most wonderful and varied places to enjoy the Irish cuisine across Dublin was second to none! She was fun, energetic, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. We enjoyed our tour immensely and the other on the tour as well. I highly recommend this tour! Yum. Such a wide array of foods to try and very accommodating to food allergies as well!”
Join local guides Kevin or Tracy at St Catherine’s Church for a three-hour walk through Dublin’s Liberties. You choose and buy your own food at five surprise stops, making it easy to suit your appetite and dietary needs. The route ends at the Molly Malone Statue.
“Loved the combination of food, history and information. Went to places I would never have tried on our own.”
Meet Kevin, Ian, or Tracy outside Saint Catherine’s Church and spend three hours walking Dublin’s Liberties, stopping at five local food spots. Your guide shares Irish history and recommends what to order, but food and drinks cost extra, averaging about €20 per person.
“Kevin was a great tour guide and had so many excellent food recommendations. You could tell he really cared about the tours he put on for people.”
Join a 7 to 16-person pedal bike at 44 Bedford Street and cruise Belfast city centre with an English-speaking guide and driver. Bring your own drinks or pre-order beer or prosecco. Guides such as Ron, Thomas, Mark, and James have helped keep the music, banter, and drink service moving.
“The overall experience is a must if you haven't got jelly legs after, you're doing it wrong hahaha”
Meet your guide at Howth railway station for 3.5 hours of seafood, craft beer, local stories, and coastal scenery. Expect chowder, smoked salmon, Guinness soda bread, a seafood platter, several half pints or bottles, and stops at historic pubs and sites. Guides have included Patrick, Paddy, and Mark.
“There is a fair amount of walking to the destinations, fun tour and great craft beer. The tour guide, Patrick is a great entertainer and has a wonderful singing voice.”
Walk from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch with guides such as Conor, Erin, John, Sean, and Barry. Choose a 3 p.m. route built around traditional tastings or a 6 p.m. pub-focused tour with contemporary Irish food, drinks, and four stops.
“Our guide, Conor, was very knowledgeable about Ireland. So, he had a lot of stories about Galway and surrounding areas.”
Walk central Cork with a guide such as Kate, Amanda, Kerry, or Frances, sampling seafood, sausage, pies, cheese, Irish coffee, beer, and handmade chocolates. The private tour visits the English Market, Coal Quay area, historic pubs, St. Peter and Paul’s Church, and ends near the Imperial Hotel.
“It was excellent Far better than expected, Kate was great, her knowledge of both the history and food culture really impressed us. And the food was so delicious!, A”
Explore central Dublin with a private guide, stopping at cafés, bakeries, pubs, restaurants, and shops for eight Irish food tastings. Make Irish coffee, try Flaggy Shore oysters, sample stew and soda bread, and finish with Irish ice cream. Karen is one guide who brings local Dublin insight.
“Wonderful tour guide. He was so much fun and knew so much about the history of Dublin. A lot of delicious food samplings!”
Spend 45 minutes to an hour inside Dublin Liberties Distillery with a guide such as Kelly, Kate, or Kevin. Learn how whiskey is made, hear about the Liberties, taste three house pours including honeycomb liqueur, and enjoy whiskey-based drinks in the distillery bar.
“We had such a great time in this tour! Our guide Kelly was so knowledgeable and answered all our questions. You can expect a 45 minute tour and 3 samples. There is a great bar to hang out at after as well.”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
