Dublin’s Temple Bar area is a vibrant mix of cobbled streets, cultural landmarks, and, of course, some of the best food Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re here for a short visit or staying a little longer, there are a few dishes you simply can’t leave without trying. From hearty stews to sizzling steaks, Temple Bar is brimming with authentic Irish dining experiences.
Here’s a guide to some of the local Irish dishes you must try during your stay at Temple Bar Inn.
1.Hellfire’s Irish Locally Sourced Steaks
If you’re a steak lover, Hellfire in Temple Bar should be at the top of your list. Known for its commitment to using only the finest grass-fed Irish-sourced beef, Hellfire is renowned for serving up steaks that are as tender as they are flavourful. Ireland’s cattle are raised in lush, green pastures, giving the beef a distinct quality that sets it apart.
Hellfire’s menu features a range of cuts, but no matter what you order, the steaks are sure to be cooked to perfection, paired with delicious sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and rich sauces. Whether you opt for a classic rib-eye or a juicy fillet, a meal here will leave you craving more of Ireland’s culinary expertise.
2. Traditional Irish Stew
No trip to Ireland is complete without sampling a bowl of traditional Irish stew, a comfort food that has been enjoyed by locals for generations. Made with lamb or beef, root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and broth, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying.
While many pubs and restaurants in the Temple Bar area serve their own versions, ‘The Old Mill Bar & Restaurant’ just a short walk from Temple Bar Inn offers an excellent rendition. Tender chunks of lamb, potatoes, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection—it’s the kind of dish that will warm you from the inside out, especially on a chilly Dublin day. For the Guinness lover a braised beef and Guinness stew is also a must try.
3. Full Irish Breakfast: The Ultimate Start to Your Day
The Irish breakfast is a hearty and filling meal designed to fuel you for a day of exploring. It typically includes eggs, sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and a slice of soda bread. Temple Bar Inn offers an unbeatable Traditional Irish Breakfast right within the hotel, perfect for starting your day, with the added convenience of a freshly made, delicious breakfast just steps from your room. For those looking to venture out, Keoghs Cafe serves a top quality full Irish breakfast, a must-try for any breakfast enthusiast.
4. Seafood Chowder
Ireland’s coastline offers some of the freshest seafood in Europe, and Dublin is no exception. Serving up rich, creamy seafood chowder, often made with a blend of locally sourced fish, shellfish, and seasonal vegetables. One of the best places to sample this dish is Sole Seafood & Grill, where you can enjoy a bowl of chowder alongside its extensive range of fresh seafood.
Pair it with a slice of soda bread, and you’ve got a quintessential Irish meal. With its welcoming atmosphere and a menu focused on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, Sole is a must-visit for any seafood lover in Dublin.
5. Boxty: A Traditional Irish Potato Dish
While you’re exploring Temple Bar, you’ll likely encounter boxty, a traditional Irish potato dish that has been passed down through generations. It’s a type of potato pancake, made with a mixture of grated potatoes, flour, baking powder, and buttermilk, cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden. Served with a variety of toppings, boxty can be eaten as a savoury side or as a main dish, often paired with bacon, sausage, or eggs.
For an authentic taste, ‘Gallagher’s Boxty House’, located in Temple Bar, serves a delicious version of this dish.
6. Irish Pies: Comfort in Every Bite
For a true taste of traditional Irish comfort food, cottage pie is a must-try. These savoury pastries are typically filled with slow-cooked meats. The original cottage pie is made with beef and often paired with a rich gravy and fresh vegetables. Topping it with creamy mashed potatoes makes it truly authentic.
You’ll find plenty of options around Temple Bar, but a standout place to enjoy a cottage pie is The Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy with a pint of stout as you soak in the lively atmosphere.
7. Irish Sunday Roast
The Sunday Roast is a beloved tradition across Ireland, and Dublin is no exception. Typically enjoyed with family or friends. The dish typically includes roast beef or lamb, served with crispy roast potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. Irish roasts are known for their comforting flavours, making them the perfect way to wrap up the week.
If your stay happens to fall on a Sunday and you’re in the mood for a proper Sunday meal, this is a must-try. Make sure to head to The Bank on College Green for a classic Sunday Roast with all the fixings.
8. Comfort Of Coddle
One of the must-try Irish dishes during your stay at Temple Bar Inn is coddle, a comforting dish that’s a true taste of Dublin. Traditionally made with sausages, bacon, onions, and potatoes, coddle is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavours to meld into a deliciously savoury dish. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day, filling and satisfying, with each bite offering a rich, savoury depth.
For an authentic coddle experience, head to The Hairy Lemon, a charming and rustic pub just a short walk from Temple Bar. Known for its warm atmosphere and traditional Irish fare, The Hairy Lemon serves up a fantastic version of coddle, making it an ideal spot to sample this iconic dish while soaking in the local culture.
9. Bangers & Mash
Bangers and Mash is a classic Irish comfort food, combining hearty sausages (the “bangers”) with creamy mashed potatoes (the “mash”), often accompanied by a rich gravy. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the quality of Irish ingredients, especially the sausages, which are typically made from a blend of pork and spices.
For an authentic taste of this iconic dish near Temple Bar Inn, head to Doheny & Nesbitt, a historic Pub is just a short walk away. Known for its traditional Irish fare, Doheny & Nesbitt serves up a delicious version of bangers and mash, creating a memorable culinary experience during your visit to Dublin.
10. Roaring Water Bay Mussels
Roaring Water Bay Mussels, a true delicacy. The fresh mussels sourced from the pristine waters of Roaring Water Bay in County Cork. The combination of their briny sweetness and a glass of crisp Irish white wine or stout makes for a perfect pairing.
The best places to indulge in this dish include Hellfire Restaurant, a must-try dish and a true taste of Ireland’s coastal bounty. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of the grilled seafood bowl, these mussels are perfectly accompanied with prawns, calamari, and succulent Irish scallops cooked with nduja, white wine, garlic, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, where you can additionally savour this dish. The rich flavours and fresh, local ingredients from both venues make this dish an unforgettable experience for any seafood lover.