With a flight time of only an hour and ten minutes from Newquay, and a service operating between five and seven times per week, visiting Dublin has never been easier. So, where are the best places to visit to make your mouth water?
Try an Irish stew
It goes without saying that when you head to Ireland you simply must try Irish stew. Dating back centuries, this warming stew comes in a variety of concoctions typically featuring lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions and parsley.
Of course, this traditional folk dish varies all over the country, but if there’s one place you’re guaranteed a stellar stew, it’s Dublin. Check out O’Neill’s, The Hairy Lemon or Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, for some of the tastiest stews in town.
Eat some meat at FX Buckley
If you’re a proper carnivore you’ll love FX Buckley. This signature steakhouse has its roots firmly planted in Dublin, having started life as a butcher shop in 1660. Now in its sixth generation of ownership, they’re proud to source their own Angus and Hereford beef and claim to serve some of the finest beef anywhere in the world.
With five steakhouses across Dublin, expect to tuck into anything from a Buckley beef burger to a fillet steak or chateaubriand.
Treat yourself to a Bunsen Burger
Talking of burgers, some of the best in the city reportedly come from Bunsen Burgers. Now popping up all over Ireland, their modest menu features only four burgers – a hamburger, double hamburger, cheeseburger or double cheeseburger - with a selection of toppings and fries so you can really make your burger your own.
Grab a burger and seek sanctuary back at your hotel if the autumnal Irish weather brings a chill to the air.
Potter around Temple Bar
Perhaps one for a calmer day, Temple Bar is a popular neighbourhood featuring traditional cobbled streets and alleyways. In the summer it can be somewhat of a tourist trap, but as autumn takes hold it can be pleasant to explore of an evening.
You’ll find numerous eating establishments serving everything from traditional Irish food to Italian, seafood and even Indonesian.
Meander round a food market
If you’re lucky with the weather, another trip you could take on foot is a visit to a food market. There’s plenty in Dublin but popular events tend to be Temple Bar Food Market, which is held every Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm or Smithfield Outdoor Food Market, which takes place every Friday from 11am to 3pm.
The former is popular for the heavenly oysters which Temple Bar Oyster Bar sell every week, while the latter features some of the best treats in Dublin, courtesy of The Cupcake Bloke.
Indulge at the Queen of Tarts
We know that an indulgent break isn’t all about filling yourself to the brim with hearty meals; the best foodies always leave room for a naughty treat or two! That’s where Queen of Tarts comes in; this decadent cake shop was set up by two sisters who trained as pastry chefs in New York. Now creating some of the tastiest treats in town, grab a coffee and try not to salivate at their endless list of cakes, tarts, brownies and cheesecakes.
It’s also a good pit stop for breakfast or lunch – start the day with a hearty Irish breakfast, or homemade honey and cinnamon granola before you head off sightseeing for the day.
Learn to cook at Howth Castle Cookery School
You can’t call yourself a true foodie if you’re not prepared to get stuck in! And what better way to immerse yourself in all things tasty than to attend a cookery class. Based in the beautiful Georgian kitchens in Howth castle, this cookery school was set up in 2008 by Christina and Edwina St Lawrence.
The cookery school has a series of bookable classes and courses, aimed at igniting your passion for food.
Sample street food at Eatyard
From the elegance of a Georgian castle to the funky Dublin street vibes, Eatyard is full of street vendors selling everything from burgers to churros, ice cream and flatbreads. You really can take your pick of what you fancy on a visit here, so our top tip is to visit with plenty of room in your stomach!
Eatyard is open from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm Thursdays and Fridays, 12pm to 10pm Saturdays and 12pm to 8pm Sundays.
Tuck into a toastie from Le Petit Camion
If anyone knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s these guys. Sure to tickle your taste buds, Le Petit Camion is a good place to grab and go – perhaps even on your way to the airport. Cheese lovers will revel in the deliciously gooey heaven that is a Le Petit Camion cheese toastie.
Other delicacies include pulled ham and chorizo grilled sandwiches – topped with a lifetime supply of cheese, naturally!
Visit The Winding Stair
Establishing itself as a landmark of Dublin in the 1970s and 80s, The Winding Stair is a rare breed – a restaurant and bookshop. This former bookshop regularly welcomed writers, musicians and artists, and was given a new lease of life in 2006, when the new owner introduced an upstairs restaurant.
It prides itself on serving good, old fashioned grub, and matches it with a wealth of local and international beers and ales. Enjoy meat platters, Irish lamb, seafood and steak – but don’t forget to check out the traditional bookshop before you leave.
Fly from Newquay
You can fly to Dublin direct from Cornwall Airport Newquay. Aer Lingus flights operate between five and seven times a week, all year round.