Irish stew is one of Ireland’s most beloved traditional dishes, a hearty and comforting meal that has been a staple for generations. It was born out of farming traditions and focuses on using locally sourced ingredients that let you truly taste the terroir of Ireland.
Whether served in a cozy pub or a fine dining restaurant, a good Irish stew captures the essence of Ireland’s culinary heritage in ways deserving of a Dublin food tour.
What is Traditional Irish Stew?
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Made with simple yet rich ingredients like lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots, it embodies the rustic flavors of Irish cooking. What sets Irish stew apart from other stews is its emphasis on slow-cooked, tender meat and thick, flavorful broth. It’s often infused with fresh herbs and sometimes a splash of Guinness for depth.
Traditional ingredients:
- Lamb or mutton (sometimes beef)
- Potatoes, onions, and carrots
- Slow-cooked broth with herbs
- Occasionally paired with Guinness for added depth
Variations on Irish Stew
There are several variations of Irish stew that you might find in a Dublin pub.
Traditional Irish Stew is made with lamb or mutton, along with potatoes, onions, and carrots. It’s simmered slowly in a light broth, often with herbs like thyme and parsley. It has a more delicate, natural flavor that highlights the richness of the meat.
Guinness Stew uses beef instead of lamb and incorporates a heavy amount of Guinness stout into the broth. This gives it a deeper, slightly bitter, and malty flavor. It’s typically thicker and heartier, with rich, dark gravy.
Vegetarian alternatives of Irish stew have started to show up on the Dublin pub scene. Some omit the meat component while others use plant-based alternatives with vegan appeal.
Best Places to Get Irish Stew in Dublin
The following are just a few of my top picks for the best pubs and restaurants known for their authentic Irish stew.
The Brazen Head
Photo credit: The Brazen Head
With a history dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is one of Dublin’s best-known spots for traditional Irish stew. It’s a cozy, historic pub with rustic wooden beams, live Irish music, and a welcoming atmosphere that transports you back in time.
I love the richness of their slow-cooked lamb stew as much as the fact that it’s packed with tender meat and belly-filling root vegetables in a perfectly seasoned broth. Each bowl of Brazen Head’s Irish stew is served with freshly baked soda bread.
The Brazen Head (€20–30) – 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland.
O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen
Photo credit: O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen
O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen is a hidden gem near Trinity College that’s famous for its hearty portions and traditional Irish comfort food. It has a lively yet intimate pub atmosphere with a mix of tourists and locals. There’s also a self-service carvery for quick and satisfying meals and a great selection of Irish whiskeys to pair with your stew.
I appreciate the thickness of O’Neil’s Irish stew and its flavorful broth made from locally sourced lamb, potatoes, and carrots. They serve it with their signature house-made soda bread that I prefer to save until the end so I can use it to sop the bowl clean.
O’Neill’s Pub (€10–20) – 2 Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland.
The Hairy Lemon
Photo credit: The Hairy Lemon
Famous for its old-school Dublin charm, The Hairy Lemon is a quirky, vibrant pub that’s a favorite among both locals and visitors. They offer a traditional yet eclectic pub experience with lively decor, a warm fireplace, and a friendly, bustling atmosphere. The vibe is perfect for a casual yet memorable meal.
The Hairy Lemon’s Irish stew is slow-cooked to perfection using farm-to-table ingredients that I think give it exceptional depth of flavor. The way the rich broth coats the back of a spoon speaks to its belly-filling power.
The Hairy Lemon (€20–30) – Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland.
What to Pair with Irish Stew
One of the best things about enjoying Irish stew on a Dublin food tour is the chance to pair it with an authentic Irish beverage as part of a complete pub experience.
The best drinks to accompany Irish stew starts with Guinness, which is a classic pairing. Irish whiskey offers a warming touch and gives you an authentic opportunity to taste Ireland’s take on whiskey.
Local craft beers have become increasingly popular for pairing with Irish stew. Many local breweries and craft brewers offer their finest beers at iconic Dublin pubs.
Irish soda bread and brown bread are typical accompaniments for Irish stew. Perfect for dipping or for sopping up the thick broth from the bottom of the bowl.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Irish stew is a must-try dish when visiting Dublin, offering a hearty and flavorful taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage. Whether you prefer the classic lamb-based version or a Guinness-infused twist, Dublin’s pubs and restaurants serve up some of the best renditions of this comforting dish.
To fully enjoy the experience on your Dublin food tour, try different variations at historic pubs, cozy neighborhood spots, and modern eateries. And, of course, don’t forget to pair your stew with a pint of Guinness or a smooth Irish whiskey for the perfect meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Irish stew in Dublin?
Iconic pubs like The Brazen Head, The Hairy Lemon, and O’Neill’s Pub are known for their rich, slow-cooked flavors.
Where can I find vegetarian Irish stew in Dublin?
You can find vegetarian Irish stew at plant-based restaurants like Cornucopia and The Woollen Mills, which offer hearty meat-free versions.
Which pubs serve Irish stew with a great pint of Guinness?
Pubs like The Celt, O’Neill’s, and The Stag’s Head are known for serving delicious Irish stew alongside a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin food tours. https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin/
O’Neill’s Pub. (n.d.). O’Neill’s Pub Dublin. http://www.oneillspubdublin.com/
The Hairy Lemon. (n.d.). The Hairy Lemon. https://thehairylemon.ie/
The Brazen Head. (n.d.). The Brazen Head Dublin. http://www.brazenhead.com/
Cornucopia. (n.d.). Cornucopia wholefood & vegetarian restaurant. http://www.cornucopia.ie/
The Woollen Mills. (n.d.). The Woollen Mills. http://thewoollenmills.com/
The Celt. (n.d.). The Celt Bar. http://thecelt.ie/
The Stag’s Head. (n.d.). The Stag’s Head. http://stagshead.ie/
