Ireland’s street food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, innovating traditional flavors with modern culinary influences. From hearty stews to innovative takes on classic Irish dishes, there’s a lot to fall in love with. For many foodie travelers, getting an authentic taste of Irish street food starts with an in-depth Dublin food tour.
What is Irish Street Food?
Irish street food has evolved from a sumptuous assortment of traditional dishes like fish and chips and hearty stews to include a diverse array of gourmet offerings. You’ll often find the best options served from food trucks, stalls, and at local markets. What makes Irish street food unique is its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in ways that authentically reflect the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
While classic Irish flavors remain a staple, there’s a growing influence of international cuisines that deliciously marry global influences with traditional Irish ingredients. This fusion can be seen in everything from spiced lamb burgers to artisanal flatbreads, making Irish street food a blend of the old and the new.
Must-Try Irish Street Food Dishes
The following are just some of the must-try Irish street foods
Fish and chips in Dublin are typically made from freshly fried cod or haddock, served with fresh-cut fries/chips and homemade tartar sauce.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic
Curry chips are a classic served from food stalls, where the fries are served with a vibrant, mildly spicy curry sauce instead of ketchup.
Photo credit: CCNull licensed under Attribution 2.0 Germany
Boxty is an Irish potato pancake, often served with fillings. In street markets and gourmet food trucks, you might find this Irish classic paired with international flavors, fillings and sauces.
Blaa bread sandwiches are a traditional soft, white bread roll originating from Waterford, a city on the southeast coast of Ireland. It’s a unique type of bread, known for its light, fluffy texture and its slightly sweet, doughy flavor. The name “Blaa” is derived from the French word “blanc,” which means white, a nod to its pale color. In Dublin, you’ll often find them served with bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, or other classic Irish ingredients like ham, cheese, or black pudding.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 3.0 Unported
Seafood chowder is a portable, creamy soup made with fresh, locally caught seafood. You typically find it in cold weather months in food trucks and local markets. It’s a great way to warm you up for lunch on the go.
Modern & Fusion Street Food
Guinness-infused burgers are a twist on a classic favorite. They bring together the rich beef flavor of a traditional burger with the earthy flavors of Ireland’s most well-known dark beer. Some local food trucks offer Guinness burgers made from grass-fed beef or lamb burgers that take the Irish terroir flavors to the next level.
Irish tacos are made from slow-cooked meat with locally sourced toppings. Most of the time in Dublin, you find them served with a flour tortilla. The Irish ingredients used to top it give it a flavor and flair that you truly cannot find anywhere in Mexico or the US.
Black pudding fries are a unique take on loaded fries. They use chunks of warm blood sausage, onions, and other classic Irish ingredients to give you an authentic taste of traditional cuisine.
Best Places for Irish Street Food
List of top markets, food trucks, and street food vendors in Dublin & across Ireland.
Temple Bar Food Market
Photo credit: Temple Bar Food Market
Located in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Temple Bar district, this market is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved food destinations. Every Saturday, it features an impressive array of fresh, local produce, artisanal treats, and hot street food.
You can expect to find everything from gourmet Irish cheeses and charcuterie to hearty, flavor-packed sandwiches. The market is especially famous for its fresh seafood dishes, including the signature fish and chips, and its wide variety of international cuisines. I love to go here to sample seafood, then take some back to my vacation rental to challenge myself to recreate it from memory.
Temple Bar Food Market (€€) – Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland.
Merrion Square Market
Photo credit: Merrion Square Market
Held every Thursday, Merrion Square Market offers a delightful variety of street food stalls that reflect Dublin’s diverse food scene. You’ll find everything from gourmet coffee and sweet treats to hot and savory meals.
The signature dishes you often find here include wood-fired pizzas and burgers made with Irish beef. However, in spring and summer, I think the seasonal salads you can find here are the secret gem that give you an authentic taste of Irish terroir. The market is particularly popular among office workers in the area, offering an excellent variety of options for lunch breaks.
Merrion Square Market (€€) – Merrion Square S, Dublin 2, Ireland.
St. George’s Market (Belfast)
Photo credit: St. George’s Market (Belfast)
A hidden gem nestled on the outskirts of Dublin, St. George’s Market is a hub for foodies and craft lovers alike. The market specializes in locally sourced ingredients and offers a fantastic selection of street food options, such as freshly made crepes, falafel wraps, and burgers made with locally sourced Irish beef.
I love the friendly atmosphere; it’s a great place to experience the warmth of Dublin’s food culture. It’s held every weekend, and I think it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll with a bite to eat.
St. George’s Market (€€) – 12 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ, United Kingdom.
Street Food Festivals & Events in Ireland
Ireland is home to a variety of exciting street food festivals and events that celebrate the country’s dynamic food scene. Some of the more popular annual festivals bring together a variety of Irish street food, making it easy for you to sample a full spectrum of traditional Irish comfort foods and street foods with modern, international-inspired flavors.
These festivals are an opportunity to enjoy diverse flavors in a vibrant, social atmosphere, with food trucks, stalls, and pop-ups offering an array of options for all tastes and dietary preferences. I appreciate the wide range of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options found at the following big-name food festivals.
Taste of Dublin
Photo credit: Taste of Dublin
This is an annual Dublin-based food festival that attracts food lovers from across the globe. Held in the summer, it features a diverse selection of local street food vendors, celebrity chefs, and interactive cooking demonstrations.
The Big Grill Festival
Photo credit: The Big Grill Festival
Also held in Dublin, The Big Grill Festival celebrates all things BBQ and grilled. Every time I go, I’m stunned by the massive array of food trucks and stalls serving up delicious smoked meats, sausages, and burgers. In recent years, there have even been a few vendors offering grilled vegetarian and vegan-friendly offerings. Though most of this festival is a celebration to all things meat.
The Dingle Food Festival in Kerry
Photo credit: The Dingle Food Festival
This smaller festival spotlights regional specialties and offers an exciting range of street food experiences. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic Irish flavors from agricultural producers who prize sustainability and Irish heritage.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Irish street food offers a delightful fusion of traditional flavors, innovative twists, and the freshest local ingredients. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling dishes from food trucks, or attending one of the many exciting festivals, there’s no shortage of street food opportunities to be found on a Dublin food tour.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin food tours. https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin/
Love Temple Bar. (n.d.). Markets & events. https://www.lovetemplebar.com/markets-events
Belfast City Council. (n.d.). St George’s Market. https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket
Merrion Square Market. (n.d.). Merrion Square Market [Facebook page]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/MerrionSquareMarket/
Dingle Food Festival. (n.d.). Dingle Food Festival. https://www.dinglefood.com/
The Big Grill Festival. (n.d.). The Big Grill Festival. https://www.biggrillfestival.com/
Taste of Dublin. (n.d.). Taste of Dublin. https://tasteofdublin.ie/
