Tuna Poke Bowl from Cactus Club Cafe

After a long but uneventful journey across the Atlantic and a quick dash through the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) baggage claim, we finally made it home! The first order of business was not unpacking, but rushing to freshen up because we had the best reason to combat jet lag: meeting a dear friend from the Philippines for dinner! To celebrate the reunion and our return to the West Coast, we chose Cactus Club Café, an iconic Canadian (and very much BC!) chain.

After a week immersed in comforting stews, delicious pub grub, and all the "rasher" of bacon one could eat, my body was sending a clear signal: I need fish and I need rice! The Filipino in me was craving that staple.

Tuna Poke Bowl from Cactus Club Cafe
Sesame ginger ocean wise ahi, jasmine rice, mango, cucumber, avocado, edamame, ginger, radish, and crispy tempura

So, instead of opting for one of their famous steaks, I went straight for the Tuna Poke Bowl. This was a great rendition of the poke, featuring fresh tuna, perfectly seasoned rice, and all the crisp, colourful toppings. It was light, vibrant, and exactly the kind of meal I needed to reset after a week of hearty travel food.

Sharing stories of our Irish adventures with a wonderful friend felt like the true, perfect end to our trip.

Grilled Cheeses from Jujo Juice

After our smooth transatlantic flight, we found ourselves with a brief two-hour layover in Calgary (YYC) before the final hop to Vancouver. With both of us still battling a lingering cough, we made a beeline for Jugo Juice, knowing they had the perfect remedies. 

Our first order of business was to stock up on wellness: a fiery Good Shot (packed with lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne—pure immune system defiance!) and a fresh Orange Juice. For food, we went for the ultimate Canadian comfort food with a twist: Grilled Cheese sandwiches. They were far from basic and made for the perfect, handheld airport meal.

I chose the Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese, a savory delight built with chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and sweet, jammy caramelized onions. It was warm and barely satisfying.

Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese from Jugo Juice
Chicken, mozzarella, spinach, and caramelized onion

However, the real winner, by a delicious margin, was my husband's choice: the Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese. This sandwich took the familiar combination of turkey and cranberry and elevated it with a fantastic, nutty layer of pesto.

Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese from Jugo Juice
Turkey, provolone, cranberry sauce, and pesto

Fueled by spicy shots, fresh juice, and melty grilled cheese sandwiches, we were ready for the final leg of our journey home.

Westjet Economy Class Food from Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC)

After a seamless departure from Dublin, we settled in for the long haul to Calgary, and soon enough, the dinner service arrived. We had two main options: a Chicken dish with potatoes and green beans covered in a bright, tomato-based red sauce, and a Vegetarian Pasta.

Vegetarian Option on Westjet Economy Class Food Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC) 

While both were perfectly good, we both agreed that the Vegetarian Pasta was the unexpected winner! It was rich, flavourful, and a real step up, proving that sometimes the meat-free option is the way to go on a long-haul flight.

Chicken option on Westjet Economy Class from Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC) 

The mains were served with the complete classic airline ensemble: a fresh side salad dressed with a tangy balsamic dressing, a warm roll with butter, a little pack of cheese and crackers, and the best part—a light and delicious chocolate mousse for dessert.

It was kind of satisfying, well-rounded meal you want when you're settling in for a long flight across the Atlantic.

Mini-Breakfast at Marqette inside Dublin Airport (DUB)

After a whirlwind trip filled with historic castles, coastal drama, and a checklist of amazing Irish food, it was time for the final act: a leisurely breakfast at Dublin Airport (DUB) before our WestJet flight back to Vancouver.

Since we were early, we bypassed the rush and settled into Marqette in Terminal 1.We both went for the ingenious Marqette Mini Breakfast, which allows you to build your own perfect plate. It was a brilliant strategy for a traveler who’s sampled nearly everything! My customized plate was pure comfort food heaven, featuring my four chosen essentials:

• Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
• Crispy Hash Brown
• A Classic Irish Sausage
• Flavourful Rashers of Bacon
• ...all served with slices of golden Toast.

Mini Breakfast from Marqette inside Dublin Airport (DUB)

It was the ideal final taste of Ireland—simple, perfectly cooked, and a reminder of the amazing quality of the ingredients we enjoyed throughout the trip.

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

After a day of walking through Dublin's historical timeline and soaking up ancient history at the National Museum, our energy reserves were totally depleted. It was time for dinner, and we happily abandoned any fussy planning and headed straight for a Dublin institution: Beshoff Fish and Chips, conveniently located near our hotel. This was my chance to cross off a major item from my Irish food checklist: the famous Curry Chips!

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

Curry Chips from Beshoff Bros

It’s essentially a generous portion of crispy chips absolutely smothered in that unique, thick, gravy-like Irish curry sauce. My initial taste brought a genuine surprise—it reminded me immediately of a Japanese chicken curry base! It has that rich, mildly sweet, savoury depth that is so comforting, but without the heat of other curry styles. It was glorious, addictive, and I instantly understood why it’s a national obsession. (It even reminded me of a curry-free Poutine, thanks to the texture of the sauce!)

Seafood Select Box Meal from Beshoff Bros
Scampi, calamari, cod goujons served with potato chips

To round out the meal, we also shared a Seafood Select Box packed with tender cod, shrimp, and calamari, all perfectly battered, plus, of course, plenty more chips. We also tried their Seafood Chowder. While comforting, my palate had been spoiled by the "best" chowder earlier in the trip; this one was a tad too creamy for my liking.

Seafood Chowder from Beshoff Bros

We ended the day in a state of happy exhaustion and a glorious food coma.

Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Butlers Chocolate Café

After our fast-paced walking tour, which took us past the exteriors of some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks—from the medieval walls of Dublin Castle to the soaring spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral—we were ready for a treat. We headed straight for Butlers Chocolate Café. I had already experienced their famous hot chocolate during my time in Cork and knew my husband had to try it for himself.

Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Butlers Chocolate Café 

While he enjoyed his first taste of their signature hot chocolate, I decided to go for one of their seasonal specials: the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. And it was spot-on! The drink was a perfect liquid version of the classic cake, with rich, dark chocolate notes and the unmistakable, fruity essence of black cherries.

Beef and Guinness Stew from The Stag's Head

After a much-needed sleep-in following our Cliffs of Moher adventure, our first mission of the day was to grab an early lunch at a true Dublin institution: The Stag's Head. This Victorian gem, known for its stunning ornate interior, was the perfect starting point for walking around Dublin on our last day here.

We were set to enjoy two more items from our Irish food checklist, but alas, the universe had other plans! I was really looking forward to the Bacon and Cabbage, only to find out it was a weekend-only special. A little disappointing, but it's all part of the adventure!

No matter, I quickly pivoted to another pub classic: their Irish Beef Burger. It was a juicy, satisfying burger, cooked perfectly.

8oz Irish Beef Burger from The Stag's Head
Chargrilled 8oz Irish Beef Burger, smoked streaky bacon, aged Dubliner white cheddar cheese, beer batter onion ring, lettuce, beef tomato, chipotle mayo and served on a toasted brioche bun with hand cut chips

My husband, thankfully, had no menu woes and happily dug into the rich and hearty Beef and Guinness Stew. Packed with tender beef and infused with the deep, malty flavor of Guinness, it was everything you'd expect from a traditional Irish pub stew.

Beef and Guinness Stew from The Stag's Head
Tender Irish beef and seasonal vegetables served with creamy mashed potato and Guinness bread.

While I might have missed out on the Bacon and Cabbage for now, lunch at The Stag's Head was still a memorable experience.

Dubai Donut and Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut

After the spicy delights of our Spice Bag and Dan Dan Noodles from Xi'An Street Food, we needed something sweet to cool things down and signal the end of a truly epic day. And what better way to do that than with a stop at The Rolling Donut? We grabbed a couple of their decadent creations to enjoy back in the comfort of our hotel room with a cup of tea.

Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut
A delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavours, filled with crunchy, toasted kataifi pastry & rich pistachio cream topped with our handmade ganache & sprinkled with crushed pistachios. 

A peek inside the Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut

I chose the Dubai Donut, which offered a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavors, featuring crunchy kataifi pastry and rich pistachio cream inside. My husband, meanwhile, went for the Kinder Deluxe. This was all about that familiar taste of a Kinder Bueno, with a creamy filling and a white chocolate hazelnut ganache on top.

Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut
A sourdough donut with a scrumptious Kinder Bueno filling topped with a creamy white chocolate hazelnut ganache and chocolate flakes

A peek inside the Kinder Deluxe from The Rolling Donut

Sharing these sweet, pillowy donuts and sipping tea in our room was the perfect, cozy conclusion to a day that had taken us from the wild Cliffs of Moher to the bustling streets of Dublin, seasoned with history, folklore, and delicious food. It was a well-deserved, sweet reward after so much exploring!

Famous Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food

After a monumental day of touring—from the ancient stories at Bunratty, through the unique geology of The Burren, to the sheer majesty of the Cliffs of Moher—we were absolutely famished.

We headed to Xi'An Street Food, a place renowned for delivering the beloved and very Irish Spice Bag. And it did not disappoint! For those unfamiliar, a Spice Bag is essentially a generous paper bag filled with perfectly seasoned, crispy chips (fries), juicy fried chicken pieces, and often other delights like peppers and onions, all tossed in a secret, fiery, and addictive spice blend.

Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food

Every bite was an explosion of flavor and texture: the crispy exterior of the chicken and chips, the soft interior of the potato, and that inimitable spicy kick that leaves a satisfying tingle on your tongue. It's the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying and utterly unique to the Irish takeaway scene.

Alongside our Spice Bag, we ordered the Dan Dan Noodles, but made the crucial choice to upgrade to their signature hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles. And honestly? They were the unexpected star of the show!

Famous Biang Biang Noodles with Stewed Beef and Dan Dan Sauce from Xi'An Street Food

These thick, wide noodles were chewy, springy, and full of texture. The amazing quality of the noodles themselves completely stole the show, standing out even more than the watered-down peanuty sauce.

If you ever find yourself in Ireland, a Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food is a must-try!

Croissants from Eurospar

After an absolutely magnificent day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, the ancient landscapes of The Burren, and the charming village of Kinvara (complete with its iconic Dunguaire Castle!), it was time for the long drive back to Dublin. As our final stop, we popped into Eurospar in Kinvara for some road trip snacks.

Normally, when you think "grocery store pastries," especially at the end of the day, expectations aren't exactly sky-high. However, we were in for a delightful surprise! We picked up a trio of croissants – a classic, a chocolate, and an almond.

A bag of Croissants from Eurospar in Kinvara

And honestly? They were surprisingly delicious! The plain croissant was buttery, the chocolate croissant had a good ratio of rich chocolate to pastry, and the almond croissant was perfectly sweet. Considering it was late in the day and these came from a grocery store bakery, their quality was still impressive.

Seafood Chowder and Fish & Chips at The Frantic Chef

After a morning at Bunratty Castle and learning about the Great Famine and iconic stone walls of Ireland from our guide, our tour bus pulled up to The Frantic Chef in Liscannor, County Clare—the perfect spot to refuel before the main event: the Cliffs of Moher. Being right on the Wild Atlantic Way, seafood was definitely on the menu, and we decided to dive headfirst into two Irish classics.

First up, the Homemade Seafood Chowder. Oh. My. Gosh. This wasn't just good; it was the best chowder I've had since that incredible salmon chowder at the Thunderbird Cafe in Whistler! It was rich and creamy, packed with tender, fresh seafood, each spoonful a warming hug.

Seafood Chowder from The Frantic Chef

Next, we couldn't resist the Fish & Chips. The cod was perfectly fresh and sweet, encased in a light and crispy batter. Paired with a generous serving of crispy fries, it was the ideal classic coastal treat.

Fish & Chips from The Frantic Chef

Both dishes were phenomenal—comforting, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The Frantic Chef proved to be the perfect, satisfying stop to fuel up before we headed off to witness the breathtaking majesty of the Cliffs of Moher. What a lunch!

Sausage Roll, Morning Bun, and Cheese & Onion Tart from Bread 41

Today was the big day for our Cliffs of Moher tour, which meant an early start and an even earlier check-in. But that just meant we had an excuse to hit up a Dublin culinary institution first thing: Bread 41! Despite some confusion about their Monday opening hours, we were thrilled to find their doors open at 7 AM. We chose a mix of sweet and savory bread.

Morning Bun from Bread 41

The Morning Bun is a perfect, slightly sweet start. It was flaky, delicate, and utterly delicious – a fantastic pastry to wake up the taste buds.

Sausage Roll from Bread 41

The Sausage Roll is a hearty, savory classic. The pastry was golden and crisp, encasing a well-seasoned, satisfying filling.

Cheese & Onion Tart from Bread 41

The Cheese and Onion Tart is a comforting and flavorful choice, with a rich, savory filling that hit all the right notes for an early morning treat.

Breakfast Tea from Bread 41

To wash it all down, I opted for a classic Breakfast Tea (because when in Ireland...), while my husband enjoyed a creamy Latte. Grabbing breakfast from Bread 41 felt like a true Dublin experience – a proper artisan start to a day.

Yoi Soul Ramen from Yoi Izakaya

After a long and mindblowingly impressive tour of Trinity College and seeing the Book of Kells, I was completely wiped and just wanted to head back to the hotel to rest. However, my husband insisted that a good dinner was a better idea, and he was absolutely right. Instead of our planned Sunday roast, we opted for Japanese ramen from Yoi Izakaya, located near our hotel.

The atmosphere was cozy, and the hot soup was exactly what I needed. I ordered the Chicken Shoryu Ramen, and it was incredibly comforting. The chicken broth base, for me, is the ultimate "get-well" food — soothing and restorative. Coming from Vancouver, with its many excellent ramen spots, I have high standards, and this was an okay ramen.

Chicken Shoryu Ramen from Yoi Izakaya
Roasted marinated miso chicken fillets, oyster mushroom, bean sprouts, seasoned eggs, fish cake, black fungus, fried onion, and coriander. Served with shoryu chicken broth

My husband went for the Yoi Soul Ramen. It had the same chicken broth base as mine but was packed with a hearty mix of chicken, pork cha shu, and even shrimp. He noted that his broth tasted less "soy sauce-y" than mine, making for a distinctly different yet equally satisfying bowl.

Yoi Soul Ramen from Yoi Izakaya
Pork charshu, chicken fillets, king prawn, crispy tofu, bean sprouts, seasoned eggs, fish cake, blank fungus, fried onion, soy bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, spring onion and coriander. Served with chicken shoryu broth. 

The hot, savory soup was just what I needed, and after a much-needed two-hour nap back in the hotel, I was already feeling a bit better. A perfect, comforting end to a busy Sunday!

Irish Chicken Fillet Roll from Dunnes Stores

After our coffee break at Vice, we finished our shopping run, picking up some fun souvenirs from the ever-present Carroll’s Irish Gifts. Then, it was time for lunch, and we knew exactly where to go: the deli counter at Dunnes Stores! This stop was all about ticking off two major Irish food classics:

The Chicken Fillet Roll: I went for the traditionalist’s choice: Plain Chicken Fillet with mayo and butter, topped with cheese and stuffing (as recommended by my colleague). The combination of the tender chicken, creamy spreads, and savory stuffing in a soft roll is an absolute masterpiece of convenience food. It’s easy to see why this sandwich is an Irish institution!

Chicken Fillet Roll from Dunnes Stores

The Large Sausage Roll: We also grabbed one of their large, classic Sausage Rolls. Piping hot, with flaky pastry hugging a thick, well-seasoned pork filling.

Sausage Roll from Dunnes Stores

To wash it all down, we grabbed their freshly squeezed orange juice. After a day of exploring and with a bit of a sore throat, that chilled, vibrant, and tart juice was incredibly refreshing and the perfect palate cleanser after all that savory goodness.

It was a fantastic, simple, and very Irish way to refuel before our next stop: Trinity College.

Award-Winning Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee

After breakfast, we started our official Sunday with mass at the beautiful Pro-Cathedral. Following that, I enjoyed a little essential Dublin retail therapy! I managed to snag a great belt from Penneys (the Irish name for Primark) and then found a truly beautiful, traditional scarf from Aran Sweater Market, which will be a perfect souvenir.

All that walking definitely deserved a break, so we made a return trip to Vice Coffee. My husband finally got to properly savor the Irish Coffee, a must-try on his list, while I indulged in a pastry.

Fancy Frankie Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee
Award winning Irish coffee with Teeling small batch, espresso, demarara, and spiced orange cream

I ordered their Lemon Bar, and it was exactly what I needed! It was a brilliant balance of flavors: wonderfully tart from the fresh lemon and perfectly sweet from the sugar base. After all the rich savory foods, that citrus zing was absolutely perfect.

Lemon Bar from Vice Coffee

It was a great afternoon of culture, comfort, and a little bit of indulgence.

Full Irish Breakfast and Ham & Cheese Toastie from Jay Kay's Cafe

Even with a sore throat making me feel a bit under the weather, we weren't going to miss out on one of my husband's food quests: a true Full Irish Breakfast. We made our way to Jay Kay's Cafe, a local spot that came highly recommended.

While our hotel's buffet has all the elements of a Full Irish, the difference here was immediately clear. My husband's plate was a masterpiece of flavor, with two savory pork sausages and two crispy bacon rashers. The golden fried egg was perfectly cooked, and the crispy baby potatoes were a delightful change from the usual hash browns. The plate was rounded out with a side of sweet beans, earthy fried mushrooms, a juicy grilled tomato, and some toasted sourdough bread with tangy Ballymaloe relish.

Jay's Full Irish Breakfast from Jay Kay's Cafe
Two pork sausages, black and white pudding, two bacon, fried egg, crispy baby potatoes, beans fried mushrooms, grilled tomato, and sourdough toast with Ballymaloe relish

The real standouts, however, were the black and white puddings. Unlike the gritty versions we'd tried, these were incredibly smooth and flavorful, with a wonderful, almost creamy texture.

For my breakfast, I opted for something more soothing: a ham and cheese toastie. This was a super-flattened sandwich with sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham and melted cheddar cheese on toasted bloomer bread. The tangy Ballymaloe relish was a fantastic addition, offering another beautiful depth of flavor.

Ham & Cheese Toastie from Jay Kay's Cafe
Home-baked honey and mustard glazed ham and cheddar cheese

To help combat our sore throats, we both happily ordered a Turmeric Shot. This potent little mix of organic turmeric root, ginger, apple, and cracked black pepper was just the thing we needed to start the day.

Turmeric Shot from Jay Kay's Cafe
Organic turmeric root, ginger, apple, and cracked black pepper

Despite not feeling 100%, this breakfast was a true highlight — a combination of classic Irish comfort food and a much-needed wellness boost.

Irish Stew and Boxty Platter from Gallagher's Boxty House

After a day exploring the ancient wonders of Brú na Bóinne valley and the Newgrange mound, our appetites were ready for a hearty Dublin dinner. Our initial plan was The Brazen Head, but after my fantastic experience on the food tour, we pivoted to Gallagher's Boxty House.

My husband had three key food requests for this trip: an authentic Irish stew, a proper Irish coffee, and a full Irish breakfast. For dinner, he opted for the very same Irish stew I had sampled last Friday during my food tour. It was exactly what he was hoping for: deeply savory, comforting, and packed with tender meat and vegetables.

Gallaghers Irish Stew from Gallagher's Boxty House
Lamb stew, root vegetables, potatoes, barley, and selection of bread

Meanwhile, I decided to dive headfirst into their namesake with the Gallagher's Boxty Platter. This was an incredible journey through all things boxty! The platter featured:

• Boxty Fries: While normal fries are good, these were on another level entirely. They boasted an incredibly crispy exterior with an almost unbelievably fluffy interior, a perfect potato experience.
• St Tola Goats Cheese on Boxty Loaves: The soft, tangy goat cheese paired beautifully with the tender boxty loaves.
• Pico de gallo on Boxty Loaves: This combination was interesting, though perhaps not my favorite of the bunch.
• Boxty Pancake topped with Bacon Lardons and Blue Cheese Sauce: Decadent! This was a tad too oily, but the richness of the bacon and the creamy, pungent blue cheese sauce was absolutely amazing and satisfying.
• Honey & Chilli Glazed Boxty Dumplings: These little boxty "gnocchi" were a delightful surprise. With a hint of spice and a tarty kick from the glaze, they acted as a fantastic palate cleanser amidst all the rich flavors.

Gallagher's Boxty Platter from Gallagher's Boxty House
Boxty fries, St Tolas goats cheese on boxty loaves, boxty pancake topped with bacon lardons and bluue cheese, and honey & chili glazed boxty dumplings 

The Boxty Platter was an adventurous and delicious way to explore such a versatile Irish staple. It was a perfect end to our Saturday!

Beef and Guinness Pie and Traditional Cottage Pie at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

After a morning immersed in 5,000 years of history, visiting both Knowth mound and Newgrange, my appetite was ready for some hearty Irish comfort food. We had lunch at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which is managed by Brambles Café, and decided on two of the classics.

First up was the Beef and Guinness Pie. It arrived warm and fragrant, and I was immediately struck by how rich it was—much more so than I expected! The gravy itself was dark and savory with the distinct, malty-bitter notes of Guinness, which added a wonderful complexity to the tender beef. It was a hearty, warming dish that's perfect on a cold Irish day.

Beef & Guinness Pie inside the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

A peek inside the Beef & Guinness Pie inside the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

We also sampled a Traditional Cottage Pie. This dish was the ultimate classic comfort food. It had a savory filling of minced beef and vegetables in a thick, rich gravy, all topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potato. The crust was beautifully golden and provided the perfect, satisfying counterpoint to the soft, warm interior.

Traditional Cottage Pie inside the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Boyne Valley Beef with Mashed Potato top

A spoonful of Traditional Cottage Pie inside the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

Both pies were a great way to refuel and get a true taste of traditional Irish cooking. A simple, delicious meal!

Wicklow Mutton Stew from B Bar inside The Clayton Hotel

After a day of eating out, I finally gave in to my laziness and decided to dine in at The Clayton Hotel's B Bar. I ordered the Wicklow Mutton Stew, hoping for a hearty and cozy end to my Friday.

Wicklow Mutton Stew from B Bar inside The Clayton Hotel

The stew arrived steaming hot, which was a great start. However, I was surprised to find that it was more like a soup than a thick, hearty stew.

Wicklow Mutton Stew from B Bar inside The Clayton Hotel

Despite its thin consistency, the mutton itself was incredibly flavorful, showing that it had been cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, that rich flavor didn't carry over to the broth, which was bland and under-seasoned.

Delicious Dublin Food Tour

Happy Friday! Today officially became a highlight of my trip thanks to the Delicious Dublin Food Tour. Our small, friendly group of eight — seven Americans and one proud Canadian (that’s me!) — set off to explore the city’s culinary soul. Our incredible guide, Sinéad, kicked things off with a fascinating brief on Ireland's history, tracing its diet from simple foraged land provisions through the era of farming and, of course, a necessary, respectful touch on the Great Famine.

A Scone Revelation and a Guinness-Lookalike

Our first stop was Tang, a fantastic modern Irish café. Here, I had my first true Irish Scone with plum and mixed berry jam. It was a revelation! These scones are softer and far more tender than any I’ve had in Vancouver or London. The jam had the perfect balance of sweetness and a lovely tartness.

Scone with Plum and Mixed Berry Jam from Tang

A short walk brought us to Wigwam for their famous, award-winning Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee. Though I rarely drink coffee or alcohol, I had to give this a shot. It was perfectly balanced: strong espresso (which certainly didn't help my jetlag!), Dublin-original Teeling Whiskey, brown sugar syrup, and hot water, all crowned with a layer of full-fat cream. 

Fancy Frankie Irish Coffee from Vice Coffee
Award winning Irish coffee with Teeling small batch, espresso, demarara, and spiced orange cream

We were instructed not to mix it, much like you wouldn’t mix a pint of Guinness — the cream acts as a beautiful cold, creamy head to the hot, dark base.

Comparing the Classics: Stews and Coddle

We took a longer stroll across the iconic Ha'penny Bridge to Gallagher's Boxty House. I was thrilled to be here, as this spot was already on my itinerary for later! This stop was a masterclass in Irish comfort food, allowing us to sample three different breads alongside a trio of stews.

Partially eaten Stew Platter from Gallagher's Boxty House
Irish stew, beef & stout, Dublin coddle, colcannon, and bread selection

• Beef and Stout Stew: The rich stout (brewed by Gallagher's own microbrewery, not Guinness) provided a deep, dark, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
• Irish Stew: This was the classic, rustic dish, with a simpler, savory broth base that allowed the flavor of the tender mutton and root vegetables to truly shine.
• Dublin Coddle: This unique stew was my surprising favorite. It has a light, pale broth with a wonderfully complex savoriness from the slow-simmered pork, bacon, and aromatic vegetables like celery and thyme.

Trying all three side-by-side was an incredible experience, and the Coddle still reigns supreme for me. I think I finally realized why: it reminds me of Filipino nilaga (pork soup) with pork, potatoes, and onions, but the Coddle has a unique, savory depth from the celery and that distinct, earthy touch of thyme (I hope I'm right!).

The Sweet and Savory Finale

Next, it was off to dessert at Murphy's Ice Cream. This place is impressive because they harvest their own salt in Dingle for the Dingle Sea Salt flavor — it offers a fantastic sweet-and-salty balance. But the star was the Irish Brown Bread flavor!

Irish Brown Bread - Arán Donn and Dingle Sea Salt - Salann from Murphy's Ice Cream 

They bake the brown bread, caramelize it with muscovado sugar, and mix it into the ice cream. The combination of the creamy ice cream and the little textured, sweet, and nutty bits of bread was out of this world.

Our last stop was at Sheridans Cheesemongers for a cheese tasting, focusing on Cork county:

• Durrus: A semi-soft, washed-rind cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and a lovely pungency that builds with age.
• Coolea: A hard, Gouda-style cheese with a firm texture, a rich, nutty flavor, and a satisfyingly long finish.

Durrus and Coolea from Sheridans Cheesemongers

I stayed to chat with Sinéad for a few extra minutes, asking for more food suggestions around the city. She was truly amazing and absolutely deserved the big tip.

This was my very first food tour, and I’m completely sold — I should start dedicating a day for these on every vacation! Thank goodness for my employer, who gave me a birthday voucher from Gifting Owl. What a blessed way to experience a new city!

Dark Mocha from Insomnia Coffee

I’m in a busy Dublin Spar, waiting for my food tasting tour to kick off, and I’ve found my little piece of morning calm: a small dark mocha from Insomnia Coffee.

Insomnia is ubiquitous here, and for good reason. My dark mocha is the perfect pre-tour treat — it’s just the right size, rich with a proper kick of dark chocolate, and definitely strong enough to tackle the day.

Mocha from Insomnia Coffee

It’s these simple, local routines that make a city feel real. A quick stop, a little caffeine and chocolate comfort, and I'm fueled up and ready to go explore the best of Dublin's food scene. Cheers to the small things!

The Clayton Club sandwiches from B Bar inside The Clayton Hotel

After taking the train back to Dublin from Cork, I felt famished but was genuinely too lazy to go out again. So, I ended up having dinner right inside my hotel at B Bar, the restaurant in The Clayton Hotel.

I wasn't really sure what to order, so I settled on The Clayton Club sandwich. It was served on a toasted multi-grain sourdough roll and was stacked with juicy and tender grilled chicken, crispy smoked streaky bacon, a fried egg, fresh iceberg lettuce, plum tomato, Swiss cheese, and tarragon mayo. It was both satisfying and delicious.

The Clayton Club from B Bar inside The Clayton Hotel
Grilled chicken, smoked streaky bacon, fried egg, iceberg lettuce, plum tomato, Swiss cheese and tarragon mayo. Served on a multi-grain sourdough roll.

What a great dinner to cap off a beautifully blessed day!