cdispoto

Greetings all,

My wife and I are heading to Ireland for nine days in May. We are landing in Shannon, spending three nights in Cork, two nights in Kilkenny and the final three nights in Dublin.

I've been to Dublin before and we have a Frommer's guide book but was wondering if there were recommendations for places to see that might be a little less known. Also, as guidebooks are very general, can anyone recommend any pubs and restaurants in Cork, Kinsale, Killarney, Kilkenny, Waterford or Dublin?

Thanks for any help.

SeeDee

Let's get a few pubs out of the way first......
Cork city: if you like your pubs with a bit of character, you should drop into the Mutton Lane pub, down a small alleyway off St Patrick's St.
Kinsale: the short climb up to The Spaniard will give you the requisite thirst to enjoy a well served pint.
Kilkenny: have yet to leave town without visiting Tynan's Bridge Bar (beside the bridge, believe it or not).
Waterford: Jack Meades is a little out of town but can provide food as well as drink.
Dublin: tough call but the front bar in Mulligan's on Poolbeg St is an easy place to let an hour slip by.

Restaurants.
In Cork, the Farmgate in the English Market, Cafe Paradiso is a highly rated vegetarian spot, the Liberty Grill does excellent breakfast/lunch.
Kinsale, if you like fish, it has to be Fishy Fishy Cafe.
Kilkenny: Zuni is worth a try though if you like Italian food, I would suggest Rinnucini's.

Not having the Frommer's Guide, I don't know what Dublin attractions are listed. The Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin should be looking well in May. For a nice view of Dublin Bay, you could take the DART (commuter train service) out to Howth and climb Howth Head; as a consolation, there is a pub quite close to the summit.

TPAYT

bookmarking

cdispoto

Thanks SeeDee. The guidebook mentions many great restaurants but many are French, Italian, etc. I live near NYC so I have plenty of great restaurant options nearby, but I want to eat AUTHENTIC Irish fare while I'm there.

When I was in Dublin five years ago, I went thinking "I hate Irish food" because I'm not a big fan of American-style Irish food lik corned beef and cabbage. However, the variety of stews and meat dished I found at the most under the radar places (didnt have a guidebook that time) blew me a way and I want my wife to experience that as well. She already has a feeling she wont be crazy about the food because she wont eat rabbit and doesnt like lamb or veal all that much.

Will definitely add the places you mentioned above to our list of targets. Thanks!

TPAYT

Haven't been to Dublin yet, but we were in Western Ireland in Sept.'10 and one of our biggest surprises was the quality and presentation of the food. We thought we'd be eating fish and chips for 2 weeks.

Sirloin steak----who would ever order that? Well, we did and it was one of the best steaks I've ever had anywhere in the world.

And of course the chicken and seafood----sole, scallops, etc.---absolutely fantastic. The starters and salads--out of this world.

I think you wife will be pleasantly surprised.

Samantha_Dempsey

if you are heading to Dublin a definite put not to miss is Johnny Foxes up in the Dublin mountains. They have a bus service which will collect you from Dublin City Centre and drop you back http://jfp.ie/

aussiedreamer

Saving and printing for our visit to Ireland, also in May
Thanks

sheri_lp

Also loved the Spaniard in Kinsale, and there's a great seafood restaurant right across the street called Man Friday.

I like Cork, but it's a PAAAAIN to drive in. Spent last St. Patrick's Day there and we couldn't find one disagreeable pub. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant, but I don't think that's what you want!

flpab

I love the food in Ireland and don't eat lamb but found plenty of things to order. The seafood is the best and give me a bowl of seafood chower from the Brazen Head in Dublin and I am very happy. I also like the Boxy house in Temple Bar. Glasnevin is on my list and Croke Park. I have been three times and have never seen the inside of St Michans in Dublin. I love Irish history and want to see Hill 16 and a bonus would be to see a game there.
Cork, loved the Farmers Market and Kinsale has great places to eat. Buy O'Conails chocolate there.

irishface

In Kilkenny I like Kytelers Inn. they have a good selection on their early bird menu. Interesting story to go with the meal.

I second the rec. of the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin while you are in Dublin. when I lived in county Wicklow, I used to take the train into the city just to watch the changing seasons there. Always something interesting. Also loved the trip out to Howth. I remember climbing up through a rhododendron area and seeing a red (a true red) rhodie for the first time. Great view out over the bay.

Have a great trip.