We have been going to France for many years in Sept. but this year decided to change our usual itinerary and tour in Ireland.

So many of you listened to my comments on how I would miss Paris and the smaller cities of France that we had been visiting. Then also there was the food, people, etc.----I was so unsure. How could we give up our annual trip to France?

Well, we're back from Ireland, and I am happy to say how much we enjoyed our adventure. We could not believe the quality of the food----some of our best meals ever! It is such a beautiful country and the people were very charming.

We will definitely post a full trip report as soon as we get our notes together.

Did we miss France? Yes indeed, but now we have added another country that we love to our list.

TPAYT, so glad that you enjoyed Ireland (my ancestral seat). What dishes did you particularly enjoy? I LOVE their salmon, brown bread (not like Boston brown bread), cream soups, and great variety of veggies. Love the mashed turnip & carrots, not to forget the wide variety of potato offerings. Irish food is simple, fresh, and hearty. Of course, the people are the best part of the Irish experience....

While Ireland certainly doesn't match France in terms of cuisine and artisinal products, it does have a very serious food culture. Restaurants throughout the country source great local products and supermarkets stock some of the highest quality meat and produce you will find in any country. The dairy is particuarly good with lots of artisinal cheesemakers popping up around the country. Traditional Irish food can be a bit bland sometimes, but new Irish chefs often cook with French recipes and techniques while using local Irish products.

TPAYT, have you traveled to other European countries besides France & Ireland? For me Italy is the holy grail of gastronomic travel. The Italians just care so much about what they eat, and though the preparations are simple compared to French food, you will not have a bad meal, except at very touristy places, which can easily be avoided.

RayKrebs----we've also been to Italy and Switzerland and enjoyed the food there.

I guess we expected to eat alot of fish and chips in Ireland and were surprised by the gourmet restaurants. The seafood of course was fantastic, but we also had one of the best steaks ever, and great chicken. I expected more lamb chop offers, but didn't see that very offen----odd when you consider all the sheep everywhere. The presentation of the dishes was right up there with any fine restaurant in Paris, Rome, or New York.

latedaytraveler----the huge breakfasts at all of the B & B's we stayed in usually held us until dinner, but we did have soup and brown bread for lunch a few times.

The Irish food may be simple, but they do it so well that you would think that you have found the source of what we call "comfort food".

As far as breakfast, the usual Irish breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms,tomato, potatoes) was offered everywhere along with omelettes, fruit, porriage, etc., but the real surprise was at Shelburne Lodge in Kenmare---Dover Sole on the bone for breakfast! Along with a starter of rhubarb compote topped with fresh strawberries, it was by far the best breakfast. I usually don't eat fish for breakfast, but I couldn't resist.

As far as comparing French, Italian, and Irish food----it's like comparing Renior to Michelangelo, etc. Thank goodness you can enjoy it all!

I look forward to a full report on Ireland TPAYT - I want to know where you went, what did you find, what did you think of it, and what was the best part!
Sole for breakfast?....Kippers & haddock yes, sole? Mmmmmmm.

I am so glad that the trip turned out well. TPAYT, your last comment about comparing national cuisines just sums it up so well. Please share your saga with us as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.

Still trying to get back to normal at home, but I will get to the report in the next week. It will be fun to write about our wonderful trip & I hope to have some photos also.

TPAYT - happy to hear you enjoyed your trip to Ireland and dined well.
We are returning to Ireland again in November, so looking forward to your report on dining experiences and sites.

TPAYT, I remember your posts and am so glad you had a wonderful trip! I'm excited to read your full report.

Thanks for the encouragement. I've started my trip report on a separate thread.