When we think of Ireland, it traditionally conjures up images of rolling hills in a million shades of green, the tinkling of sheep’s bells, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. But your mouth may also water at the thought of briny oysters, grass-fed beef, and authentic pubs. In the last decade, Ireland has quietly grown into a culinary hot spot. Now, more than ever, Ireland gives you an opportunity to learn exactly where your food comes from by taking a culinary tour that includes food trails, cooking schools, excellent markets, and fun festivals.

To explore the traditional and contemporary food in Ireland, you’ll want to visit multiple areas of the Emerald Isle on your culinary tour. One of the most popular routes is to begin in either Dublin or Shannon and take a circular route including Waterford, Cork, Dingle, and Limerick. The gorgeous countryside alone is worth the trip, but Ireland has even more in store with the freshest farm-to-fork cuisine. Plan your ideal culinary tour to combine your choice of Ireland’s many culinary highlights with some of the iconic sights of the country.

Savor Ireland on a Culinary Tour

In County Clare, the Burren Food Trail has a number of food establishments to visit, including St. Tola Goat Farm where you can sample wonderful farm-to-table cheeses. Before you leave the area, visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

In County Kerry, enjoy culinary walks and cooking demonstrations at the Dingle Cookery School, then explore Kenmare or Killarney. Be sure to drive the famous Ring of Kerry and stop in at any of the many attractions along the route that strike your fancy. Travel Maestro tip: Start early and make the drive clockwise to go in the opposite direction of the many bus tours.

Cork is home to the English Market, a 18th century covered market and one of the world’s oldest – a must-see for foodies. Also in County Cork, you can tour the grounds of the Ballymaloe Cookery School and sit in on demonstrations. Travel Maestro tip: Ballymaloe Country Relish, a thick tomato-based sauce has a cult following in Ireland! The seaside village of Kinsale offers some of the finest restaurants in Ireland, including the renowned Fishy Fishy and the Black Pig Winebar. Travel Maestro tip: If you plan to hang upside down to kiss the Blarney Stone in the famous castle, do it before you eat.

In Waterford, you’ll want to see glass blowing at the House of Waterford Crystal, but don’t leave Waterford without tasting a blaa. One old-style bakery closely guards the recipe for the flaky, soft bread roll that is Waterford’s most famous food. Nearby in County Wicklow, visit Ballyknocken House, a 350-acre farm and home of home of television chef Catherine Fulvio for tours, cooking demonstrations and lunch.

County Kilkenny offers many interesting food producers and experiences on the Kilkenny Food Trail. Enjoy lunch at the famous Kilkenny Design Centre, the 1760 coach house overlooking Kilkenny Castle. Next maybe finish the day by sampling a range of Smithwick ales on a VIP tour of the Smithwick Experience.

In Dublin, you’ll find Ireland’s most popular attraction – the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a seven-story museum shaped like a pint glass that tells the history of Ireland’s famous beer. Take a tasting walking tour or visit the Temple Bar Food Market. If whiskey is your taste, be sure to visit the Old Jameson Distillery. Travel Maestro tip: Did you know the libation is spelled “whiskey” when it’s made in a country that has an “e” in its name (like Ireland), and “whisky” when the country doesn’t have an “e” (like Scotland)?

How to Visit Ireland’s Culinary Sites

There are three ways you can explore Ireland: Self-drive touring, with a private driver, or on escorted motorcoach tours. Escorted group tours of Ireland are quite popular; however, to focus on the culinary sites and experiences in Ireland, we recommend exploring and savoring Ireland independently.

CIE Tours International allows you to design your own self-drive itinerary that gives you flexibility during the trip to visit the places you choose. You can prebook your accommodations in B&Bs, elegant manor houses, cozy inns, and even Irish castles. If you want the maximum flexibility to go as you please, you can even use prepaid vouchers for accommodations and make reservations as you go.

If you’re uncomfortable with driving the narrow, winding roads of rural Ireland yourself (on the left side!) CIE Tours also offers the comfort of a private driver, whether for a party of two or a small group. Your local driver knows all the best places to shop and eat and will look after you the whole way to make your culinary discovery of Ireland truly memorable.

To learn more about CIE Tours of Ireland, contact Covington’s vacation specialists.

Disclosure: Covington Travel is pleased to acknowledge CIE Tours International as a valued partner and sponsor of this post.