Vegan in Ireland
Ireland, like many other countries, is slowly opening its mind (and heart) to a vegan lifestyle. Animal rights are becoming more and more important to many and shops and restaurant are reacting.
Over the past years, I’ve witnessed many positive changes. It still has a way to go, though. But which country hasn’t - unlike vegan cities like NYC, London or Berlin.
BUT there are some great vegan gems just waiting to be discovered by you. Ireland is one of the most beautiful, amazing and unique countries in the world and it is definitely worth a visit as a vegan.
Here I’m going to share everything I’ve experienced so far and as I’m always eager to learn and experience new things, I’m going to update this blog post regularly.
As I’m coeliacs, I’ve doubled the game since going vegan. Some of the following recommendations for vegan (but not gluten-free) restaurants and cafés therefore haven’t been tested by me personally but I know from friends that these places are amazing.
As with other countries, Dublin city is far the most vegan friendly city in Ireland. You’ll find a big and growing community there and some great vegan friendly restaurants and health food shops. In late 2019, Ireland’s first and only all-vegan grocery store (Veganic) has opened in St Stephen’s Green, which makes eating a plant-based dient even easier.
Other cities such as Cork, Galway, Limerick and Belfast usually have several vegan friendly restaurants and cafes as well. Whether it’s a city or a small town: don’t be afraid to ask. Many small cafes or restaurants are real gems and will help you with choosing a vegan friendly option even if they don’t appear to be very vegan friendly at first glance.
Still, pre-planning your vegan meals might be a good choice.
I’m often travelling with my Dad and for me, it’s great that he went vegan in October 2019 - it’s easier to prepare and plan gluten-free vegan dinners for us. Since my mother passed away, my Dad has found his passion in cooking and I love the quality time with him whenever we’re spending time together in the kitchen planning and cooking plant based dishes.
I’m not the “going out for dinner“ kind of type - especially after having experienced so much “drama“ with eating out as a coeliac. I love going out for a cup of tea, coffee and/or cake though, so you’ll probably find more personal recommendations for cafes than restaurants.
That said, if you love cooking as much as I do (I’m not speaking of fancy, beautiful and complex dishes here, just yummy and healthy -not fancy looking- food): there are many great supermarkets in Ireland where you can buy all your favourite vegan-friendly supplies. Many Irish supermarkets now stock a good range of vegan items such as milk, cheese, ice-cream, tofu, burgers, sausages and so on. Check the supermarket’s website for an up to date list on their vegan range.
Where to buy / supermarkets:
Tesco - huge range of vegan products, especially if you’re “just“ vegan and not vegan + coeliac
Marks and Spencer - their “Plant Kitchen“ range is huge and everything looks very delicious
Supervalu - our favourite supermarket as you can find one in almost every (bigger) town. The vegan range varies from store to store but you’ll find a good range of vegan (+ gluten-free) products and the list is growing.
Dunnes Stores - huge range of vegan products
Lidl - more and more vegan products (especially yoghurts and milk), gluten-free products are usually not vegan
Aldi - more and more vegan products (sausages, burgers, plant milk, snacks…)
What we love most though is going to the local farmers’ markets and purchase local vegetables and products. Maybe try one of our favourite farmers’ markets in Bantry, Dingle or Skibbereen! And if you’re in Bantry, don’t leave without a stop at Organico Bantry - you’ll love their food shop. Many towns have local health food shops like this one. Another great recommendation are The Happy Pear. Be sure to follow them on instagram for all the plant based inspiration!
Accommodation
I don’t know much about staying at B&Bs or hotels in Ireland myself as I’m usually renting an Airbnb or staying with friends when travelling. From what I’ve heard though, please contact your accommodation beforehand and ask them about any vegan friendly options when it comes to breakfast, pillows and so on. The traditional Irish breakfast (which the Irish usually eat once or twice a year - at least that’s how I grew up) is full of meat, egg and dairy.
I grew up having my porridge made with water. I know there are many who make it with milk, so you might get in touch and ask what kind of porridge they are making at your accommodation. There are several vegan friendly accommodations throughout Ireland, so you might be lucky and find exactly what you are looking for.
If you are staying at a self catering cottage or an airbnb like I do, breakfast / lunch / dinner shouldn’t be a problem. If there are any questions - let me know! I’m happy to help if I can.
Where to eat
My recommendations:
Organico Bantry (café, health food shop and bakery, lovely fresh vegetarian menu - ask for vegan options, the staff is amazing)
The Stuffed Olive Bantry (lovely deli with amazing vegan options; be sure to follow their instagram account for Marmalade the dog)
Cornucopia Dublin (their vegan buffet breakfast - unreal!)
The Happy Pear (vegan paradise at several locations)
Buttercream Dream Dublin (fresh baked goods, non-GMO ingredients, usually some gluten-free treats available as well)
The Candied Hazelnut, Waterford City (plant based, gluten free - heaven! - and also peanut free, the menu is amazing) CLOSED right now until further notice - you might check their facebook page for any updates if you’re staying in the area
The Lighthouse Café, Galway City (vegetarian café, many vegan options available - just saying: vegan blueberry spelt croissant, we wish we could try it)
Merrion Hotel Dublin - The Garden Room (Rihanna and Barack Obama have been there as well, they offer a great vegan menu option)
Wild Café, Tralee (wholesome food, some vegan options available like a vegan sandwich)
Irish vegan Instagram accounts to follow:
addictedtodates
thehappypear
hollywhite.ie
And as always: feel free to send me a DM on instagram or an email if there’s anything else you’d like to know! Or tell us your favourite place to eat and I’ll check it out!