It’s time to face facts: brunch has officially become a thing in Ireland. There’s no getting away from it.
And what’s not to love? A couple of lazy hours spent enjoying a totally decadent late morning meal (accompanied by a cheeky drink) is something we can all agree is a great idea, right?
If you’re still not convinced by the idea, a little look at the list below will probably go a long way to making you change your mind.
After putting our heads together, we’ve come up with our pick of ten of the best spots to have brunch on our little island. From tasty eateries in Castlebar and the Spanish Arch, to brasseries in Dundalk and Kilmacanogue, we’re seriously spoilt for choice.
Take a look below. If we’ve missed your county, we do apologise, and make sure to leave your suggestions in the comments. Share the brunch love!
1. Dublin: Whitefriar Grill, Aungier Street
Our number one pick of the many, many top notch brunch spots in the capital. Casual bistro-style with a focus on quality ingredients and superb service. A must-visit for brunch-lovers in the big smoke. Have a peek at the menu here.
Runners-up: Odessa on Dame Court; Dillingers in Ranelagh
Image via Facebook/WhiteFriarGrill
2. Cork: The Liberty Grill, Washington Street
Food worth queuing for. Sitting pretty in the heart of Cork city, The Liberty Grill is the absolute business when it comes to brunch. Generous portions, friendly staff, fast service and mouthwateringly good eggs and pancakes. Check out your options here.
Runners-up: Amicus on Paul Street; The Bodega at St Peter’s Market
Image via Facebook/LibertyGrill
3. Galway: Ard Bia, Spanish Arch
Galway is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise, and Ard Bia is at the heart of it all. It’s the best of the best for a great brunch in the city of the Tribes, with the gorgeous setting and Mediterranean twists making it stand out from the rest. Feast your eyes on the menu here.
Runners-up: McCambridges on Shop Street; The Gourmet Tart Co., Salthill
Image via Facebook/ardbia
4. Mayo: Café Rua, Castlebar
The warm and welcoming atmosphere in Café Rua makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing brunch. With its constantly updated list of specials and exquisite homemade desserts (like the pavlova pictured above), this place is a go-to for all brunch-lovers in Mayo.
Runners-up: Sol Rio in Westport; Aghnas in Claremorris
Image via Facebook/rua
5. Westmeath: Loaves and Fishes, Athlone
Our Westmeath native in the office described Loaves and Fishes as bloody delicious, and he’s a man of his word. From tasty eggs Benedict to cinnamon French toast, this Midlands eatery serves slap up grub. You can have a look at your options here.
Runners-up: Red Earth in Mullingar; Savoury Fare in Athlone
Image via Facebook/loavesandfishesathlone
6. Kildare: Jolly, Naas
The welcoming, relaxed atmosphere in Jolly is hard to beat. Check out the gorgeous menu here. Our highlights? The incredible Eggs Royale and the French toast with maple syrup. Delicious.
Runner-up: Zest Cafe in Clane
Image via Facebook/Jolly
7. Limerick: The Buttery, Bedford Row
With egg puns galore, the newly-launched brunch menu at The Buttery is to die for. The fabulous French toast, the buttermilk pancakes and the pulled pork sandwich are all incredible. This is the perfect spot for a slap-up brunch in Limerick.
Runners-up: Café Noir, Robert Street; Hook and Ladder, Sarsfield Street
Image via Facebook/TheButteryLimerick
8. Wicklow: Fern House Café, Avoca Kilmacanogue
Forget Powerscourt and Suffolk Street, this is the original Avoca café. And it’s the absolute best. The magical setting in the Victorian fern house along with the heavenly array of freshly-made desserts make it a must-visit for anyone looking for brunch in Wicklow. End of.
Runners-up: The Happy Pear in Greystones; Dockyard No 8 in Bray
Image via Avoca website
9. Louth: Riva Brasserie, Dundalk
A really gorgeous place to spend a couple of hours at the weekend, you can check out Riva Brasserie’s mouthwatering menu here. The highlight? The vanilla pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Nom, nom, nom.
Runners-up: Belle’s Tea Rooms in Blackrock; 23 Seats in Dundalk
Image via Facebook/RivaBrasserie
10. Waterford: Granary Cafe, Hanover Street
Desserts, desserts and more delicious desserts. Sitting right in the heart of Waterford city, this bright and beautiful cafe is the perfect spot for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a laid-back weekend brunch. Coffee lovers will love the great choice of beans. Top notch stuff.
Runners-up: Geoff’s on John Street; The Gingerman on Arundel Lane
Image via Facebook/GranaryCafeWaterford
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