Don’t Miss the 10 Best Food Tours in Ireland
Known for its rich culinary scene, Ireland is packed with tiny gems of food and drink. While there are over 103 Irish restaurants in the Michelin Guide as of 2024, Irish culinary offerings are so much more than that. If you’re a culinary enthusiast that’s travelling through the Emerald Isle, here are 10 of the best food tours in Ireland that you can’t miss.
From fresh seafood to organic produce, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can take the hassle out of travelling to your destination with Complete Chauffeurs. From airport transfers to a custom food tour, let us take your tastebuds on a journey.
The Top 10 Best Food Tours in Ireland
In Ireland, we really know our food. And with over 20 years of experience driving through Ireland, and sampling its offerings, we really know our stuff at Complete Chauffeurs. From wonderful whiskey to captivating chocolates, we know where all the good food is – and how to get you there. Read on to see all our recommendations, and contact us to see how we can help you get there!
1. Butlers’ Chocolate Experience – Dublin
Since 1932, Butlers’ Chocolates has served Ireland a selection of delicious chocolates for all seasons. While you can taste their wares yourself at any Butlers Chocolate Cafe in the country, there’s nothing like seeing the process yourself. With a huge selection of tastings and a highly interactive factory tour, it’s no surprise that it places so high on our list of the 10 best food tours in Ireland.
Book your place now – and then book with Complete Chauffeurs to get you to the Butlers’ Factory in Clonshaugh Business & Technology Park, Dublin.
Photo Credit: Butlers’ Chocolate Experience
2. Rebel City Distillery – Cork
The brainchild of Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya, Rebel City Distillery is the first distillery to open in Cork City, in almost 50 years. Did we mention that it’s based in the old Henry Ford & Sons factory? Now, as a distillery, they make absinthe – and the famous Maharani gin, infused with botanicals from Kerala, like pomelo, cassia, and nutmeg mace. Coming in second on our list of Ireland’s 10 best food tours, it includes a welcome G&T, a guided distillery tour, and a tasting of their gin and absinthe.
Book your place now on their website. Just don’t forget to call Complete Chauffeurs to get you there and back – with plenty of time to spare.
Photo Credit: Rebel City Distillery
3. Sliabh Aughty Honey – Loughrea, Co. Galway
Ireland is well-known for its small, family-run businesses, and Leahy Beekeeping is no different. Based in Co. Galway, a trip to their beekeeping facility is the perfect opportunity to take in the sights and tastes of the beautiful west coast. When we say you’ll suit up, we mean it. You’ll put on an actual beekeeping suit as you wander through the farm, listening to a third-generation beekeeper regale you with his tales. Plus, you’ll taste some delicious honey, made right there at the farm.
Arriving in Loughrea can be difficult if you don’t have your own car, so contact Complete Chauffeurs to book your private trip to and from Sliabh Aughty Honey.
Photo Credit: Sliabh Aughty Honey
4. Connemara Oysters – Connemara, Co. Galway
If you’re looking for a gem among the 10 best food tours in Ireland, then you can’t miss Connemara. Home to some of Ireland’s freshest seafood restaurants, it’s also an excellent way to embark on a private tour of Connemara Oysters. Stay in the Oyster Cottage, located on the Wild Atlantic way, or travel there for the day to take an oyster farm tour. Here, you’ll learn about grading and packing oysters – and be able to shuck your own. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste some delicious fresh oysters – right from the farm itself.
At Complete Chauffeurs, we can pick you up and drop you off at your destination, giving you all the time you need to see the sights of the Connemara Oyster farm, before you return to your hotel.
5. Midleton Distillery Experience – Midleton, Co. Cork
Whiskey fans, assemble! While Midleton in Co. Cork might seem quiet and unassuming, it’s also home to seven iconic Irish whiskey brands – including Jameson, Powers, and Redbreast. The Midleton Distillery Experience includes a fully guided tour, and includes a drink for all whiskey enthusiasts. If that isn’t enough, you can add a premium whiskey tasting for an extra €30, which includes four whiskeys. We recommend booking the Distillery Experience for a Saturday afternoon, and spending your morning exploring the Midleton Farmers’ Market.
If you aren’t sure how to get to Midleton, contact Complete Chauffeurs for seamless travel to your location. Our drivers are well-versed in the culture and heritage of County Cork, and have lots of fun tips to share.
6. The English Market – Cork City
While it’s not necessarily a food tour, the English Market in Cork City is an unmissable experience for foodies. Of course, you can hire your very own guide to take you through it, but you could also spend some time wandering through this cornerstone in Cork’s culinary scene. From authentic Irish produce, to some of the most delicious cakes you’ve ever eaten at Heaven’s Cakes, it’s fun, easy to get to, and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Cork City.
For all your intercity travel needs in Cork, why not do it in style and comfort? Contact Complete Chauffeurs today, and we’ll see how we can help!
7. Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre – Clonakilty, Co. Cork
If you’ve ever had a full Irish breakfast, you’ll know that black pudding is a staple on Irish plates – and in Irish hearts! There’s no doubt that Clonakilty makes some of the most delicious black pudding offerings on the market. Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t understand it, the Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre is on our list of the 10 best food tours in Ireland for good reason. While it doesn’t take very long – just a 45-minute self-guided tour, it’s a great opportunity to see Clonakilty products being made, and to sample them the way they should be tasted.
Why not make a day of it, and book in with Complete Chauffeurs for your trip to Clonakilty? Enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches, visit the Michael Collins House – or even pop into the Clonakilty Golf Club to play on the new par 72 layout!
8. The Irish Soda Bread Way – Westport, Co. Mayo
A short drive from Cork, the Rock of Cashel located in County Tipperary is one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Set on a quite dramatic hilltop, the Rock features an ancient cathedral, round tower, and Cormac’s Chapel. It can be quite a busy attraction, so by utilising a private driver you can pick the best time to head out and get as much of the Rock to yourself as possible!
9. Atlantic Irish Seaweed – Derrynane, Co. Kerry
Looking for something a bit more outdoorsy and off the beaten track? Check out the Beara Peninsula, a fantastic day trip option. Known for its scenic drives, quaint villages, and ancient stone circles, Beara offers a glimpse of Ireland’s wild, historic beauty. This is where the benefits of having a private driver really shine through, mainly as the roads in this part of the world can be quite difficult to navigate, but with a chauffeur service you can sit back and take in the beauty.
10. Blackstairs Eco Trails, Co. Carlow
Here’s a few towns bundled into one and arguably you could spend a day in each, but if you’re looking to maximise your trip you can just do a West Cork day! Another area renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages, West Cork is also packed with artisanal food producers. Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Baltimore should be on your to-do list. Enjoy fresh local produce, visit craft shops, and explore beautiful beaches and coastal paths. A private driver ensures you can explore at your own pace and discover hidden treasures.
Choose Complete Chauffeurs
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland with our premium chauffeur-driven tours. Whether you’re arriving at Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, or need a professional touch for your corporate travel in Cork, our impeccable chauffeur services ensure a seamless and luxurious experience. Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery of Ireland in ultimate comfort and style. Book your private tour today and let us provide a journey as extraordinary as the destination.
Your Irish adventure starts with us—reserve now and experience the pinnacle of travel excellence with our Chauffeur Service in Cork.
