{"id":288842,"date":"2026-02-09T14:24:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T14:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/288842\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T14:24:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T14:24:18","slug":"18-places-across-ireland-for-a-special-occasion-meal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/288842\/","title":{"rendered":"18 places across Ireland for a special occasion meal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, graduation or event coming up in 2026? Luckily, Ireland is awash with top quality restaurants to make it one to remember. Food and travel content creator, \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice, shares her top choices to mark the occasion.<\/p>\n

Make sure to book in advance!<\/p>\n

1. Homestead Cottage, Co Clare<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

One of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life was in Homestead Cottage, just outside of Doolin. It was our seven-year anniversary, and a card had been left on our table congratulating us, signed by all the staff. It\u2019s little touches like this that make the Homestead Cottage equally impressive and unique.<\/p>\n

This cosy cottage doesn\u2019t need frills or overly-fancy interiors, the entire focus here is the food – locally sourced and selected based on seasonality. In 2024 it was awarded a Michelin Star, and for good reason. The tasting menu here is creative and adventurous, yet homely and nostalgic.<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Definitely one to try for life\u2019s moments worth marking.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Variety Jones, Dublin 8<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

If you were to ask me what my favourite restaurant in Dublin is, I\u2019d have to say Variety Jones. Better for an anniversary than a birthday as it\u2019s pretty small inside with just a few tables, this restaurant showcases the best of Irish cuisine and culinary talent.<\/p>\n

The chefs choose what you\u2019ll be having, so you won\u2019t know until it\u2019s put in front of you and your server runs through each ingredient on your plate. You\u2019ll be served six courses, each more delectable than the last.<\/p>\n

If you want to know what the island of Ireland tastes like, the tasting menu here will showcase the best ingredients that our land and sea has to offer.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Out Of The Blue, Dingle, Co Kerry<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a seafood lover, Out of the Blue in Dingle is the place for you. On a summer\u2019s day, you can sit outside here, looking out to the Dingle harbour – right where you\u2019re dinner has been freshly caught. There\u2019s nothing quite like it.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s lots to choose from on the menu, the crab claws are my personal favourite. Out Of The Blue closes for the winter season but usually reopens towards the end of February.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Ox, Belfast<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Belfast has so many great restaurants, but few can rival Ox. This modern Michelin-star eatery boasts a bright spacious interior and buzzing atmosphere.<\/p>\n

I came here and tried their lunch tasting menu for my best friend’s birthday a few years back, and we still talk about each course in detail.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. Supper Club at Kilruddery Estate, Co Wicklow<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in recent years was when my sister took me to the Kilruddery Supper Club for my birthday.<\/p>\n

Located in the Grain Store, this four-course set menu takes inspiration from what\u2019s in season at the farm and walled garden on site. Each dish is more creative than the last, it\u2019s such a special venue and menu.<\/p>\n

It costs \u20ac79 per person. Book here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. St Francis Provisions, Kinsale, Co Cork<\/p>\n

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Named after the patron saint of animals and the environment, St Francis Provisions in Kinsale specialises in eclectic and personal dishes.<\/p>\n

The venue is cosy yet buzzing on any night of the week. It\u2019s the kind of place you could come back to time and time again and have a totally unique experience each time.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. Host, Ranelagh, Dublin 6<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Host is one of the hardest restaurants to get a booking for in Dublin – with good reason. With just a few tables inside, there is always a great buzz inside. The menu has a strong Italian influence and is designed for sharing, with small plates taking centre stage.<\/p>\n

The chef’s menu is my top pick, starting at \u20ac61 per person. It features the most interesting dishes available and has great variation between each course.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re into wine, their list is a constantly changing selection from small, natural winemakers. A real treat. Book here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Note, Fenian Street, Dublin 2<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

When an electric wine bar and bistro join forces, you know you\u2019re onto a winner. Note is great for larger groups, with tables of all sizes spread across a large space on Fenian Street.<\/p>\n

Cooking is modern, high-quality and bursting with Irish influences. Plates are small yet rich in flavour, ideal for sharing so you can get a taste for the full menu. Find more information here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Ruib\u00edn, Galway City<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Located near Galway City Quays, Ruib\u00edn – meaning little ruby – holds true to its name; it\u2019s a gem in the Galway food scene.<\/p>\n

Spanning across two floors, the various nooks and crannies to cosy into here make your dining experience feel super intimate. The menu is bistro style, with a focus on high quality and seasonal ingredients.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

10. Connollys, Kinvara Co Galway<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Connolly’s has two different styles to choose from when it comes to a special event – an upstairs fine-dining restaurant and downstairs gastro music bar. Located in the heart of Kinvara, there is a real passion for culinary excellence here, with modern and creative flavours.<\/p>\n

Ingredients are wild and foraged and meats are supplied by organic local farmers. Connolly\u2019s is devoted to showcasing the best of traditional Irish flavours and culinary heritage, with meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the quality of the region.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

11. Wilde\u2019s at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Award-winning chef Jonathan Keane has curated a menu worth tasting at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, just outside of Cong, Co Mayo. Ingredients are grown on the grounds of the estate and are picked freshly each day.<\/p>\n

Each ingredient on your plate has been meticulously thought through, with a unique balance of flavour. Each course will keep you wanting more.<\/p>\n

While dining, you\u2019ll be looking out to Lough Corrib and the beautiful grounds of the estate. Call the hotel directly to book on: +353 (0) 94 95 45400 or check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

12. The Tannery, Dungarvan, Co Waterford<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Few venues hold such a legendary status in the Irish food scene. The Tannery in Dungarvan is one of Ireland\u2019s longest established independently-owned Irish restaurants.<\/p>\n

Since its opening in 1997, it has become a go-to for friends and families to celebrate together over mouth-watering food with an attention to detail.<\/p>\n

Start your evening with a drink in their wine bar, before making your way to your table. The venue is spacious and energetic. For more information, head to their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

13. ichigo ichie, Co Cork<\/p>\n

Who says a special occasion meal has to be a steak or chicken supreme? I am a huge fan of Asian cuisine and this is one that needs to be on your list.<\/p>\n

ichigo ichie means “the moment perfected”, and that\u2019s exactly the energy this Japanese style, Bib Gourmand-awarded bistro and natural wine bar creates.<\/p>\n

Sharing plates, rice bowls and hand pulled buckwheat noodles are what\u2019s on offer here. A great one if you\u2019re looking to try something a little different for your next occasion meal.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

14. The Oak Room, Adare Manor, Co Limerick<\/p>\n

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Why not go all out and celebrate in one of the top hotels in the world? The Michelin Star Oak Room restaurant, located in the iconic Adare Manor takes fine dining to the next level.<\/p>\n

Contemporary Irish cuisine served in a deep oak panelled room, led by head chef Michael Tweedie. Ingredients are sourced from all corners of Ireland, including oysters from West Cork and quail from Birdhill.<\/p>\n

The Oak Room is open to non-residents as well as residents.<\/p>\n

For more information click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

15. Linnane\u2019s Lobster, New Quay, Co Clare<\/p>\n

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Nothing screams “special occasion” like a big juicy lobster. From your table in Linnane\u2019s, you\u2019ll see small fishing boats coming in with freshly caught lobster and fish each day.<\/p>\n

The venue itself is spacious, casual and relaxed with ample seating for larger groups. A true gem of a place.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

16. Kai, Galway<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Nestled between a church and a gay bar in Galway\u2019s West End, Kai (the Maori word for food) is a must-visit while in the cultural heart of Ireland.<\/p>\n

Plates are loaded up with wild and organic produce, sourced locally and cooked intelligently. Whatever is seasonal will take centre stage, so you\u2019ll get sharp flavour and vibrant colours. Anything I\u2019ve tried in Kai would be hard to find in any other restaurant across the country.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere inside is causal and relaxed. If you have a birthday on the cards, they also have some incredible cakes and desserts presented across the countertops at the back of the restaurant. Arrive hungry. For more, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

17. Kicky\u2019s, George\u2019s Street, Dublin 2<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Kicky\u2019s is a buzzing inner-city eatery led by well-known chef Eric Matthews. The menu features meats cooked over fire with a Mediterranean flair. My favourite element of the menu, however, has to be the pasta. He\u2019s added some spice to the usual favourites – like fresh crab to Cacio e Pepe.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a large space, so a great one for the whole family. It can be hard to get a booking here, so be sure to book well in advance.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

18. Raspberry, Gorey, Co Wexford<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto: \u00c9adaoin Fitzmaurice<\/p>\n

Raspberry would be the perfect place to celebrate with a bigger group as there\u2019s plenty of seating and their cocktail menu is just as good as the food they have on offer. They have a private dining room that seats up to 25 guests.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s something for everyone on this menu, from tacos to local fish and decadent desserts. They offer a two-course set menu at \u20ac42.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, graduation or event coming up in 2026? Luckily, Ireland is awash…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":288843,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[61,60,43],"class_list":{"0":"post-288842","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ireland","8":"tag-ie","9":"tag-ireland","10":"tag-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/288842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=288842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/288842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/288843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=288842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=288842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=288842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}