A Guide to Dublin's Street Food 

Dublin is famous for friendly locals, beautiful architecture, nature, and a cosy pub on every corner. And as the capital of the Republic of Ireland, it’s only fitting that the city should boast an exciting culinary scene.

While Dublin is home to countless traditional and contemporary restaurants, including 31 Michelin Star and Guide-worthy spots, lots of its best food comes from much humbler sources.

The city offers an impressive choice of food markets and street food stalls, serving typical Irish favourites and exciting international fusions. Ready to eat? From the iconic Temple Bar Market to pop-up counters around the city, Dublin has plenty of budget-friendly street food spots to satisfy any craving.

Traditional Irish foods to eat in Dublin

If you’re a foodie visiting Dublin, seek out classic Irish dishes to make the most of your adventure. Expect hearty meat and potatoes, perfect washed down with a pint of Guinness or followed by an Irish coffee.

Irish Stew

One of the country’s best-loved dishes, Irish stew, is traditionally made with potatoes, onions, carrots, diced mutton, and bacon. Today, many pubs, restaurants, and street food vendors serve Irish stew with different tender meats and Guinness in the gravy. Delicious!

Coddle

Like an Irish stew, coddle is made with leftover potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. Sausages are a common addition, and diced bacon and herbs add flavour. Because it’s a traditional leftover dish, there’s no single recipe for coddle. That means you can enjoy a slightly different version everywhere you eat it.

Colcannon

Colcannon is another Irish comfort food, similar to an English bubble and squeak, combining mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale. Today, many Dublin chefs add cream, butter, and bacon for a creamier, saltier flavour loved by locals and tourists alike.

Boxty Pancakes

More potatoes! This time grated, combined with flour and milk, and fried into a golden pancake. You can eat Boxty plain with butter or sugar for a comforting snack. Or enjoy the pancakes with a traditional Irish breakfast, including eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, and toasted soda bread.

Find the best food markets in Dublin

Dublin’s pretty cobbled streets are packed with delicious bites, so whether you settle in for a food market meal or grab a snack on the go, you’ll find plenty of spots to suit your taste.

Temple Bar Food Market

Temple Bar is a bustling neighbourhood on the banks of the River Liffey. Its cobbled pedestrian streets are awash with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. And on Saturdays, the Temple Bar Food Market takes over Meeting House Square.

Farmers, fishermen, and bakers sell their produce at the Temple Bar Food Market. It’s a perfect place to pick up fresh produce and handmade baked goods, including traditional soda bread, potato cakes, and fruit loaves.

Coppinger Row Outdoor Food Market

Every Thursday, the Coppinger Row Outdoor Food Market is found next to the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in the heart of Dublin. The market hosts Mediterranean and Palestinian vendors selling traditional food at great prices. Coppinger Row is also a perfect place to pick up local produce for a snack or beautiful ingredients to prepare back home.

Smithfield Outdoor Food Market

The Smithfield Outdoor Food Market is open every Friday with a wide selection of traders and street food vendors to explore. Discover fresh, local produce and baked goods and ever-changing street food vendors to satisfy your appetite.

The Station Building Food Market

Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Station Building Food Market is a cobbled treasure trove of stalls and street kitchens. Find local produce and exciting international dishes when you visit at lunchtime. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh falafel or a hearty steak and Guinness pie, you’re sure to find something you love at this diverse Dublin food market.

Spencer Dock Food Market

The Spencer Dock Food Market rolls out on Wednesday lunchtimes with a selection of delicious street food. Favourite vendors include Mr Noodle, The Paella Guys, Say Fish, Yalla Shawarma, and Burger Cartel. Swing by for lunch, and you won’t be disappointed.

Dún Laoghaire CoCo Market

Dún Laoghaire is a coastal suburb in the traditional county of Dublin. Head to its People’s Park on Sunday for another of the city’s favourite food markets, and you’ll be rewarded with colourful bites from around the world. Not to mention plenty of Irish specialities as you wander around the park.

Howth Market

Journey to Howth, a peninsula village just east of central Dublin, for sweeping sea views, historic ruins, and plenty of fresh seafood from restaurants around the harbour. At weekends, Howth Market offers an attractive choice of local, Irish, and international food to enjoy on the spot or take home for later.

Eatyard Street Food Market 

The Eatyard Street Food Market is a weekend market in Drumcondra, Dublin’s traditional village suburb. It’s well worth visiting the area’s pubs, bars, restaurants, and the National Botanic Gardens. At the market, grab tacos, burgers, bao buns, pizza, and more. Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone at Eatyard.

Central hotels in Dublin

A comfortable central Dublin hotel can help make your trip even more memorable. Our Leonardo Hotels in Dublin are perfect for discovering the best street food in the Republic of Ireland’s capital. We have two convenient options to choose from, so you can pick the Dublin hotel that suits you best.

Our Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch is opposite Christ Church Cathedral and close to Temple Bar and its bustling market, as well as many of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues. Meanwhile, Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street is a few minutes from Henry Street and Croke Park Stadium

While savouring the incredible street food of Dublin is a must, there is still so much more waiting to be discovered. For a comprehensive list of what Dublin has to offer, be sure to read our Dublin Travel Guide.