When visiting Ireland and short on time, you may be tempted to turn to fast food. No problem – well-known brand outlets are available – McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut are almost everywhere. But why not try fast food with an Irish twist? Here are the best points of sale for that special gastronomic experience …
Keep in mind, however, that many are franchise operations – good (or not so good) quality at one point of sale is not a totally reliable indicator for the next stop.
01
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Eddie Rocket’s
Direction
7 Anne St S, Center, Dublin, D02 W020, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 672 9463
Web
Visit the website
The Irish respond to good old “American dinner.” Or rather, an Irish version of the same thing, blatantly inspired by 1950s diners and seemingly straight out of “American Graffiti.” That being said, they do make a bad burger and some great fries. Take note of irreverent messages to clients. Prices tend to be in the upper ranges for fast foods and can rise quickly by ordering all items separately.
02
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Kylemore Café
Direction
Cookstown House, Cookstown Way , Fettercairn , Dublín 24 , IrlandaGet directions
Recently renovated restaurant serving typical Irish food, from full dinners to delicate cakes. Stop by for coffee and a muffin or enjoy the traditional ‘Full Irish Breakfast’. Prices remain moderate and venues can be packed at lunchtime. Sandwiches, salads, and soups are available as well.
03
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Abrakebabra
Direction
66 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 604 0077
Web
Visit the website
A fast food franchise that mainly sells kebabs. Established for a few years in Ireland and known for bringing the most exotic foods into play. While kebabs are generally good, the salad on pitta bread can be very uninspiring due to staying hot for too long. Besides this minor thing, you will generally find good quality and fast service. It is advisable to choose a joint with a great tread for the freshest food …
04
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Beshoffs Brothers Fish and Chips
Direction
71 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 679 8485
Web
Visit the website
Apparently old Mr. Beshoffs was a survivor of the Potemkin mutiny and came to Ireland shortly before World War I, but wherever the Beshoffs came from, their fish and chips are a Dublin institution. Perhaps the best fish and chips… definitely worth a try. The store in Howth is legendary, serving large portions in long lines.
05
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itsabagel
Direction
1 Middle Abbey St , North City , Dublín , D01 C3Y9 , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 804 4555
Web
Visit the website
These folks sold bagels before American comedies made them a household word, and they still import their bagels straight from New York! It is not really a kosher restaurant but offers perhaps the best bagels in Ireland. It also offers organic juices and snacks, the coffee is fair trade, and you can buy frozen New York muffins to take home.
06
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Supermacs and Papa John’s
Direction
James Fintan Lalor Ave, Kylekiproe, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 57 866 0700
Web
Visit the website
Irish “Macs” and definitely a dining experience for the whole family. Starting off as just another burger joint, modern restaurants now offer the old stalwarts alongside pizzas, pastries, ice cream, ciabatta, and tortilla wraps. If you’re hungry in the morning, try your breakfast (enough calories to feed two). It also incorporates “Papa John’s”, a pizzeria.
07
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Muffin factory
Direction
Blanchardstown Center, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland., Coolmine, Dublin, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 823 5096
Web
Visit the website
Dreamed of by the same people who brought us Abrakebabra and Ireland’s mass market of American Jewish cuisine. Marketed as “the healthy alternative” (as in “not being fried”) and opening more and more franchises every month. Don’t expect a kosher restaurant, but the bagels are pretty good.
08
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O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bars
Direction
Unit 33, Omni Park Shopping Center, Dublin Northside, Santry, Co. Dublin, IrelandGet directions
Telephone
+353 1 862 4708
Web
Visit the website
Get yourself a fresh three-tier sandwich and a nice tea or coffee, the typical lunchtime snack for office workers. O’Brien’s offers good quality and tasty combinations. But you will have to queue at peak times: it is recommended to avoid departures between noon and 2 pm WiFi available in many places (if you need it).
