I always tell myself that wherever I choose to live, I should make an effort to explore my surroundings a bit more. I have visited many parts of Dublin but there are areas I am still very unfamiliar with.
When my friend Ketty, who runs the famous Delicious Dublin Tours, advertised a special tour in association with Guinness Storehouse for the Liberties Festival, I immediately went to the booking website and got myself a ticket. As soon as E. heard of my fun plans, he wanted in so I jumped back to the website and got him a ticket too before it was sold out.
We had already visited the Guinness Storehouse with Australian friends 4 years ago but the idea of doing a food tour related to it and the area was very exciting (that and taking a day off, hence a long weekend!).
When my friend Ketty, who runs the famous Delicious Dublin Tours, advertised a special tour in association with Guinness Storehouse for the Liberties Festival, I immediately went to the booking website and got myself a ticket. As soon as E. heard of my fun plans, he wanted in so I jumped back to the website and got him a ticket too before it was sold out.
We had already visited the Guinness Storehouse with Australian friends 4 years ago but the idea of doing a food tour related to it and the area was very exciting (that and taking a day off, hence a long weekend!).
We joined the tour last week after having skipped breakfast as I knew we would not be left hungry. Ketty walked us through the Liberties and in between stops at various food places, she told us about the history of the area and the impact of the Guinness family and factory on it. It was absolutely fascinating, we learned so much and it was great to be part of a group all equally interested in it.
On the food side of things, I think all the 'oohs' and 'aahs' in our group would probably sum up how delicious everything was. But let me tell you a little bit about each food experience we had (I will not go into very specific details because I feel this is something to enjoy personally during one of those tours):
On the food side of things, I think all the 'oohs' and 'aahs' in our group would probably sum up how delicious everything was. But let me tell you a little bit about each food experience we had (I will not go into very specific details because I feel this is something to enjoy personally during one of those tours):
Container Coffee (161 Thomas Street)
Ketty took us first to this little coffee shop set inside a shipping container (hence the name). As with the rest of the stop, we were given a history about the business itself. What followed was a little cup of coffee (which was very welcome as a starting point) and some cake bites that were perfect to go with it (the cakes are made by Camerino Bakery).
I loved the idea of using a shipping container to set up a coffee shop and it seems to be quite a popular spot in the area.
Ketty took us first to this little coffee shop set inside a shipping container (hence the name). As with the rest of the stop, we were given a history about the business itself. What followed was a little cup of coffee (which was very welcome as a starting point) and some cake bites that were perfect to go with it (the cakes are made by Camerino Bakery).
I loved the idea of using a shipping container to set up a coffee shop and it seems to be quite a popular spot in the area.
The Dublin Cookie Company (29 Thomas Street, Dublin 8)
How have I not tried those cookies before?! This is the first thought that came to my mind.
Jenny and Elaine, partners in life and business, welcomed us in their wonderful shop with a tray of gorgeous cookies accompanied by little milk shots. Those are cookies like they should be, the perfect size and chewiness! They were so wonderful we came back after the tour and got a box with a selection of each of the flavours (some got doubled because you know... Belgian chocolate...).
How have I not tried those cookies before?! This is the first thought that came to my mind.
Jenny and Elaine, partners in life and business, welcomed us in their wonderful shop with a tray of gorgeous cookies accompanied by little milk shots. Those are cookies like they should be, the perfect size and chewiness! They were so wonderful we came back after the tour and got a box with a selection of each of the flavours (some got doubled because you know... Belgian chocolate...).
Legit Coffee Co. (1 Meat Mart, Meath Street, Dublin 8)
At this coffee shop, a veritable feast was served: from pulled pork sandwiches in brioche rolls to French canelés, and vegetarian sausage rolls and madeleines in between (and so much more!).
We had an area reserved for us and you should have seen everybody's faces as platters upon platters of delights were being displayed on our tables, so many happy food smiles!
At this coffee shop, a veritable feast was served: from pulled pork sandwiches in brioche rolls to French canelés, and vegetarian sausage rolls and madeleines in between (and so much more!).
We had an area reserved for us and you should have seen everybody's faces as platters upon platters of delights were being displayed on our tables, so many happy food smiles!
Dublin Food Co-op (12 Newmarket, Dublin 8)
I hear about wonderful food cooperatives in other European cities and I am really happy to know that such a place exists in Dublin. Products are 100% vegetarian, there is a great selection of local food products, fairtrade products, etc. AND you can buy a selection of items by weight and package free by bringing your own containers (music to my ears!).
During the visit, we got a small talk about the initiative and were also offered a buffet of delicious meals from the cafe (the aubergine parmigiana was a personal favourite).
I live on the complete opposite side of the city so it is not very convenient for me to access it but I will make a point to find time and pay it a proper visit.
I hear about wonderful food cooperatives in other European cities and I am really happy to know that such a place exists in Dublin. Products are 100% vegetarian, there is a great selection of local food products, fairtrade products, etc. AND you can buy a selection of items by weight and package free by bringing your own containers (music to my ears!).
During the visit, we got a small talk about the initiative and were also offered a buffet of delicious meals from the cafe (the aubergine parmigiana was a personal favourite).
I live on the complete opposite side of the city so it is not very convenient for me to access it but I will make a point to find time and pay it a proper visit.
Our tour ended in the kitchens of the Guinness Storehouse where we were served food paired with beers brewed at the factory. The beers were so well described, I was getting very thirsty by the minute. Our first pairing was fish with a spicy aioli accompanied by a glass of Hop House 13 Lager, really refreshing and delicious. It was followed by a croquette of Guinness stewed beef cheek that was the most gorgeous thing and perfectly paired with Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (I need to get my hands on more of this, both beef and drink). The last pairing made the chocolate lover in me very happy: Guinness chocolate mousse with a small glass of plain Guinness. Everything was so well put together!
We left the tour having spent a fantastic time and with full happy bellies. For people like us who base a lot of our travels on food experiences, we are definitely curious to discover more of what our city has to offer and go back to the Liberties to check out some of the food places mentioned along the visit!
We left the tour having spent a fantastic time and with full happy bellies. For people like us who base a lot of our travels on food experiences, we are definitely curious to discover more of what our city has to offer and go back to the Liberties to check out some of the food places mentioned along the visit!
