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Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, graduation or event coming up in 2025? Luckily, Ireland is awash with top quality restaurants to make it one to remember. Food and travel content creator, Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, shares her top choices to mark the occasion.
Be sure to book in advance!
1. Homestead Cottage, Co Clare
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’s little touches like this that make the Homestead Cottage equally impressive and unique.
This cosy cottage doesn’t need frills or overly-fancy interiors, the entire focus here is the food - locally sourced and selected based on seasonality. Last year, it was awarded a Michelin Star, and for good reason. The tasting menu here is creative and adventurous, yet homely and nostalgic.
Definitely one to try for life’s moments worth marking.
For more information, check out their website.
2. Variety Jones, Dublin 8
If you were to ask me what my favourite restaurant in Dublin is, I’d have to say Variety Jones. Better for an anniversary than a birthday as it’s pretty small inside with just a few tables, this restaurant showcases the best of Irish cuisine and culinary talent.
The chefs choose what you’ll be having, so you won’t know until it’s put in front of you and your server runs through each ingredient on your plate. You’ll be served seven courses, each more delectable than the last.
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.
For more information, check out their website.
3. Out Of The Blue, Dingle, Co Kerry
If you’re a seafood lover, Out of the Blue in Dingle is the place for you. On a summer’s day, you can sit outside here, looking out to the Dingle harbour - right where you’re dinner has been freshly caught. There’s nothing quite like it.
There’s lots to choose from on the menu, the crab claws are my personal favourite. Out Of The Blue is closed for the winter season and will reopen on 28 February.
For more information, check out their website.
4. Ox, Belfast
Belfast has so many great restaurants, but few can rival Ox. This modern Michelin-star eatery boasts a bright spacious interior and buzzing atmosphere.
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.
For more information, check out their website.
5. Supper Club at Kilruddery Estate, Co Wicklow
One of the best dining experiences I had last year was when my sister took me to the Kilruddery Supper Club for my birthday.
Located in the Grain Store, this four-course set menu takes inspiration from what’s in season at the farm and walled garden on site. Each dish is more creative than the last, it’s such a special venue and menu.
It costs €70 per person. Book here.
6. St Francis Provisions, Kinsale, Co Cork
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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.
The venue is cosy yet buzzing on any night of the week. It’s the kind of place you could come back to time and time again and have a totally unique experience each time.
For more information, check out their website.
7. Host, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
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.
The chefs menu is my top pick, and starts at €53 per person. It features the most interesting dishes available and has great variation between each course.
If you’re into wine, their list is a constantly changing selection from small, natural winemakers. A real treat. Book here.
8. Note, Fenian Street, Dublin 2
When an electric wine bar and bistro join forces, you know you’re onto a winner. Note is great for larger groups, with tables of all sizes spread across this large space on Fenian Street.
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.
9. Ruibín, Galway City
Located near Galway City Quays, Ruibín - meaning little ruby - holds true to its name; it’s a gem in the Galway food scene.
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.
For more information, check out their website.
10. Connollys, Kinvara Co Galway
Connollys 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.
Ingredients are wild and foraged and meats are supplied by organic local farmers. Connolly’s is devoted to showcasing the best of traditional Irish flavours and culinary heritage, with meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the quality of the region.
For more information, check out their website.
11. Wilde’s at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo
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.
Each ingredient on your plate has been meticulously thought through, with a unique balance of flavour. Each course will keep you wanting more.
While dining, you’ll 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.
12. The Tannery, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
Few venues hold such a legendary status in the Irish food scene. The Tannery in Dungarvan is one of Ireland’s longest established independently-owned Irish restaurants.
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.
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.
13. ichigo ichie, Co Cork
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.
ichigo ichie means "the moment perfected", and that’s exactly the energy this Japanese style, Bib Gourmand-awarded bistro and natural wine bar creates.
Sharing plates, rice bowls and hand pulled buckwheat noodles are what’s on offer here. A great one if you’re looking to try something a little different for your next occasion meal.
For more information, check out their website.
14. Aimsir, Co Kildare
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Don’t be fooled by the Irish language name, Aimsir at The Cliff at Lyon’s, is really switching things up with a focus on Danish, Norwegian and Cornish flavours and influences. Of course, ingredients are all sourced on the island of Ireland - but it’s the flavours that will show you something new.
Buckle up and arrive hungry for this one - the tasting menu features a total of 18 dishes. It’s advised to give yourself about four hours to experience it.
Sound like anyone else’s dream evening? For more information, check out their website.
15. The Oak Room, Adare Manor, Co Limerick
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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.
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.
The Oak Room is open to non-residents as well as residents.
For more information click here.
16. Linane’s Lobster, New Quay, Co Clare
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Nothing screams "special occasion" like a big juicy lobster. From your table in Lianane’s you’ll see small fishing boats coming in with freshly caught lobster and fish each day.
The venue itself is spacious, casual and relaxed with ample seating for larger groups. A true gem of a place.
For more information, check out their website.
17. Kai, Galway
Nestled between a church and a gay bar in Galway’s West End, Kai (the Maori word for food) is a must-visit while in the cultural heart of Ireland.
Plates are loaded up with wild and organic produce, sourced locally and cooked intelligently. Whatever is seasonal will take centre stage, so you’ll get sharp flavour and vibrant colours. Anything I’ve tried in Kai would be hard to find in any other restaurant across the country.
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 counter tops at the back of the restaurant. Arrive hungry. For more, click here.
18. Kicky’s, George’s Street, Dublin 2
Kicky’s is a buzzing inner-city eatery led by well-known chef Eric Matthew’s. The menu features meats cooked over fire with a Mediterranean flair. My favourite element of the menu however, has to be the pasta. He’s added some spice to the usual favourites - like fresh crab to Cacio e Pepe.
It’s 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.
For more information, check out their website.
19. Raspberry, Gorey, Co Wexford
Raspberry would be the perfect place to celebrate with a bigger group as there’s 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.
There’s really something for everyone on this menu, from tacos to local fish and decadent desserts. They offer a two-course set menu at €39.
For more information, check out their website.
