What to Eat in Dublin: Real Food We Actually Tried (And Loved!)

ABBEY:

• Easy Food: KFC and Supermacs  

Our first food stop upon arrival was Supermac’s, an Irish fast-food chain we were trying for the first time. Naturally, we were expecting something new or unique. While the branding and packaging were unfamiliar to us, the taste was reminiscent of other popular fast-food options—comforting but not particularly standout. If you’re after something quick and filling at the airport, it does the job.

We also stopped by KFC, and here’s where things got interesting. Unlike what we’re used to, KFC in Ireland offers a bucket meal for one—a surprising portion size that ended up satisfying me, Wilma, and a couple of friends! Whether it’s cultural or just generous serving, it was a fun discovery that made us smile.

• Bewleys Cafe

After a bit of strolling at Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, we made our way to the iconic Bewley’s Oriental Café on Grafton Street. Our table was on the second floor by the window—perfect for some peaceful people-watching over cappuccino, tea, and pastries. The upper level offers a cozy, warm ambiance, far removed from the busy buzz downstairs. A great pit stop to recharge before heading back to the hotel.

• Leo Burdock Fish and Chips

No visit to Dublin would be complete without trying the local fish and chips, and we had ours at Leo Burdock’s in Temple Bar. One serving was more than enough for me and Wilma to share. The fish was crispy on the outside, tender and moist inside, while the fries were plentiful without being greasy. A splash of vinegar and a wedge of lemon brought everything to life. Definitely worth trying if you’re in the area!

• Butlers Chocolate 

As a certified chocolate lover, I was thrilled to visit Butlers Chocolate Café on Wicklow Street—especially on a cold, drizzly day. Their hot chocolate was exactly what I needed: rich, creamy, and comforting, served with their signature velvety truffles. It was the perfect indulgence to forget about the chill outside. We couldn’t resist grabbing a few chocolate bars to bring home for friends—and maybe a few extra for ourselves.

• Black Forge Inn 

Of course, a visit to Conor McGregor’s very own pub, The Black Forge Inn, was a must. We walked in without a reservation and were greeted by two imposing gentlemen who looked like bodyguards—adding to the mystique. Seated near the bar with a live guitar performance in the background, the place felt straight out of a lively Irish movie scene.

We tried the Olive Pork Belly and the Philly Cheesesteak Sambo. The pork was tender and melt-in-your-mouth, while the cheesesteak came with flavorful rump steak strips, caramelized onions, and a delicious cheese sauce. Naturally, we paired it with a cold pint of Guinness. The overall vibe was energetic and festive—exactly what you’d want from a true Irish pub experience.

Dublin food trip collage – Supermac’s taco fries, Bewley’s Café, Leo Burdock fish and chips, Butler’s Hot Chocolate, and Black Forge Inn steak

WILL:  Of course, we travel with our stomach too. 😅 And to be honest, we weren’t that prepared with a food list when we landed in Dublin. The only non-negotiable? Butlers Hot Chocolate — that was on our list way before the flight.

But hey, we ended up finding some solid spots that are either well-loved by locals or just too iconic to skip. Here’s a no-fancy, no-pretend list of what we actually ate in Dublin — and yep, we’d go back for most of them.

1. Easy Food: KFC & Supermac’s

Let’s start with survival mode.

You know those days when your brain is too jetlagged to think and you just need something you recognize? Yup — KFC and Burger King. 

But if you want something proudly Irish, try Supermac’s. It’s their local fast food chain, and the taco fries? Surprisingly good. Messy, saucy, and comfort in a box. Definitely hits different when eaten while watching light rain from your hotel window. 

2. Bewley’s Café – Grafton Street Staple

Almost a hundred years old, Bewley’s Café is hard to miss — especially with the long queue outside. The vibe inside? Old-school European with giant windows (try to get the upstairs view table!). Even if you just order tea and a bun, it’s worth it.

They offer Afternoon Tea too, but even a simple pastry here feels like an experience — especially when you’re seated by the window doing people-watching.

3. Leo Burdock – The OG Fish and Chips

If there’s one dish Ireland proudly serves up, it’s fish and chips, and Leo Burdock is that spot.

Been around since 1913, and all they serve is the classic. No twists, no frills. Just thick, fresh fish, perfectly fried, and generous servings. €19 for a full nod from us taste and freshness and quality. 

4. Butlers Chocolate Café – Don’t Leave Without It

If there’s only one thing I’ll make you try in Ireland, it’s this:

Butlers Hot Chocolate.

Even if you’re not a chocolate lover (like me!), this might just win you over. It’s not too thick, not too sweet, just comforting. You also get to pick one chocolate truffle to go with your drink — classy!

5. The Black Forge Inn – Hello, McGregor Fans

Whether you’re into UFC or not, this one’s fun:

The Black Forge Inn — owned by Conor McGregor himself.

It’s not just some celebrity vanity project either. The food? Really good. We tried the Steak and Porchetta (around €26) — no regrets.

Surprisingly, it’s family-friendly too, so yes, kids are welcome in this Irish Pub. If you’re in Dublin and craving a proper date night spot with a little McGregor flex, this one makes the cut.

I know, Ireland is usually about cliffs, castles, and dramatic Game of Thrones sceneries. But really — the food here is worth talking about, too. Simple, hearty, and often underrated.

So if you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin without falling into tourist traps, save this list. We ate here. We survived the rain and random hunger pangs. And most importantly — we were happy. ☺️

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Supermac's is an Irish fast food restaurant chain 

(W) https://supermacs.ie

Bewley's Grafton Street: Dublin's Iconic Café Experience

(W) https://bewleysgraftonstreet.com

Leo Burdock – Famous Fish & Chips

(W) https://www.leoburdock.com

Luxury Butlers Chocolates

(W) https://www.butlerschocolates.com

The Black Forge will lead the way in entertainment in Dublin Twelve.

(W) https://www.theblackforgeinn.com

Aer Lingus Review: Affordable, But Why Did I Feel Dizzy After Landing?

ABBEY: For our trip between the UK and Ireland, we chose Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline. The flight itself was quick and efficient—just a little over an hour, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between the two countries.

We flew on an ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that’s commonly used for short regional routes. At first glance, I’ll admit I had my doubts—the plane looked smaller than I expected, and I wasn’t sure how it would handle the journey across the Irish Sea. But once we boarded (from the rear of the aircraft, which was a unique experience!), we quickly settled into our seats.

Since the flight was short, there were no in-flight snacks or entertainment, which was totally fine. It was a simple sit-sleep-fly-land kind of trip—straightforward and stress-free. In no time, we touched down in Ireland, ready to explore!

And just like that, Aer Lingus got us safely and smoothly from the UK to Ireland—and back again. 

Aer Lingus small aircraft with visible propeller during boarding from Edinburg to Dublin

WILL:  If you’re choosing between budget airlines in Europe, Aer Lingus often comes up as a step above Ryanair. That’s exactly why we booked it — hoping for a more stable and slightly more premium experience. The airline is operated by the same parent company as British Airways, and based on our research, delays were said to be less intense than Ryanair’s.

So, did Aer Lingus live up to the expectations?
True enough — we had a delay. Just a classic budget airline kind of delay, no drama. But the real surprise? The aircraft!
It was a cute little plane with 2-2 seating. Abbey immediately noticed something odd — the propeller was visible, not your typical enclosed type. He’s not a fan of that setup (understandable!), but hey, we were off to Dublin, so we just rolled with it.

Flight was short and thankfully smooth. 
The return flight to London Heathrow was on a bigger aircraft. We were excited — a bit more legroom, a more solid-looking plane. I even managed to sneak in a nap.

But somewhere during descent… whoa.

I woke up with a weird kind of headache. At first, I thought it was just a quick air pocket, but then came the dizziness. The kind that makes your head feel light and floaty — not in a good way. 😵‍💫
Sadly, it didn’t fade right away. The sensation lingered through our layover and into the long-haul flight back to Singapore.

If you’re someone who’s prone to motion sickness or vertigo, take note: descending on certain flights might stir things up a bit.
It’s affordable, and if you’re flying short-haul around Europe, it does the job. Just manage expectations, bring motion sickness remedies (or your favorite peppermint oil!), and you’ll probably be just fine.
Each flight is different. Sometimes smooth, sometimes… spinny. 😅
Try it yourself — and let me know if you also feel like you’re floating after landing. Haha!

***

Aer Lingus

(W) https://www.aerlingus.com/html/en-IE/home.html

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!

Why Gloomy Weather Is the Secret to Falling in Love with Edinburgh

Every time we travel, we always wish for sunny skies. I get it. Nobody wants rain to ruin their plans.

But when we went to Edinburgh for 3 nights — I did the opposite.

Why Gloomy Weather Is the Secret to Falling in Love with Edinburgh

I prayed for it to be gloomy. Wet. Misty. Even a little spooky. Edinburgh is a city that wears its history like a cloak — one woven with ghost stories, witch trials, and magic. A bright, sunny day strips away the eerie charm that makes this place so special. Mist, however, wraps the city in something spellbinding.

1. Mist Unlocks the City’s Dark Past

Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the world.  — from underground vaults to the old kirkyards. The mist in the air feels like a living remnant of its chilling history. Without it, the city feels too modern, too exposed. With it? You’re walking through a Gothic novel.

2. Hello Dementors? Harry Potter Fans Will Understand

It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to being in a Harry Potter scene. The fog over the castle, the chill in the wind — it’s like Azkaban is nearby and the Dementors are flying above the rooftops. If you’re a Potterhead like me, you’ll love this.

3. Gloom is Edinburgh’s Natural Filter

Let’s be honest — the city looks better in grey. The stone buildings, dramatic skyline, and towering castle feel more cinematic when the weather leans moody. It’s aesthetic perfection.

And if you want the full gothic vibe? Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard — Edinburgh’s most famous cemetery — when the sky is heavy and the rain just lightly taps your umbrella. The headstones, some worn down by time, almost speak louder when the air is still and cold. The mist between the trees makes the stories of ghosts and poltergeists feel just a little too real.

You won’t get that magic on a hot, sunny afternoon.

So if you’re visiting Edinburgh and the sky turns dark, or it starts to drizzle — don’t be disappointed.

That’s exactly the weather you should hope for.

It’s not a flaw — it’s part of the experience.

And if you’re into the full vibe, I really recommend joining one of the ghost, witch, or Harry Potter walking tours. They’re even better when the city is wrapped in fog.

Have you ever fallen in love with a gloomy destination? Would you pray for rain like I did in Edinburgh?

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!