Ireland boasts verdant scenery, friendly people, and food that will make you crave more for a place of best breakfast places in Ireland. During my initial moments in the country, I loved kicking off each day with breakfast, a meal Ireland excels at.
From snug coffee shops hidden in quiet spots to popular eateries, here’s a list of some top-notch breakfast joints I found. I’ll share what to eat, how much you’ll spend, and vivid details about the whole experience to help you plan your trip.
12 Irelands Places for Best Breakfast
The Gourmet Parlour – Sligo
This hidden spot in the quaint Sligo town has won the hearts of locals. The Gourmet Parlour looks like a craftsman’s retreat boasting country-style wooden tables and shelves full of homemade preserves and baked goods. The team’s eye for detail and upbeat attitude immediately caught my attention.
When I was searching for the best breakfast places in Ireland, this spot quickly stood out for all the right reasons.
I started with the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. The eggs were incredibly smooth, and the salmon had a mild, rich flavor that really made the meal shine. To top it off, they served it with a slice of warm, house-made brown bread that brought everything together.
I couldn’t resist trying their freshly baked croissants next. Each one struck the perfect balance between crispy and rich, and when I paired a croissant with their strong coffee, it honestly felt like the perfect way to start the day.
Prices here are a bit higher than your average café, usually between €10 and €16 per person. Still, with the quality of the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere, I truly felt it was worth every cent.
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot that feels special and memorable, this is definitely a place to add to your list.
Avoca Café – Multiple Locations
You’ll find Avoca Cafés all over Ireland, and they always deliver. I stopped by the one in Kilmacanogue, nestled in a pretty garden center. Sitting in the bright open space, bathed in sunlight and adorned with fresh blooms, felt like a treat.
Avoca Café is one of those places that really raises the bar for the best breakfast places in Ireland, and you’ll find their locations dotted around the country. Right from the start, the staff made us feel welcome and taken care of, which set the tone for a relaxing meal. You can taste the difference that local, fresh ingredients make in every bite.
One of my favorites here is the poached eggs and avocado on sourdough. The eggs had that perfect texture – soft but never runny, and the avocado was creamy and fresh, topped off with a zesty sauce that made the whole dish pop with flavor.
If you’re into pancakes, the berry pancakes at Avoca Café are a must. These are light and airy, loaded with fresh berries and finished with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Honestly, it’s a real treat for anyone who loves pancakes in the morning.
Meals here usually cost between €10 and €18. The price is a little higher, but you can see and taste the quality in every dish. Plus, the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a fancier breakfast experience without any rush.
Myrtle Allen’s Restaurant – Ballymaloe House, Cork
To enjoy a breakfast that feels like walking into a food lover’s dream, visit Ballymaloe House in Cork. The country setting looks peaceful, with sights of green gardens and hills.
If you’re searching for the best breakfast places in Ireland, Myrtle Allen’s Restaurant at Ballymaloe House in Cork is a place you have to try at least once. The dining room feels elegant, but never in an intimidating way, and the staff are genuinely warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive.
One of my favorite ways to start the morning here is with their homemade granola served with yogurt and honey. It’s light but satisfying, and the combination of crispy granola and creamy yogurt hits all the right notes.
Of course, you can’t skip the traditional Ballymaloe breakfast. The eggs are cooked to perfection and served with sausages that are packed with flavor, plus their famous homemade soda bread. Honestly, I always end up wishing I could bring a loaf home.
Breakfast here is a little more of a treat, usually between €15 and €25 per person. For the level of food and the cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, I think it’s absolutely worth it if you want a memorable breakfast experience.
Póg – Dublin
If you want to eat healthy without giving up taste, head to Póg. The cool interior, with its simple design and touches of green, made me feel like I’d found a modern retreat with bed and breakfast in Dublin, Ireland. The workers were very helpful, and the food looked as good as it tasted.
Also, if you’re hunting for the best breakfast places in Ireland with a healthy twist, Póg in Dublin should definitely be on your list. This place has a really laid-back vibe, and you can tell from the start that they care about using good, fresh ingredients.
One of the best things I tried here was their protein pancakes. These pancakes taste rich and filling, but you still feel like you’re eating something healthy. They come topped with fresh fruit, almond butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup—honestly, the perfect mix if you want something sweet but still packed with goodness.
The açaí bowl is another big winner for me. It’s full of energy and color, with a smooth açaí base that gets loaded up with crunchy granola and all kinds of fresh fruit. Every bite tastes bright and refreshing, especially if you want something light but satisfying.
Prices are easy on the wallet, with most meals costing between €8 and €13. You get a generous portion and high-quality ingredients, so it always feels like a fair deal, especially for anyone who’s into healthy eating.
The Hairy Lemon – Dublin
The Hairy Lemon in Dublin is a fun spot that stands out when you’re looking for the best breakfast places in Ireland, especially if you want something quick and satisfying. The place has a quirky charm, and the service is always friendly, making it a great choice for a relaxed morning.
I started with the ham and cheese crepe, which was simple but packed with flavor. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the ham brought just the right amount of savory goodness to every bite. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels comforting but never heavy.
If you’re after something a bit lighter, the lemon and sugar crepe is a classic. It tastes bright and fresh, making it perfect for those mornings when you want something sweet but not too much. It’s surprisingly filling for such a simple dish.
Prices here are very wallet-friendly, with crepes ranging from €6 to €10. You get a quick meal that’s full of flavor, so it’s an ideal spot for anyone craving a good breakfast in the city without spending a lot.
Brother Hubbard – Dublin
Brother Hubbard is one of those places that always comes up when people talk about the best breakfast in Ireland. The atmosphere inside is a mix of industrial style and cozy touches, with big shared tables and the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the air. It’s got that buzz that makes you want to settle in and enjoy a proper meal.
The staff here really know their stuff and are happy to help you find something special on their unique menu. I decided to go for the Turkish Eggs Menemen. It’s a plate of eggs scrambled with tomato, red pepper, and just the right amount of spices, served with a side of sourdough bread to scoop everything up. The flavors are bright and full, with a little bit of heat that wakes you up but never feels too heavy.
For something different to drink, the beetroot latte is a must-try. It’s a light, natural option if you want a break from coffee, and the bright pink color makes it as fun to look at as it is to sip.
Meals at Brother Hubbard range from €12 to €20, so it’s a little pricier than some other places. But with their creative menu and the whole experience, it feels worth every cent for anyone looking to enjoy one of the best breakfasts in the city of Ireland.
The Fumbally – Dublin
The Fumbally is one of those places that really feels like a hidden gem when you’re searching for the best breakfast in Ireland. Right in the middle of Dublin’s lively streets, the café gives off a relaxed, effortlessly cool vibe. The raw interior, with mismatched furniture and big shared tables, makes it easy to feel at home the moment you walk in.
One of the highlights for me is being able to watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. There’s a real sense of excitement and energy, and it makes the whole breakfast experience even more fun.
The star of the menu is the Eggs Fumbally. They poach the eggs just right, then drizzle olive oil on top and serve it all on a slice of fresh sourdough bread. The ingredients are top quality, and even though the dish is simple, it really stands out.
Another great option is their seasonal ferments plate. It’s loaded with their own house-made pickled vegetables, so it’s both tasty and nourishing, perfect if you’re looking for something a little different.
Meals here are priced between €10 and €15, which feels like a great deal considering how big the servings are and how much care goes into every plate. With its organic, local focus and chill atmosphere, The Fumbally is a must-try for breakfast in Dublin.
Dela – Galway: Best Breakfast Place in Ireland
Dela is hands-down one of my favorite places for the best breakfast places in Ireland, especially if you find yourself in Galway. Tucked right in the middle of downtown, Dela brings a Nordic twist to classic breakfast fare, making their morning menu both hearty and nutritious. The space itself feels warm and inviting, with wood accents and soft lighting that make you want to settle in and enjoy your meal.
One of the highlights for me was the Dela Breakfast Board. It’s a generous spread with smoked salmon, cured meats, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh craft bread, all paired with house-made pickles and spreads. Every bite has something new to offer, and it’s the kind of breakfast that feels a bit special but still really satisfying.
If you’re craving something sweet, the buttermilk pancakes here are hard to beat. They’re light and fluffy, topped with fresh seasonal fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a simple dish, but it’s done so well that you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Breakfast at Dela usually costs between €12 and €18 per person. While it’s not the cheapest option around, the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients make it worth every cent. If you want a breakfast in Galway that feels memorable and comforting, Dela is the place to go.
Ard Bia at Nimmo’s – Galway
Ard Bia at Nimmo’s is one of those special spots where breakfast feels like a real treat, making it an easy pick when talking about the best breakfast places in Ireland. Tucked right beside the Claddagh in Galway, the place feels both cozy and artistic, with a country-style interior and creative decorations that make you want to linger over your meal. It gives off that classic bed and breakfast vibe in Galway, Ireland, but with a unique twist.
The staff here are not only friendly but also know the menu inside out, always happy to recommend something new or answer any questions you have. I started my morning with the Ard Bia Full Breakfast, which came loaded with free-range eggs, sausages from local farms, and freshly baked in-house bread. Every part of the meal felt fresh and full of flavor.
For anyone looking for a plant-based option, the vegan breakfast bowl is a must-try. It’s packed with colorful veggies, wholesome grains, and finished off with a seasonal zesty dressing. It’s the perfect choice if you want something healthy but still filling and flavorful.
Breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s usually costs between €12 and €20, which makes sense once you see the portion sizes and taste the quality of the local ingredients. If you want a memorable breakfast experience in Galway, this is one spot you shouldn’t miss.
Café Temple – Cork
Café Temple is right in the heart of Cork, and it’s a favorite spot for anyone hunting for the best breakfast in Ireland. The café itself is cozy and welcoming, with a real sense of community that shines through from the moment you walk in. They’re passionate about sustainability, and you can tell they take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally.
One of my top picks here is the shakshuka. They cook this classic Middle Eastern dish to perfection, with poached eggs nestled in a rich and spicy tomato sauce that’s perfect for dipping bread into. It’s warming and full of bold flavors, making it a great way to start the day.
If you’re looking for something plant-based, their vegan pancakes are a real treat. Light and fluffy, these pancakes are stacked high and finished with fresh fruit and just a touch of agave syrup for sweetness. It’s a dish that feels both healthy and indulgent at the same time.
The price range is also very reasonable, usually between €8 and €14. With their focus on sustainability and local produce, you really get your money’s worth, especially if you care about where your food comes from. Café Temple is a perfect spot for a laid-back breakfast in Cork that you can feel good about.
The Wooden Spoon – Waterford
The Wooden Spoon in Waterford is one of those cafés where you instantly feel at home. It’s the perfect spot if you’re searching for the best breakfast in Ireland, especially when you want something cozy and comforting. The warm, snug interior, complete with a crackling fireplace, makes it a top pick for a relaxed start to your morning in Waterford.
One of the standouts for me is their French toast. They use thick slices of brioche, piling on fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a simple dish, but the flavors come together perfectly – sweet, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence to kick off the day.
If you’re in the mood for something more filling, the breakfast wrap is a solid choice. Packed with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a punchy zesty sauce, it’s the kind of meal that really sets you up for whatever the day has in store.
Dishes here are priced between €9 and €15, which feels like a great deal given the generous portions and high-quality ingredients. If you love breakfast that feels both nourishing and a little bit special, The Wooden Spoon is a spot you’ll want to visit in Waterford.
Strandfield – Dundalk
Strandfield, just outside Dundalk, is more than a café—it’s an experience. If you’re looking for the best breakfast places in Ireland with a real farm-to-table feel, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. The café sits on the edge of the city, offering a peaceful escape from the usual rush. The dining space feels like a greenhouse, with big windows letting in loads of light and leafy plants all around, which gives every meal a fresh, relaxing vibe.
One of the highlights at Strandfield is their seasonal quiche. Made with eggs straight from the farm and whatever veggies are in season, it really shows how much they care about fresh, local ingredients. Every bite feels bright and flavorful, and you can taste the difference.
Another must-try is their homemade scones with jam and cream. It’s a simple choice, but done so well. The scones are fluffy and warm, and when you pair them with rich cream and sweet jam, plus a cup of their excellent coffee, you’ve got the perfect start to your morning.
Breakfast here usually costs between €10 and €18. While it might be a bit pricier than average, the calm setting and commitment to local, high-quality food make it feel well worth it. Strandfield is the kind of place you’ll want to revisit anytime you’re near Dundalk.
Final Thoughts on Best Breakfast Places in Ireland
The breakfast scene in Ireland beautifully combines tradition and modernity, offering something for everyone. Whether you prefer a hearty Full Irish or a lighter, more contemporary option, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices. Most of the hotels bed and breakfast in Dublin Ireland is fascinating.
Each café and restaurant highlighted here has its unique charm, making best breakfast places in Ireland a truly memorable experience. I hope this guide can help you explore all the best places and can make new memories. Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you in another exploration that Ireland waits for us to see with Dublinz.
We’ve already covered some great breakfast spots in Dublin, but if you’re searching specifically for the best brunch within Dublin city, check out my other blog, best brunch spots in Dublin. And if you ever find yourself visiting Dingle and want something truly special, don’t miss my guide to the Best Bed and Breakfast in Dingle, Ireland – perfect for anyone looking for a memorable stay.
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