Ireland’s food culture 

Ireland has some of the best raw ingredients in the world — but it’s the warm and welcoming people that turn this great natural larder into experiences that visitors will always remember. 

 The English Market, Cork       

Delicious creativity

As colleagues, peers and professionals gather for stimulating meetings in Ireland, food won’t just be a side note to proceedings. Creative menus and delicious meals will provide a platform for celebration and stimulation, a chance for conversation to flow and taste buds to be tantalised. Breaking bread in Ireland brings local cuisine and home-grown ingredients into sharp focus, while traditional cooking methods are given new life with modern techniques. 

The country is riding a wave of culinary creativity, one that’s rooted in generations of farmers, fishermen and artisan producers. Inspired chefs and food experts delight in creating not just delicious plates of food for visitors from all around the world, but entire food experiences that linger both on the palate and in the memory. 

World class ingredients

Ireland adopts a natural, easy-going approach to food and on this small island, local rules. World-class raw ingredients take centre stage, expertly prepared, then served simply with an emphasis on freshness. And good food is just the start — you’ll shake the hand that feeds you too. Across the country, the ethos is small, local and personal when it comes to growing, cooking and dining. 

Add authenticity to any MICE programme with traditional classics like boxty, freshly baked Guinness soda bread and hearty Irish stew, then expand horizons with exotic dishes and gourmet offerings from all over the globe. The island is on a culinary journey, and food festivals, food trails and cookery masterclasses now pepper the countryside. From the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival to the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, finding food experiences to complement your incentive activities is easy. 

Artisan and independent

All over Ireland, small, independent whiskey and gin distilleries are making names for themselves, adding to Ireland’s rich craft spirits tradition. Tours and tastings at visitor centres like Teelings, Tullamore DEW and Kilbeggan Distillery are popular group activities, while the Jameson Distillery and world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin offer interactive, immersive experiences. Irish craft beers have never been more in demand around the world, and are an elegant addition to MICE drinks menus. 

The home of artisan produce is Cork, with the English Food Market in the city and Ballymaloe House Cookery School in the south east of the county — both at the epicentre of Ireland’s delicious food culture. Bring MICE participants on a treasure hunt for gourmet goodies or challenge them to bake their own soda bread in a team-building activity that’s sure to be remembered. 

Contact us

The Meet in Ireland Team is ready to help you create memorable food experiences for your MICE programme, drawing on the passion, skills and pride of a nation of producers and chefs. Contact us today for more advice.