What are the best food shops in Ireland? Stephen Conmy examines some inspirational Irish food stores that are worth a visit.
Country Choice
Where: Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
Who: Peter and Mary Ward’s country store is an intriguing treasure trove of high quality, and mostly local, produce. Peter, a big fan of the slow food movement, is a vocal champion of Irish artisan foods.
What’s good? The terrine made from the family’s Saddleback pigs and any of Mary’s delicious jams.
Manning’s Emporium
Where: Ballylickey, West Cork.
Who: The business has been family-run for over 70 years.
What’s good? Everything, it has long been a treasure trove for food lovers everywhere.
Ardkeen Stores
Where: Dunmore Road, Waterford.
Who: Colin Jephson. He was also a former sponsor of The Theatre of Food at the Electric Picnic.
What’s good? A vast range of smoked fish, but this is a proper artisan food supermarket. You can also shop online and have your goods delivered.
McCambridge’s
Where: Galway.
Who: The McCambridge family. The shop was established in 1925.
What’s good? The cold meats from the deli. Plus, an excellent selection of wines & spirits. The company also runs a catering business.
Urru
Where: Bandon, Co Cork.
Who: Ruth Healy.
What’s good? Hampers, especially the ‘Made in Cork’ collection.
Fallon & Byrne
Where: Wicklow St., Dublin.
Who: Paul Byrne and Fiona McHugh.
What’s good? The sourdough baguette and the soft cheeses.
Scally’s SuperValu of Clonakilty
Where: Faxbridge, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Who: The Scally family.
What’s good? Everything. The store won the prestigious ‘Most Creative Retailer’ in Ireland award at the annual Checkout ‘Best in Fresh’ awards in 2017.
Nolan’s of Kilcullen
Where: Main St Kilcullen, Co.Kildare, Ireland (open since 1886).
Who: The Nolans.
What’s good? The meat. It is foremost a butcher shop with prizewinning products from sausages, to spiced beef to the incredible puddings.
Foodstore Claremorris
Where: Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Who: Niall Heffernan.
What’s good? The deli meats and the organic fruit and veg.
The English Market
Where: The English Market (a gathering of great food shops), Cork City.
Who: Many different but brilliant retailers.
What’s good? The fresh fish. Nothing like it.
Cosgrove and Son Delicatessen
Where: 32 Market Street, Sligo.
Who: Cosgrove’s is one of Sligo’s oldest shops and was first opened as a restaurant/shop in 1898 by Michael Cosgrove senior. It’s now run by his grandson Michael Cosgrove.
What’s good? Where would you start? This is a must-see for good food fans.
Kelly’s Butchers
Where: Newport, Co. Mayo.
Who: The Kellys.
What’s good? It’s an award-winning artisan butcher specialising in black and white pudding.
Are you interested in setting up a food store? Then read this.
Related Resource
Related Resource
Bord Bia has developed a guide for artisan food producers who wish to understand and enter the Irish retail landscape. This Guide to Retail for Small Food Producers is part of a series of publications from Bord Bia that includes the Guide to Distribution for Food & Drink Producers and the Guide to Farmer’s Markets for Small Food Producers.
Images from Shutterstock.com.
