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Although there's been a changing of the guard recently in Cork City, where a more international flavour has come into play, traditional Irish fair like bacon and cabbage, full Irish breakfasts and beef stew are still hugely popular across the rest of Ireland's South West. Some of Ireland's best restaurants can be found in Cork, it is also seen by many as having the best chipper food, per square mile, compared with any other county in Ireland. There is also no shortage of pubs in Cork or Kerry, with Cork topping a recent poll by having 543 people for every pub!
Renowned for its excellent food and world-class service, the restaurant industry in Ireland's Southwest has maintained its high standards over the past two decades through innovation and a reluctance to rest on its laurels. Seafood, beef and poultry from the region are not only enjoyed by the locals but also shipped to global markets. Specialities such as black & white pudding, spiced beef, and Kerrygold Butter all have their origins in this region.
With the highest pub per person ratio in the country, one pub for every 543 people, Cork has an endless variety of watering holes. The counties of Kerry and Limerick are not far behind, meaning the 3 counties of the Southwest are well supplied with a wide variety of pubs, from small local spots to large 'super pubs' open until the wee small hours.
In a seemingly endless war of attrition, the chippers of Ireland, more so than any other Irish establishment, are pitched against each other for supremacy by their patrons. It's not a case of liking one slightly more, it's a case of my favorite chipper being the greatest, all others are worthless! Nowhere is this more noticeable than in Cork, where the author can attest to having tried all the chippers on this list and can safely say they are all great in their own right.
For decades, KC's of Douglas and Jackie Lennox's of Bandon Road were the 2 main chippers in Cork. Long before pizzas and kebabs became the more popular fast-food options, it was a case of 'KC's or Jackies?' as your fast-food treat. The rivalry has stood the test of time but is now mentioned more so in jest than in spite. The other chippers of the region are amazing also, with the towns of Tralee and Killarney in County Kerry as well as Limerick City and it's surroundings being Meccas of the trade... but, please, if you find yourself in a reasonable distance from either Douglas or Bandon Road in Cork, try KC's or Lennox's. The queues are usually very long, from 5 pm till around 9.30 pm, but move quickly and are well worth the wait.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
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