6 Dining Experiences in Ireland Worth the Day

1.Dublin Irish House Party Live Show, Dinner Option Available

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,246 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42Our pick

Spend about three hours at Dublin’s Lansdowne Hotel, an 18th-century Georgian townhouse, with an optional three-course Irish dinner followed by live music, storytelling, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, harp, and champion Irish dancing. Choose dinner and show or show only. Drinks cost extra, and the family-friendly performance suits children age five and up.

“The food and music was excellent. The 3 musicians and the Irish dancer were all top class. We had a great time”

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2.Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,171 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $56

Spend about three hours at Dublin’s Belvedere Hotel with live Irish music, singing, and dance created by Jim Murrihy of Damhsa. Dinner comes first at 6:45pm, followed by an interactive show at 8pm. Expect professional performers, audience participation, and a family-friendly evening, with drinks sold separately.

“The food was very good and service was great. The music and dancing was very enjoyable. Really enjoyed the night”

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3.Skip the Line: Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Head to Taylors Three Rock in Rathfarnham for a four-course Irish meal, Irish coffee, live traditional music, award-winning dancers, storytelling, and audience participation. The show runs about two hours, with drinks extra and no hotel pickup. Plan your taxi or Uber carefully, since the venue is outside central Dublin.

“This was a very enjoyable evening. It was a long distance from Dublin, and my friend and I were not part of a bus group, but the staff made room for us anyway and treated us well. We appreciated that.”

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4.Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66Top rated

Spend about two and a half hours at Amicus on Paul Street with local performers including Angela, Marie, Andrew, Liam, or Claire, depending on the evening. Enjoy a two-course Irish meal, live music, comic sketches, Cork history, and time to ask the cast for local tips. Drinks cost extra, and dietary needs should be shared when booking.

“We had a fantastic time. Great dinner and great performance. Very accommodating with food related needs”

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5.Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 143 reviews · from $79

Set out from the Grand Canal Jetty on Mespil Road for a two-hour dinner cruise aboard a clean, electric canal barge. Enjoy a freshly prepared three-course meal, one glass of house wine or a bottle of beer, and time on deck as the crew works the historic timber locks. The route is peaceful rather than sightseeing-heavy.

“This was far and away the best activity we had in Dublin. And the food! (Best meal as well.) Definitely get the salmon appetizer! I took a chance and ordered the chicken curry. Loved it. So fresh tasting. I would totally recommend the canal dinner cruise.”

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6.Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $62

At 43 Paul St, actors including Angela, Marie, and Andrew welcome you in costume for a comic tour through Cork’s past. Expect two courses of local food, dessert, live Irish music, audience interaction, and lessons in speaking Cork like a local. The venue has two flights of stairs and no elevator.

“My husband and myself had a very entertaining evening learning about the history of Cork. The actors were funny and engaged with their entire audience. I would definitely recommend young and old to not miss this treat of a show.”

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