Rick Steves Shares The Secret To Finding Ireland's Most Satisfying Meals Without Breaking The Bank

Unlike Italy or France, where food is one of the primary reasons to visit, an ideal Irish itinerary will likely focus less on what you're going to eat and more on must-visit locations, like the stunningly beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. However, Ireland is a great country to visit if you want to find quality food without breaking the bank. As travel expert and television host Rick Steves explains, the secret to getting the most bang-for-your-buck while dining in Ireland is simple: eat at pubs.  

"Smart travelers use pubs to eat, drink, get out of the rain, watch the latest sporting event, and make new friends," Steves writes on his blog. "For about $20, you'll get a basic hot lunch or dinner in friendly surroundings." If you're budget conscious, and love a spot of traditional Irish cooking, pubs are where you'll find some of the tastiest, most affordable meals in Ireland. It's important to note, though, that not all pubs in Ireland offer equal quality. 

Growing numbers of city pubs are overrun with televisions, video games, and cheap fast food. Therefore, Steves advises heading to the countryside for a more authentic and affordable pub experience. "The most traditional atmospheric pubs are in Ireland's countryside and smaller towns," he writes. "I recommend certain pubs in my guidebook, and your B&B host is likely up-to-date on the best neighborhood pub grub." He also recommends being aware of nepotism, as most pub owners would rather you eat at their establishment than elsewhere.

Countryside pubs have long been the places where you can find Ireland's best cooking. While they mainly specialize in traditional Irish fare (i.e. comfort food), they do so by utilizing fresh ingredients and gourmet flourishes. You could map out an entire Irish vacation just by choosing which pubs you want to eat at during your trip. Just be careful which ones you choose. 

According to Steves, "Pubs that are attached to restaurants, advertise their food, and are crowded with locals are more likely to have fresh food and a chef than sell lousy microwaved snacks." The menu depends greatly on where you are in the country. If you are visiting the inland counties, expect things like stew, roasted meat, coddle (layered veggies, meat, and potatoes), a type of potato pancake called boxty, sausages, and Irish soda bread. Pubs closer to the coast will likely serve up some fresh seafood, like mussels to go along with classics like fish and chips, kippers, and chowder.

Pubs are also the best places to get a beer in Ireland. While Murphy's Stout may be a popular beverage rival, Steves says that if you simply ask for a beer at a pub, you'll get a full pint of Guinness. If you're looking for a more specific drink, such as a traditionally-pulled ale or cider, you will have to ask. Overall, there is very little that can go wrong when deciding to eat at a pub. They are flavorful, fun, and best of all, budget friendly.