Famous for its culture and history, Kilkenny is also highly popular for its innovative approach to traditional Irish cuisine. Restaurants in the city are evenly spread between luxury upscale, traditional and traditional with a twist, and all are surprisingly affordable given the quality offered.
The numerous restaurants in Kilkenny serve all varieties of the hearty cuisine, whether totally traditional or new wave. Italian, Chinese and other ethnic eateries can be found, and the usual fast-food dining outlets are proving far too popular, as Ireland now has a serious obesity and heart health problem.
What to Eat, and Where
Kilkenny's High Street, Rose Inn Street, Parade and the area around the castle are great places to search out the perfect restaurant, as there are many to choose from in this part of the city centre, all located in attractive settings. International dining, as well as Irish cuisine, is especially popular in Kilkenny. Irish stout - particularly Guinness, is a world-famous brew best sampled in its home country, since legend has it that it doesn't travel well!
Irish gastronomy originated as peasant food, based on carbohydrates such as the humble potato, introduced into the country in the 16th century and forming the staple of the rural diet. Sadly, reliance on the vitamin-rich potato resulted in two great famines in the 18th and 19th centuries caused by extreme cold and potato blight, which killed over a million people and caused more than two million to emigrate. Even now, the nourishing Irish stews are sometimes called 'famine food'.
By the late 20th century, a gastronomic movement resulted in a new twist for Irish cuisine, combining fresh ingredients with new ideas in nutrition, based on seafood dining and locally-grown vegetables. Traditional breads, such as soda and potato bread, were incorporated, along with hand-produced local cheeses. At the same time, old-fashioned foods such as the Irish breakfast, Irish stew, coddle and bacon with cabbage became newly popular. Oysters from the waters around Ireland are celebrated at annual oyster festivals, and a typical new-style recipe, 'Dublin Lawyer' involves lobster, whiskey and cream.
It is well worth looking out for these indigenous Irish dishes when dining out at restaurants in the city of Kilkenny. Local pubs provide a good alternative, often serving up hearty wholesome dishes and coming with a great atmosphere.
