The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes to the beverage and food scene in Ireland. A combination of sheer determination and pandemic restrictions have resulted in many chefs moving from restaurants into food trucks.
Today the food-truck movement in Ireland is booming, with irresistible combinations of quality ingredients, innovative menus, and lots of sessions in test kitchens. Many offer locally sourced, seasonal, artisan meals with menus that feature everything from pizza to burgers and tarts to tacos.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, dining outdoors has become more popular than ever. This is the main reason why the food truck industry has exploded in Ireland. Below are some of the most popular food trucks in Ireland to try on your next visit to Ireland.
#1 Misunderstood Heron
Located along the shores of Killary Fjord in Connemara, this famous award-winning food truck should not be missed. Established in 2017 by Reinaldo Seco and Kim Young, this truck was featured in the World’s 10 Coolest Food Trucks in 2019 by Lonely Planet travel guides. Some of the food items include local spicy lamb samosas or mussels sourced from the Fjord.
#2 Fry Guys, Shanagarry
Fry Guys are another insanely popular food truck that is best known for their fantastic burgers, pizzas, and wild boar organic hot dogs served with a side of chili, garlic, or truffle, along with delectable parmesan fries. There is also a selection of seafood specials, including mussels and oysters.
#3 Julia’s Lobster-Truck
Traditional fish and chips, freshly barbecued lobster, steamed mussels, clams, and lobster rolls, along with Flaggy shore oysters are just some of the extravagant yet affordable items available at the Lobster Truck. You will find this food truck along with the owner Julia Hemingway in Bellharbour and Liscannor.
#4 Toto’s “Pizza Of Kinsale”
Christian Jambou is a French baker that has been active in the food industry over the last three decades. Over the last nine years, he has been satisfying visitors and locals in the stunning seaside town of Kinsale with his delicious offerings. This bright yellow truck serves up amazing pizza, wedges, yummy waffles, and more.
#5 Craft West Cork Food Truck
This artisanal permanent food truck can be found at the Celtic Ross Hotel located in Rosscarbery, in the stunning region of West Cork. Chefs and owners Shane Deane and Alexandre Petit serve a menu that gained inspiration from some of their travels abroad. For breakfast, you can expect scones and bacon butties, along with a range of other treats. For dinner, there are so many items to choose from, including pork gyros served in homemade flatbread, topped with Irish yogurt tzatziki and Buffalo feta cheese. Other delicious offerings include stick Timolegaue carnitas and Thai fishcakes.
#6 Johnny’s Ranch
You can expect a superb culinary experience at Johnny’s Ranch, which is one of the award-winning food trucks located along the River Lennon in Donegal. Some of the delectable treats on offer and created by Chef Johnny Patterson include beef stroganoff, breaded chicken goujons, Lennonside steak burger, Johnny’s homemade onions rings, or freshly battered Killybegs haddock served with a generous portion of mushy peas.
#7 Brew In Thru Food Truck
This popular Citroën-turned-pale green food truck is located in Donegal’s scenic Teelin region. This well-known food truck serves amazing, sweet treats and delicious coffee.
#8 An Capall Mara, Killybegs
After some friends gifted her with a horsebox, Emma Walker of An Capall Mara Coffee Horsebox (which in English translates into “The Sea Horse”) decided to turn her gift into a hot spot for all the lovers of coffee. After the pandemic, she rebounded well as she continues to happily serve visitors and locals alike. At An Capall Mara Coffee, you can always expect a very warm welcome along with the best Columbian coffee you can find in several flavours. There are fresh bakes, teas, and a range of other delicious offerings, so when you visit this stunning harbour town, make sure you pay a visit to this food truck.
#9 The Mini Bean
Situated in one of the most photogenic locations in Donegal (between Mount Errigal and the stunningly beautiful Poisoned Glen in Dunlewey), you will never go wrong if you decide to pay a visit to the Mini Bean food truck owned by Maurice Foster. You can expect fantastic coffee, with chocolate, sweets, and traybakes rewards. When he is not serving delicious cups of coffee, Maurice is often found guiding kites in the skies of Donegal just above his beloved food truck.
#10 The Fish Box, Corcreggan Mill
While the “Fish Box” is not exactly a food truck, it is just as good as all the other popular street-food offerings across the Island. You can expect seafood dishes with an exciting Mexican twist along with tacos, traditional fish and chips, a selection of interesting salads, and so much more. Located only 5 minutes from Dunafanaghy, there is an outdoor seating area available along with an ample drink’s menu. Owner Siobhan O’Connor serves up a selection of vegan dishes and other tasty seafood dishes. Just outside of this horsebox are large tables and this venue also hosts traditional Irish music sessions and Sunday jazz from time to time. They got their trailer manufactured by the world famous V Street Food Trucks in Ireland.
#11 Boxty’s
Named after a traditional Irish Potato Pancake called Boxty, this very popular business used to operate from a food truck which has not been changed into a horsebox-turned-food truck. Expect a delicious offering of boxty popcorn chicken bites, stuffed boxty pancakes served with beef braised in stout, chicken, fish and chips, and so much more at this famous food truck in Galway.
