Celebrations are in full swing this historic weekend and there's only one thing for it - a big slap-up meal.
Where oh where to go? We've done all the scouting around for ya. Here's five places we've reviewed in Dublin in the last few weeks well worth checking out.
Go forth and feast x o x
A "neighbourhood bistro" (are all restaurants outside of the city calling themselves this recently?), Craft is run by renowned chef Philip Yeung and has a shiny reputation among Dublin's restaurant scene for serving the best local ingredients, cooking them with flair and - most importantly - whopper flavours.
Three hours well spent in this suburban haven that already has me planning a return, whether it's for brunch, lunch or another droolworthy dinner.
The best cooking can often be found outside the city, and Craft is the proof. Go alone, go with a gang, but please - just go.
Okay, we lied, this one's not in Dublin but it's very close.
Daata's brunch menu has been "forever" in the making: a fab-u-lis menu is made up of lighter brunch options such as a Tandoori Fruit Salad with mint yoghurt, the Daata Porridge with almonds, pistachio, sultanas and lightly spiced tandoori fruit or two fried eggs with saffron.
The heavy hitters are packed full of flavour. There's a Pakistani street food dish, Pav Bajee, of spiced veg griddled with butter on a brioche bun or a potato and egg curry with masala beans and grilled tomatoes.
Not only are the punchy flavours a welcome change from boring pancakes, the prices are a treat as well, with the most expensive item coming in at €14 and most things going for a tenner.
Fire’s website claims it has the most historical and impressive dining room in Dublin, and you can see why upon entry.
We took our seats and were instantly brought a platter of fresh bread with butter and TWO different types of pesto. As a lover of carbohydrates, this pleased me greatly.
We were then given the Table D’Hotre menu, which runs Sunday - Wednesday and offers three courses for €39.50, and the A La Carte menu which runs every day and ranges from €8 - €15 for starters/desserts and, €20-€40 for mains.
I went for the Wood-Fired Tiger Prawns (€28.50), their signature dish. And let me tell you...it was so, so good. HUGE juicy prawns, drenched in butter and garlic, stuffed with chorizo and crayfish, and served with brown bread for dipping in the buttery goodness. SO indulgent.
Now, what if we told you that underneath (yes, UNDERNEATH) Powerscout Townhouse was Dublin’s most sumptuous Italian hideaway? I’m sure you’ve walked by it 1000 times and never noticed it existed, and let me tell you - you’ve made a mistake.
We stuck to three classics to start (bruschetta, antipasti, caprese salad) and one wild card (hand made agnolotti), all of which were sent directly by Jesus himself to our dinner table. Truly divine.
Their menu also includes steak, risotto, chicken and even tuna! So don’t be worried if you’re not in the mood for pasta (although you don't wanna miss out on that gnocchi!)
Tucked away in the side of Dundrum Town Centre, Ananda is the exact opposite of what you'd expect to find in a bustling shopping centre: peaceful, stylish and boasting truly fab food.
The Early Bird menu (which we luckily went with) runs from 5.30-7.30pm Monday-Thursday and 5.30-6.30pm on Friday and Saturday. €28 for two courses, you can't go wrong with this.
What's not on the menu? Ananda accomplishes the feat of showcasing a range of dishes from India's various subcontinents without it feeling like a stretch.
Rich, meat-based foods of the North play a part as does vegetarian cuisine and coconut-based fish curries of Goa and Kerala and our mains of a Goan seafood curry and a tender Old Delhi style chicken tikka were packed with flavour.
That should you keep going for a little while! Keep up to date with our weekly reviews every single Wednesday.
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