Eating Out in Ireland with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

Food is culture. For many American families, the dream of an Irish vacation includes a cozy pub, a pint of Guinness, and a bowl of excellent chowder. The good news is: Ireland is exceptionally family-friendly.

Unlike some countries, children are not just tolerated in pubs—they are generally welcomed, especially during dining hours. However, finding the right place with space for a stroller, a decent kids' menu, and efficient service requires local knowledge.

This guide, part of your essential resource Traveling in Ireland with Kids: A Complete Family Guide, covers the essential laws, pub etiquette, and lists the best, most reliable restaurants in Ireland for hassle-free family dining.

1. The Pub Question: Rules and Curfew (The 9 PM Law)

This is the most frequent question from parents. The short answer is: Yes, absolutely bring your kids to the pub for food.

The Irish Law

Irish licensing laws are clear:

• Curfew: Children under 15 must be off the premises by 9:00 PM (10:00 PM from May to September).
• Supervision: Children under 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Food Service: The pub must have a license to serve food, which nearly all do nowadays.

The Reality and Etiquette

• Timing is Key: Go early! Aim for dinner between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. This avoids the late-night rush and ensures you are comfortably done before the 9 PM deadline.
• Look for the Lounge: Pubs often have two sections: the front bar (for drinking/locals) and the lounge/snug area, which is usually quieter, has tables, and is where families congregate.
• Pub Grub: Pub menus usually offer excellent value and high-quality comfort food (stew, chowder, ham & chips).

2. The Search for the "Golden Amenities"

A genuinely family-friendly restaurant offers more than just a chicken nugget. Look for these four critical signs of success:

• Kids' Menu That Isn't Just Fries: The best places offer smaller portions of adult food (grilled salmon, pasta Bolognese) rather than just deep-fried fare.
• Space for Buggies: In medieval cities, space is precious. The best restaurants have room for your stroller and high chairs.
• Activity Sheets: Coloring sheets or activity packs buy parents 15 minutes of peace.
• Clean Changing Facilities: A reliable, clean bathroom with baby-changing facilities is non-negotiable for parents of infants and toddlers.

3. Top Family-Friendly Restaurants (Dublin)

Dublin offers everything from gourmet steakhouses with kids' menus to casual cafes.

• Thunder Road Café (Temple Bar): Located right in the heart of the action, this spot goes above and beyond, offering a dedicated Kids' Menu and Sunday Funday entertainment (face painting, magic shows). This makes it ideal after a visit to a nearby Best Things to Do in Dublin with Kids attraction.
• FIRE Steakhouse & Bar (Mansion House): Surprisingly, this upscale steakhouse is extremely family-friendly, offering large, round tables, a fun activity sheet, and a two- or three-course kids’ menu for excellent value. It’s perfect for a celebratory "nice" meal.
• Avoca Cafés (Various Locations): These are chain cafes known for their tasty, homemade, wholesome food (great salads, soups, and bakes) and dedicated children's menus. The Avoca at Malahide Castle is particularly popular due to the playground nearby.
• Neon (Camden Street): An excellent, fast-paced Asian street food spot that is relaxed, very kid-friendly, and offers fresh, non-fussy food.

4. Top Family-Friendly Restaurants (Galway & The West)

Galway's dining scene leans heavily on local produce, making it both healthy and delicious.

• Ground & Co (Salthill): Situated right on the promenade in Salthill, this is a modern cafe perfect before or after a walk along the water. It is pram-friendly, spacious, and offers quick service for families.
• The Creamery (Salthill): Also on the Promenade, this seaside café has an ice cream parlor attached—an instant win for kids! It’s perfect for a light lunch after a Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Galway adventure.
• Peggy's Bar & Restaurant (Claregalway): Located just outside the city, this is a prime example of a traditional, welcoming country pub with a large, bright dining area and crowd-pleasing, hearty food that works well for families.
• Basilico (Oranmore): This Italian spot is beloved in Galway for its warm hospitality and delicious, reliable Italian cuisine (pizza and pasta are always a hit).

5. The Pub Grub Winner: The Seafood Chowder

If you are struggling to find something on a menu, opt for the Irish classic that never fails: Seafood Chowder.

• Why it Works: It is creamy, thick, packed with fresh white fish and potatoes, and served with traditional brown bread. It’s a complete, nutritious meal in a bowl, perfect for warming up after a day of sightseeing.
• The Family Split: A large bowl of chowder and a side of chips can often be easily split between two smaller children.

6. Private Dining Solutions for Families

When traveling with a larger group (grandparents, siblings, etc.) or when seeking absolute quiet, the logistics of finding a single long table at 7 PM during peak season are difficult.

A private driver-guide or a good concierge (the same people who help you book Staying in Ireland: Best Family-Friendly Accommodations) often have established relationships that can secure large tables or, in some cases, private dining rooms.

• Accommodation Tip: Many of the best family-friendly B&Bs and hotels have large, relaxed dining rooms where early dinner is easy to arrange, making them a safer bet than downtown restaurants.

7. Why a Guide is Your "Dining Fixer"

In high-traffic areas like Dublin’s Dame Street or Galway's Latin Quarter, finding a free, spacious table during the dinner rush can waste valuable time and lead to a mid-trip meltdown.

A local guide saves the day:

1. Guaranteed Seating: They can call ahead using local contacts to confirm that a suitable, spacious table (with a high chair, if needed) is waiting for your family, eliminating the stressful "wait-and-hope" game.
2. Efficient Transport: After a full day of activity, the kids are tired. Your private driver takes you directly from your sightseeing location to the restaurant's door and then whisks you away before the 9 PM curfew—no arguing over who gets to drive or parking. (This is a huge benefit after managing the kids through a time shift with How to Handle Jet Lag and Time Zone Changes for Kids in Ireland).
3. Dietary Assurance: A guide can personally communicate severe allergies to the kitchen staff, ensuring your family's safety with no miscommunication.

Dine Like a Local, Relax Like a Tourist

Don't let the anxiety of dining out ruin your evening. Hire a local guide to book the best tables, communicate your needs, and manage the logistics, so you can focus on the food and the family.

Find a Family-Friendly Local Guide Now →