I’ve fallen in love, something that’s never happened before – but not with a person, and instead with a place. I’ve never felt like I’ve been home before, but if there truly are places we’re meant to be then Ireland is that place for me. Everything about it still calls to me – the people, the scenery, environment, culture – but oh my god the food. The mother fucking food. Now that’s something that’s definitely worth talking about. Even though it’s almost been a half a year since I went for preview, I can still recall the details from Dublin like it was yesterday.
Every single meal I had there was nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. I know there’s a stereotype that Europeans have bland food compared to other cultures (which is definitely true), but my god was it some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Yeah there were a lot of potatoes, but each dish was seasoned and to be savored and eaten in an entirely different way. There were tons of fish, lamb, and beef (oh my god the amounts of beef); but closely followed and accompanied were droves of vegetables the likes of which you’ve never tasted before.
A shot of the outer wall gatehouse of Trim castle.
One of the first things I ate there was fish and chips at a local pub, Quays to be exact. Honestly, the best choice I’ve ever made. The fish was caught freshly from the ocean and the fries were hand prepped for every order. The best part is that it wasn’t oily at all; in fact, it was rather salty, especially with the vinegar. Let me tell ya, if you haven’t had fish and chips with salt and vinegar, then you haven’t lived before. I’ve had fish and chips countless times here in the states, but nothing can compare to the real thing over there.
One of the various fish and chips I had.
Another good one was bangers and mash; the substance of which included mashed potatoes, sweet sausages, all topped with a glorious gravy based with Guinness beer. The literal smoothness of this meal was insane, I was so full after eating this I thought I was gonna pop. One thing I will say though is that it didn’t upset my stomach one bit (more on that later), so props to the chef.
The aforementioned bangers and mash.
Thinking back as well, each place I visited had a different taste to them, even if I had the same dish. For example, the fish and chips I had in Dublin compared to the small fishing town Howth I visited was extreme. It felt like the flavor was almost enhanced somehow, but it does make sense since it was a small fishing town and their specialty is fish.
A view from the mountaintop of Howth.
Honestly, it would be a shame if I didn’t mention my food allergies throughout all this. You see, I’m very allergic to colored peppers, as well as various other vegetables. I even have allergies to some nuts and fruits. However, over in Ireland, I was eating a salad and didn’t realize that there were foods I was allergic to in it. I only saw the specific vegetables after taking a bite, but to my surprise, I had zero allergic reactions. I remember calling over the waiter, and asking where the food was sourced – to which he told me everything was either locally harvested or imported from Irish farms. After further consideration, I’ve decided that this definitely has to do with how America grows and produces food. We use so many pesticides and other chemicals over here, that must be what I’m allergic to, and not the food. I literally enjoyed so many foods over there that I hadn’t been able to enjoy in years.
I got my first taste abroad in the form of Ireland, and oh my fucking god, it was absolutely incredible. I felt like I was in Middle Earth; the scenery felt as if it were out of a book. People danced around me in lively droves, laughter filling the air and the smell of fine wine and dining mixed in with rain on nearby air.
Later this year in the second semester, I plan on returning to Ireland for study abroad. As I write this, my application to Maynooth University is under review to be approved. I hope that I can soon go back to the place I fell in love with, and be able to re-experience the things I did before (but especially the food). Until next time guys.
A beer in Howth; cheers.
All image credit to Anna Stevens.
