Irish Food Tourism
Connecting people with Ireland through its food, drink, landscapes, craft and the people behind them.
Anthony O’Toole works across food, hospitality, tourism, culture and place, helping people and destinations turn what makes them distinctive into meaningful experiences.
As one of Ireland’s notable food tourism champions, Anthony has spent many years working with farmers, producers, chefs, hoteliers, cultural organisations and destinations—developing experiences, connecting people and championing a food culture rooted in ingredients, landscape, heritage, craft and the people behind them.
He is regularly asked by journalists, travel operators, tourism bodies, hotels, award organisations, corporate clients and private groups to identify some of the most distinctive food, drink and hospitality experiences across the island of Ireland.
These requests range from recommending produce-led restaurants, visitable producers and lesser-known regional experiences for international media to curating private itineraries for couples, groups and corporate clients.
Anthony works independently and, where appropriate, draws on a trusted network of food, tourism, heritage and cultural specialists across Ireland. This collaboration brings regional knowledge, trusted relationships and first-hand insight to the recommendations he makes.
To support this work, Anthony maintains a trusted, independently curated list of the people, places and experiences he can recommend with confidence. With exciting new experiences continuing to emerge, he is now expanding that national resource.
What is he looking for?
Experiences that help people understand Ireland through its food, drink, culture and landscape.
That might mean tasting oysters beside the water where they were grown, sharing stories around a farmhouse kitchen table, walking through an orchard or walled garden, visiting a working farm, meeting a cheesemaker or discovering how cider, bread, sea salt, butter or black pudding are made.
It might also be a produce-led restaurant, cookery class, tasting, foraging experience, supper club, food or drink tour, or a small guesthouse where Irish craft, local produce and a memorable breakfast create a genuine sense of place. Food may also be combined with walking, cycling, art, craft, heritage or adventure.
Anthony takes a broad view of modern Irish food culture. It begins with the ingredients grown, reared, caught and made here, while also embracing the many cultures and traditions shaping how Ireland eats today—from boxty made with Irish potatoes to a Mexican cookery class or Italian supper centred around exceptional Irish ingredients.
A sense of place matters most
Experiences do not need to operate every day or throughout the year. They may be seasonal, small-scale, occasional or available only by private arrangement.
What matters is that they are welcoming, distinctive and rooted in their place. Some may be newly launched or still in development.
If an experience gives visitors meaningful access to a person, place, ingredient, craft or story, Anthony would like to hear about it.
A few things to note
Completing the form is simply a first introduction. It helps Anthony understand what the experience involves, where and when it takes place, who it is suitable for and what makes it distinctive. A polished brochure or formal presentation is not required—clear, current information is enough.
This is an independently curated resource, not a paid listing or an open directory. It may inform recommendations and introductions for journalists, travel operators, tourism bodies, award organisations and private clients, as well as future editorial features, regional guides, curated collections and related projects.
Every submission is considered on its own merits. Submitting an experience does not guarantee inclusion, recommendation, editorial coverage or a place in any future guide or project.
If an experience appears to be a good fit, Anthony may get in touch to ask for further information, arrange a conversation or explore a possible visit.
Wherever possible, Anthony prefers to understand an experience first-hand before recommending it. If a launch, media preview, travel-trade visit or other opportunity to experience it is planned, this can be mentioned in the form.
Experiences naturally change and develop. Businesses are always welcome to keep Anthony informed of new ideas, seasonal offerings and important updates.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to understand a place, tell its stories and create experiences people remember.”
— Anthony O'Toole
Have a question?
The form is the best way to share an experience and ensures Anthony receives all the information he needs.
If you are unsure whether your experience is a fit, or have a question before submitting, feel free to get in touch.
