What is a Full Irish Breakfast?

If there’s one thing that can set you up for the day in Ireland, it’s a Full Irish Breakfast. A hearty plate piled high with sizzling rashers, juicy sausages, crispy black and white pudding, eggs, beans, and plenty more, it’s the ultimate way to start your morning (or recover after a big night out in Temple Bar!).

This breakfast isn’t just food; it’s a tradition. Passed down through generations, it has long been a staple in Irish homes, cafés, and pubs, offering warmth, comfort, and a proper Irish welcome.

In this blog, we’re diving into everything you need to know about this famous feast, its history, the key ingredients, variations, and, of course, where to find the best one in Dublin.

Where Did the Full Irish Breakfast Come From?

The Full Irish Breakfast has been around for centuries, and was originally enjoyed by Irish farmers who needed a hearty and filling meal to get ready for a long day of work ahead. Back then, making a Full Irish was all about using fresh, local ingredients, sausages and rashers from the family farm, eggs straight from the coop, and bread baked fresh in the morning.

Over time though, the Full Irish Breakfast turned into a tradition and a real symbol of Irish hospitality, a way to welcome guests with a warm plate and a full belly. And let’s not forget the other important role of the Full Irish Breakfast: it’s the ultimate cure for a night out! After an evening of great craic in Temple Bar, there’s nothing better than a Full Irish to set you right again.

What Makes Up a Full Irish Breakfast?

Here’s what you’ll typically find on your plate when you order a proper Full Irish Breakfast:

Rashers (Bacon): Thick-cut, slightly crispy, and full of flavour Irish rashers are different from streaky bacon – meatier, juicier, and always satisfying.
Sausages: No Full Irish is complete without at least two plump Irish pork sausages, fried until golden brown.
Black & White Pudding: Pudding is a uniquely Irish addition! Black pudding (made with oats, spices, and blood) and white pudding (without the blood) are essential addition to the plate.
Fried Eggs: Cooked to perfection, usually sunny-side up, with a golden yolk just waiting to be dipped into!
Baked Beans: A little sweetness and sauciness to balance out the salty goodness of the rest of the breakfast.
Grilled Tomato: A simple, juicy addition that brings a touch of freshness.
Mushrooms: Usually fried in butter for a rich, umami taste.
Toast or Soda Bread: White toast or traditional Irish soda bread to mop up every last bit.
Hash Browns or Fried Potatoes: Some versions of the Full Irish Breakfast add crispy hash browns or pan-fried potatoes for extra comfort.
Tea or Coffee: No breakfast in Ireland is complete without a strong cup of Irish tea or freshly brewed coffee.

It’s a feast fit for a king (or anyone looking to fuel up for a day of exploring Dublin!).

While the traditional Full Irish Breakfast follows a well-loved recipe, there are plenty of variations depending on where you are in Ireland and personal preference. Some places offer a lighter version of the Full Irish, cutting down on portion sizes while still delivering the essential Irish flavours. More restaurants are also serving up vegetarian and vegan alternatives, replacing the meaty staples with delicious plant-based sausages, grilled avocado, and Irish veggie puddings.

Best Places to Get a Full Irish Breakfast in Dublin

If you’re visiting Dublin, having a proper Full Irish is a must. While we don’t serve the Full Irish in The Temple Bar Pub, we can recommend some of our favourite spots that do serve up this iconic meal.

Here are some of the best places to grab a Full Irish Breakfast in Dublin:

The Woollen Mills
Keogh Cafe
Bewley’s Cafe
Lovinspoon
Brother Hubbard

Wherever you decide to have you’re Full Irish Breakfast, be sure to enjoy it enjoyed properly. First and foremost, come hungry! This isn’t a light breakfast; it’s a proper feast meant to keep you full for hours. No breakfast in Ireland is complete without a strong cup of Irish tea or a fresh coffee, so be sure to add one to your order. And remember, don’t be afraid to try everything, even if black or white pudding seems unfamiliar, it’s a staple of the dish and packed with flavour – trust us!

A Full Irish isn’t meant to be rushed, so sit back and enjoy every bite, and if you’re feeling a little too full afterward, a walk along the River Liffey or through Temple Bar or St. Stephen’s Green is the perfect way to round off the experience!

Thank you for reading our blog ‘What is a Full Irish Breakfast?’. We hope to see you at The Temple Bar Pub soon.