Overview
Eating out in Ireland
Irish hospitality is built around the pub, which in most towns is also the place to eat. Alongside it, Ireland has a strong food scene based on local beef, lamb, dairy and seafood, with farmers' markets and producers named proudly on menus.
Tourism is a large part of the trade: visitors from the US, the UK and mainland Europe fill pubs and restaurants from spring to autumn. Menus have to serve them and regulars equally, and written allergen rules make clear, accurate menus a legal need, not just good service.
Dining culture
Dining habits in Ireland that shape the menu
Allergens in writing
Irish rules require allergen information for food that is not prepacked to be provided in writing. A menu that lists allergens per dish covers it in one place.
Pub food and carvery
Many pubs serve carvery lunches and a separate evening menu. Switching between a lunch and an evening catalog keeps both clear for guests.
Local produce on the menu
Guests like to know where the beef, cheese or oysters come from. A short line in the description does the job without crowding a printed card.
Menu rules
What a menu in Ireland has to show
Ireland applies the EU list of 14 allergens and, unlike some EU countries, requires allergen information for non-prepacked food to be given in writing — on the menu, a chalkboard, a leaflet or a digital menu, as long as guests can see it before they order. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) publishes guidance on how to present it.
Menu prices must include VAT, and if a service charge is added it should be stated clearly on the menu. When food comes from outside suppliers, keep ingredient specifications up to date so the allergen labels stay accurate.
Check the current rules
This is a practical summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the details with your local food safety authority before you publish.
Languages
Which menu languages to publish in Ireland
English is the language of everyday dining in Ireland, so it is the default menu language. For visitors, Spanish, French, German and Italian cover the largest groups of European tourists, and all of them are available as extra menu languages in ListoQ.
Suggested order of menu languages
- 1
English - 2
Español - 3
Français - 4
Deutsch - 5
Italiano
How languages work in ListoQ
Each menu has a default language plus any extra languages you add. You translate item names and descriptions per language; allergen labels and dietary tags come from built-in lists and appear translated automatically. Guests switch language on the menu page itself.
Cities
City guides in Ireland
With ListoQ
How ListoQ runs your QR menu in Ireland
One QR code that never needs reprinting
ListoQ gives each venue a permanent QR code and link. Change a price or a dish of the day and guests in Ireland see it the moment you publish.
The 14 EU allergens on every dish
Tag allergens and vegetarian or vegan options per item in ListoQ, so the information guests ask about is on the menu instead of in a folder behind the bar.
Import the menu you already have
AI import in ListoQ reads a PDF, Excel, Word file or photo into a draft. You review it, add your languages and publish when it is ready.
FAQ
Questions from venues in Ireland
- Does a QR menu meet Ireland's written allergen rule?
- It can, if every dish shows its allergens and guests can see them before ordering. In ListoQ you tag the 14 allergens per item. Keep a printed copy for guests who cannot use a phone.
- Which language should an Irish menu use by default?
- English. Set it as the default menu language in ListoQ and add Spanish, French, German or Italian for visitors when your season brings them in.
- Can I run a lunch and an evening menu?
- Yes. A venue can hold up to 10 catalogs. Keep lunch and dinner as separate catalogs and set the one you need as active.
- How long does it take to set up?
- AI import in ListoQ turns a PDF, Excel or Word file, or a photo of your menu, into a draft in a few minutes. You check it, tag allergens and publish.
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