East Meets West Veg

Vegan Salads at a Tourist Stop in Ireland

Thinking that we may go to Scotland and Ireland only once and wanting to make the most of our time, we decided to join our first ever tour group. We traveled with CIE Tours and would highly recommend them. Having what is essentially a historian for each country and major city we visited was worth it alone. Our tour bus driver was Irish and trained in Irish history so he served as our Irish guide giving history, cultural information and current events along the way. While in Scotland, we had a Scottish guide join our group and while we rode along on our tour bus, he gave us the background on everything we were seeing and experiencing. There were also expert city guides for cities such as Edinburgh and Dublin.

Everything was planned for us. We knew that this would be very helpful, but also could be a bit of a problem because we normally plan our trips ahead of time around great vegan food options. We checked on vegetarian / vegan food options before booking the trip and they said that vegetarian / vegan meals can be arranged if you call the hotels (where most of your meals are eaten) ahead of time.

Lunches were on our own, but what we did not realize ahead of time is that sometimes lunches would be rushed and we would have limited options (as in maybe one place we could get food). In most places we were able to make it work, but sometimes we had to rely exclusively on the food we packed with us that morning or order an incomplete meal and add on to it from our own supplies. We definitely learned some survival strategies because Ireland and Scotland are not always vegan friendly. Check out my Top 10 Tips for Vegan Travel.

One travel stop (or whatever they call them over there) had quite a few options between a small food store and the cafeteria. We were pleasantly surprised to find all of these delicious salads. I am not sure exactly where this place is, but I do believe that it is a regular stop for tour groups and travelers.

Sweet potatoes, Potato Salad, Three Bean Salad, Rocket, Beet Salad

The beet salad was delicious - sweet with a bit of tart from the dressing and full of flavor, all around. While ordering, I was not sure if I really wanted so many salads, but I am glad I got to try them all. They were each distinct and flavorful.

Beet Salad, Asian Noodle Salad, Cucumber Poppy Seed Salad

Located in a super cute and hip part of Dublin, within walking distance of Trinity College, Cornucopia has a cool and laid-back vibe. The neighborhood was picture perfect!

On our way to Cornucopia

Cornucopia Wholefood & Vegetarian Restaurant Dublin, Ireland

Near Cornucopia Dublin, Ireland

Although Cornucopia is a casual dining restaurant, it has a homey feel. In fact, I did not feel like leaving. It felt like I was hanging out in the house of a friend who was an excellent and health-conscious cook.

The menu changes on a regular basis. Vegan and Gluten-Free items are clearly marked and, if you're not sure about something, you can ask the staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Knowing that I probably would not have another opportunity to eat at Cornucopia any time soon, I asked the staff for suggestions of what to get and I was not disappointed.

I have read other reviews of Cornucopia and some people complained that the restaurant is too popular and there is a long line and / or they found it difficult to find a seat. We were there just after the lunch time rush and had no trouble at all finding a seat and no line to wait in.

Cauliflower, Fennel and Puy Lentil Pie with Dill and Chervil Mash, Tomato and Rocket Salad, and Garlic Potatoes with Roasted Hazelnuts

You order at a sort of cafeteria counter, choosing your main dish from their specials of the day and two fresh salads. We had a delicious, hearty Shepherd's-Pie-like item called the Cauliflower, Fennel and Puy Lentil Pie with Dill and Chervil Mash. The Garlic Potatoes with Roasted Hazelnuts were mouthwatering and satisfied my craving for vegan potato salad. The Tomato and Rocket Salad (Rocket = Arugula for the Americans) was only ordered because I thought I needed some greens, not because I thought it would be particularly amazing, but it really was very tasty and I found myself craving it the next day. The olives and dressing gave the fresh veggies a burst of flavor.
After a few nights of dinners in hotels that did not quite know what to serve vegans (they tried their best and I am extremely grateful for that), getting this hearty, healthy, tasty food felt like such a treat.

Vegan Scone and Jam

Tea and Scone for Breakfast

I felt so good after eating this healthy food that I was literally running down the street, grinning from ear to ear.

I loved the beautiful, ornate street lights.

The most photographed door in Georgian Dublin. It is actually Edwardian.

Bustling Dublin street

Chilling sculpture in memory of the victims of the Great Famine

Starving person carrying a child over their shoulders

The sculpture was gifted by Canada

One of many Beautiful Irish pubs in and around Dublin

This picture was taken from the top of the Guinness Storehouse, which is surrounded by glass walls. Under the description of Trinity College, you can actually see Trinity College in the distance.

The Book of Kells, circa 800 AD, is an illuminated manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin, based on a Vulgate text. No photographs of the text were allowed.

Trinity College Library

So many beautiful, old books. This place is like a dream come true.

11th Century Greek homiliary

Brilliant colors created naturally

St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, founded 1191

Beautiful street in downtown Dublin

The ornate glass canopy atop ornamental pillar and wrought iron stonework of the Olympia Theater reminiscent of a Victorian Music Hall

Tours of the Guinness Storehouse are open to the public

Beer, beer, beer

They will teach you how to pull a perfect pint

The bar at the top of the Guinness Storehouse has the best view of Dublin

Outside the Guinness Storehouse

Yes, beer and whiskey all around

The Spire of Dublin (aka Monument of Light)

Pedestrian Street

There's something about Ireland that just makes you happy (and no, I'm not talking about the alcohol)