The Irish Food Report #8
The Rusty Mackerel, Slieve League, Donegal
Magnetti’s, Salthill, Galway
Shaku Maku, Rathmines, Dublin
This week I had incredible seafood in the Donegal mountains, warmed up with a post-swim Italian sandwich in Salthill, and had the best Middle-Eastern food in Ireland via Palestine in Dublin.
The Rusty Mackerel - The perfect Irish pub in the Donegal mountains
https://www.instagram.com/therustymackerel/?hl=en
Food 8/10
Vibe 9/10
Value 9/10
After a fresh and windy hike up Slieve League, or a cold swim on Silver Strand beach, there’s nothing more needed to bring warmth to your bones than a wood fire in a pub with some fresh seafood.
The Rusty Mackerel is a must if you’re in the area and a much-loved venue of locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. The atmosphere is lively, the room is warm and inviting, the staff are friendly, and the food is great.
A seafood chowder with some Guinness and a fish and chips went down a treat as I felt my cold feet warmed by the fire.
Magnetti’s - A traditional Italian deli by the sea in Galway
https://www.instagram.com/magnettis/
Food 9/10
Vibe 7/10
Value 8/10
Following a swim at the nearby Salthill diving board, on a particularly chilly afternoon, we needed some hot food to heat us up and Magnetti’s was the perfect spot for that.
Magnetti’s is a traditional Italian deli serving pizza, pasta, fresh sandwiches, and more. All with a beautiful view of Galway bay. Their pastas, 72-hour matured pizza doughs, and breads are made fresh in-house.
The sandwich selection caught our eye and we went for the chicken, pancetta, and pesto. A beautiful sandwich enjoyed with delicious coffee. Exactly what we needed.
Shaku Maku - Incredible Palestinian food in Dublin
https://www.instagram.com/shakumakudublin/?hl=en
Food 10/10
Vibe 9/10
Value 9/10
This is the best Middle Eastern food I have eaten in Ireland, and lately I’ve been trying quite a few places. Every single dish was beautifully packed with flavour, made fresh, and left me wanting more.
We arrived very hungry and ordered a lot of plates to share. The hummus was so creamy and came with great pita bread for dipping. The baba ghanoush was amazing. The crispy seven spice chicken rolls with garlic dip were perfectly cooked. My personal favourite was the cauliflower fritters smothered in tahini. Another highlight was the Lamb Beajin “pizza” with ground lamb mixed with tomatoes, red peppers, onions, pomegranate seeds, and rocket leaves. If only we could have ordered the entire menu.
Beyond the amazing food at Shaku Maku, the room itself is very casual and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed date, a midweek treat, or a chilled celebration. The staff are very friendly and the value is great.
I’ll be back in a hurry to Shaku Maku.
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