Stepping into McCarthy’s Irish Bar is like entering a vibrant slice of Ireland right in the heart of the city. Known for its warm ambiance and friendly atmosphere, McCarthy’s has crafted a menu that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist.
Whether you’re craving hearty, comforting dishes or light, flavorful bites, the menu promises a rich culinary journey that honors Ireland’s deep-rooted food heritage. From classic stews to freshly brewed pints paired with savory snacks, every item is designed to create an authentic dining experience that transports guests to the Emerald Isle.
The menu at McCarthy’s Irish Bar showcases a careful balance of rustic flavors and contemporary flair. Ingredients are sourced thoughtfully, with a focus on quality and tradition, ensuring that each plate tells a story.
The bar’s food offerings complement its extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, stouts, and craft beers, making it a perfect destination for both food lovers and beverage connoisseurs. Whether visiting for a casual meal or a lively night out, patrons will find a menu that celebrates Ireland’s culinary richness in every bite.
Classic Starters and Appetizers
The starters at McCarthy’s set the tone for a memorable dining experience. These dishes offer a perfect blend of traditional Irish flavors and inventive pairings, designed to awaken the palate and prepare diners for the main course.
The appetizers are thoughtfully crafted, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and classic techniques.
One standout is the Irish Smoked Salmon, served with soda bread and a tangy dill sauce. This dish pays homage to Ireland’s coastal heritage, delivering a delicate balance of smoky and fresh flavors.
Another favorite is the Potato Cakes, golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, flavorful interior, often paired with a creamy herb dip.
The bar also offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly options, such as the Champ Croquettes, made from mashed potatoes, spring onions, and cheddar cheese. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing and pair wonderfully with a pint of Guinness.
Popular Starters Highlight
- Irish Smoked Salmon with soda bread and dill sauce
- Potato Cakes with herb dip
- Champ Croquettes – vegetarian mashed potato bites
- Black and White Pudding served with mustard sauce
“Our appetizers are designed to offer an authentic taste of Ireland’s finest ingredients, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.” – Head Chef, McCarthy’s Irish Bar
Hearty Main Courses
The main courses at McCarthy’s Irish Bar embody the heart and soul of Irish cooking. Rich, comforting, and full of flavor, these dishes are perfect for those looking to indulge in traditional fare with a contemporary touch.
The menu offers a diverse range of options, catering to meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Among the most beloved mains is the Irish Stew, a slow-cooked masterpiece of tender lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Another signature dish is the Beef and Guinness Pie, where succulent beef is enveloped in a flaky pastry crust seasoned with the iconic Irish stout.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Grilled Salmon Fillet with lemon butter sauce provides a fresh and vibrant alternative, showcasing Ireland’s rich seafood tradition. Each main course is thoughtfully paired with seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Main Course Variety
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Irish Stew | Lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions | Rich, hearty, savory | Dry Irish Red Ale |
| Beef and Guinness Pie | Beef, Guinness stout, pastry | Robust, malty, flaky | Guinness Draught |
| Grilled Salmon Fillet | Fresh salmon, lemon butter | Light, citrusy, buttery | Chardonnay or Irish Lager |
Traditional Sides and Accompaniments
Complementing the main dishes are the traditional sides at McCarthy’s, each crafted to enhance flavors and add texture to the meal. These sides often draw from classic Irish culinary staples, ensuring authenticity and satisfaction.
One of the most popular sides is the Colcannon, a comforting mash of potatoes, cabbage, and scallions, seasoned lightly with butter and cream. This dish pairs well with any meat or fish entrée, adding a smooth and hearty note.
Another favorite is the Champ, mashed potatoes enriched with spring onions and butter, offering a creamy yet subtly tangy flavor.
Vegetable medleys featuring carrots, peas, and parsnips are also commonly served, providing freshness and color to the plate. The use of seasonal, locally grown produce is a hallmark of the bar’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Key Sides at McCarthy’s
- Colcannon – mashed potatoes with cabbage and scallions
- Champ – creamy mashed potatoes with spring onions
- Seasonal Vegetable Medley – carrots, peas, parsnips
- Irish Soda Bread – freshly baked and served warm
“Our sides are more than just accompaniments; they’re essential components that bring the meal to life.” – McCarthy’s Culinary Team
Signature Drinks and Irish Beverages
No Irish bar experience is complete without a carefully curated drink menu, and McCarthy’s excels in this area. The bar offers an extensive selection of traditional Irish drinks, from robust stouts to smooth whiskeys, each chosen to enhance the flavors of the food menu.
The star of the beverage list is undoubtedly the Guinness Draught, poured with precision to create the perfect creamy head and rich taste. Alongside it, a range of Irish whiskeys such as Jameson, Redbreast, and Bushmills offer varied tasting notes, from spicy and robust to sweet and mellow.
For those who prefer cocktails, McCarthy’s bartenders craft classic Irish cocktails like the Irish Coffee and the Whiskey Sour, as well as innovative house specials that incorporate local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Popular Drinks at McCarthy’s
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile | Best Food Pairing |
| Guinness Draught | Stout beer | Rich, creamy, slightly bitter | Beef and Guinness Pie |
| Jameson Whiskey | Triple-distilled Irish whiskey | Smooth, light, fruity | Irish Stew |
| Irish Coffee | Whiskey, coffee, cream, sugar | Sweet, warming, creamy | Potato Cakes |
“Our beverage selection is crafted to complement our food menu and bring a true taste of Ireland to every guest.” – Bar Manager, McCarthy’s Irish Bar
Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings
While Irish cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, McCarthy’s Irish Bar embraces inclusivity by offering a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These options cater to diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the spirit of Irish cooking.
The Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie replaces the traditional lamb filling with a hearty mix of lentils, mushrooms, and root vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians for its rich texture and satisfying taste.
Additionally, the menu features a Vegan Irish Stew, crafted with seasonal vegetables and herbs to create a deeply flavorful broth.
Salads and lighter fare such as the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad offer fresh, vibrant options. These dishes highlight McCarthy’s commitment to using fresh, local produce and creative culinary techniques to appeal to all palates.
Vegetarian and Vegan Highlights
- Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie with lentils and root vegetables
- Vegan Irish Stew with seasonal vegetables and herbs
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- Champ Croquettes – vegetarian mashed potato bites
“We believe that Irish hospitality should be accessible to everyone, and our vegetarian and vegan dishes reflect that philosophy.” – Head Chef, McCarthy’s
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert offerings at McCarthy’s Irish Bar provide a perfect conclusion to the meal, combining traditional Irish sweets with contemporary indulgences. Each dessert is crafted to delight the senses and showcase the rich flavors of Irish ingredients like cream, butter, and apples.
The Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake is a standout, blending the smoothness of cream cheese with the subtle sweetness of Baileys, resting on a buttery biscuit base. Another beloved dessert is the Apple Tart, made with locally sourced apples and served warm with vanilla ice cream.
The menu also features a classic Sticky Toffee Pudding, drenched in a rich toffee sauce and served with whipped cream or ice cream. These desserts pair wonderfully with a cup of Irish coffee or a glass of dessert wine, creating a satisfying end to any meal.
Dessert Favorites
- Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake
- Warm Apple Tart with vanilla ice cream
- Sticky Toffee Pudding with toffee sauce
- Traditional Irish Soda Bread Pudding with custard
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Suggested Drink |
| Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake | Cream cheese, Baileys, biscuit base | Creamy, smooth, crumbly | Irish Coffee |
| Warm Apple Tart | Apples, pastry, vanilla ice cream | Soft, flaky, cold cream | Sweet Riesling |
| Sticky Toffee Pudding | Dates, toffee sauce, cream | Dense, moist, rich | Port Wine |
Seasonal and Special Menus
McCarthy’s Irish Bar prides itself on offering seasonal specials that highlight the freshest ingredients available throughout the year. These rotating menus celebrate Irish festivals, holidays, and local harvests, providing guests with unique dishes beyond the standard offerings.
During St. Patrick’s Day, for example, the bar features a special Irish Breakfast Platter including sausages, rashers, black pudding, eggs, and soda bread, bringing the festive spirit to life.
Winter months see the introduction of warming dishes like Spiced Cider Glazed Ham and hearty root vegetable soups.
These specials give regular visitors exciting reasons to return and explore new tastes, underscoring McCarthy’s commitment to innovation while respecting tradition.
Examples of Seasonal Specials
- St. Patrick’s Day Irish Breakfast Platter
- Winter Spiced Cider Glazed Ham
- Autumn Root Vegetable Soup with soda bread
- Summer Seafood Chowder featuring fresh catch
“Our seasonal menus capture the rhythm of Ireland’s seasons, ensuring every visit offers something new and exciting.” – Seasonal Menu Coordinator
Conclusion
McCarthy’s Irish Bar Menu is a masterful showcase of Ireland’s rich culinary traditions, presented with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of modern creativity. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to deliver an experience that is both comforting and exciting, inviting guests to savor the depth of Irish flavors from the first bite to the last sip.
Whether indulging in a hearty Irish stew, sampling a perfectly poured Guinness, or finishing with a decadent Baileys cheesecake, diners can trust that every item on the menu reflects a dedication to quality and genuine Irish hospitality.
The balance between classic dishes and innovative specials ensures that McCarthy’s remains a dynamic dining destination, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and inclusive options like vegetarian and vegan dishes further underscores the bar’s focus on creating a welcoming environment for all.
For those seeking a true taste of Ireland — whether in a casual or celebratory setting — McCarthy’s Irish Bar Menu stands as a testament to the enduring allure and delicious diversity of Irish cuisine.
