Vegan Ireland

[Blueberries]

(mods feel free to remove this post if its not allowed)

hey, we are trying to network and get vegan FB pages up for each county in ireland so we can try to connect vegans with other vegans here and organize some concrete advocacy/activism, so please join us! It seems we are sparse here in this country and many of us feeling isolated from any sort of concrete face-to-face interactions with other vegans, so we are trying to rectify that

thanks

kaybee

Hi Kaybee, that sounds like a really good idea. You're right that we are a little bit sparse but new vegan groups are popping up around the country. There are a few of us around this forum but I suppose if you put something up on the FB page of the Vegan Society of Ireland you might reach more of us Irish vegans

[Blueberries]

Heya all, I'm planning a trip to Galway city and am wondering where are the best places to eat veganly! I know that with health-food shops and supermarkets I'll be grand, but I was wondering if there are restaurants/take-aways with vegan options that I must try! Thanks

[DavidT]

Heya all, I'm planning a trip to Galway city and am wondering where are the best places to eat veganly! I know that with health-food shops and supermarkets I'll be grand, but I was wondering if there are restaurants/take-aways with vegan options that I must try! Thanks

Barry is your man. Maybe pm him?

More information required by a Cork vegan - she's looking for a nutritionist living and working in Ireland who is (or ought to be) vegan.

And a more difficult one - she'd also like to talk to an Irish vet who would be sympathetic to the vegan viewpoint, particularly as regards cruel practices in farming. Come to think of it, so would I! Any tips welcome.

[Barry]

Heya all, I'm planning a trip to Galway city and am wondering where are the best places to eat veganly! I know that with health-food shops and supermarkets I'll be grand, but I was wondering if there are restaurants/take-aways with vegan options that I must try! Thanks

Just saw this cause I rarely come here these days so sorry if this is a bit late blueberries.

La Salsa - Vegan Burrito and other stuff that can be veganised. I find it a bit hit and miss but some people love it.

Kashmir - Deadly Indian, maybe the best I've been to in Ireland (and I've been in a lot!). Most of the veggie menu can be veganised, the staff are very clued in.

Tulsi - Same as above but not as good.

Golden Rickshaw - Basic but nice chinese food, most of the veggie stuff is vegan if you ask for it.

Da Tang - Really nice noodle house, most of the veggie stuff is vegan.

Food for thought - wholefood type of place, not really my cup of tea but it's quite popular.

There's a fairly long-winded post I wrote about galway vegan food somewhere in this thread too if you can find it.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

EDIT: some of this may be a bit out of date cause I've been away from there for a year and Galway seems to be changing quite rapidly in terms of restaurants/take-aways from what I gather.

[Blueberries]

Just saw this cause I rarely come here these days so sorry if this is a bit late blueberries.

La Salsa - Vegan Burrito and other stuff that can be veganised. I find it a bit hit and miss but some people love it.

Kashmir - Deadly Indian, maybe the best I've been to in Ireland (and I've been in a lot!). Most of the veggie menu can be veganised, the staff are very clued in.

Tulsi - Same as above but not as good.

Golden Rickshaw - Basic but nice chinese food, most of the veggie stuff is vegan if you ask for it.

Da Tang - Really nice noodle house, most of the veggie stuff is vegan.

Food for thought - wholefood type of place, not really my cup of tea but it's quite popular.

There's a fairly long-winded post I wrote about galway vegan food somewhere in this thread too if you can find it.

If I think of anything else I'll post it.

EDIT: some of this may be a bit out of date cause I've been away from there for a year and Galway seems to be changing quite rapidly in terms of restaurants/take-aways from what I gather.

Thanks for the list Barry I'll let you know how I get on, I'll be looking out for those places! Are they all within the city? How're you getting on here in dirty aul' Dublin?

[Blueberries]

Barry is your man. Maybe pm him?

More information required by a Cork vegan - she's looking for a nutritionist living and working in Ireland who is (or ought to be) vegan.

And a more difficult one - she'd also like to talk to an Irish vet who would be sympathetic to the vegan viewpoint, particularly as regards cruel practices in farming. Come to think of it, so would I! Any tips welcome.

Unfortunately I've no advice but if I come across anything I'll let you know.

[Barry]

Thanks for the list Barry I'll let you know how I get on, I'll be looking out for those places! Are they all within the city? How're you getting on here in dirty aul' Dublin?

Seeing as Galway is pretty much just one main street, they're all within about 5-10 minutes of each other in the city centre, can't miss 'em!

I love Dublin, can't see myself leaving anytime soon, in fact I haven't been home for months!

[Blueberries]

I love Dublin, can't see myself leaving anytime soon, in fact I haven't been home for months!

Dublin has its charms all right, I'm glad you're enjoying it

[DavidT]

I love Dublin, can't see myself leaving anytime soon, in fact I haven't been home for months!

Go on then Barry - a quick list of your Dublin goodies for us culchies, please!

[Barry]

Hmm, let me see David. There's the obvious ones like Cornucopia - which I've really come to enjoy since I was doing a bit of work in the area and ended up having lunch there a lot, the soup and salad special is great, and also Juice restaurant - I find it a bit over-rated, had brunch there recently and it wasn't great, the scrambled tofu was nice but the mushrooms were anemic watery things , a big no-no in my book!

I really like Maloti on South William Street, it does fairly high-end Indian food and is a touch pricey but the food is really very good.

Madina at the end of Henry Street -Masala Dosa! And a really good masala dosa too!

Yamamori - Asian/Japanese food, really like it but the staff are a bit confused about what is ok for vegans and what isn't. I've had different staff members tell me conflicting things on the two occasions I've been there.

I'm on the hunt for a proper vegan-friendly Thai green curry if anyone can help me out, all the Thai restaurants I've emailed have said they can't make it without fish sauce. There's a chinese place on Manor Street near where I live that does it, but it wasn't that nice...

I'll post more places I've eaten in Dublin as and when they occur to me, that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[DavidT]

Useful information, Barry, should I ever have a compelling reason to visit the Pale, which I actively work on not having.

It struck me that your answer to my request looks like the only reason you stay in Dublin is because of...FOOD! A good enough reason, I suppose.

Sláinte

[Barry]

Useful information, Barry, should I ever have a compelling reason to visit the Pale, which I actively work on not having.

It struck me that your answer to my request looks like the only reason you stay in Dublin is because of...FOOD! A good enough reason, I suppose.

Sláinte

That's a pretty fair assessment! Most days it's the only reason I get out of bed . Have a wedding in Galway tomorrow and I'm dreading it cause I've no idea what I'll get...

Also I think this is blueberries cue to come in with the inside scoop and tell both of us culchies exactly where we really should be eating in Dublin!

[Blueberries]

Also I think this is Blueberries cue to come in with the inside scoop and tell both of us culchies exactly where we really should be eating in Dublin!

Haha, I'm afraid I don't often eat outside me kitchen these days! Café Irie and Itsa Bagel are places with good vegan options that aren't really mentioned very much. Apart from that I can't really think of anywhere.

Have a wedding in Galway tomorrow and I'm dreading it cause I've no idea what I'll get...

I was at a wedding pretty soon after going vegan, the caterers weren't too bad, I think I got a pasta+tomato sauce kinda affair. Basic but good when you're starving!

[Barry]

Ended up getting a veggie stir-fry which was surprisingly nice if a little cliched. Had melon for a starter and sorbet for dessert too, so a pretty good showing all round!

[Jaxx]

Vegan Ireland: The Vegan Society of Ireland

Check them out.

www.veganireland.org
vegansireland@gmail.com

The aims and objectives of Vegan Ireland: the Vegan Society of Ireland are as follows:

• To offer support and information to people interested in veganism.
• To promote and increase awareness of veganism as a just, healthy and environmentally-beneficial lifestyle choice.
• To raise awareness of the rights violations and exploitation involved with the production of animal based products.
• To research information relevant to a vegan lifestyle and where appropriate to publish this information.
• To lobby for manufacturers to use non-animal based materials in their products.
• To support and promote real science and reject vivisection on moral and scientific grounds
• To promote respect towards all animals, human or nonhuman, and the environment by appropriate means.
• To develop and maintain positive relationships with organisations with compatible aims and objectives to Vegan Ireland: the Vegan Society of Ireland.

[Roger Yates]

Vegan Ireland: The Vegan Society of Ireland

Check them out.

www.veganireland.org
vegansireland@gmail.com

The aims and objectives of Vegan Ireland: the Vegan Society of Ireland are as follows:

• To offer support and information to people interested in veganism.
• To promote and increase awareness of veganism as a just, healthy and environmentally-beneficial lifestyle choice.
• To raise awareness of the rights violations and exploitation involved with the production of animal based products.
• To research information relevant to a vegan lifestyle and where appropriate to publish this information.
• To lobby for manufacturers to use non-animal based materials in their products.
• To support and promote real science and reject vivisection on moral and scientific grounds
• To promote respect towards all animals, human or nonhuman, and the environment by appropriate means.
• To develop and maintain positive relationships with organisations with compatible aims and objectives to Vegan Ireland: the Vegan Society of Ireland.

Vegan Ireland also has a FB page: http://www.facebook.com/VeganIreland

RY

[cheerip]

Anywhere to buy vegan shoes in Dublin?

[cheerip]

Anywhere in the country for that matter...

[Blueberries]

Anywhere to buy vegan shoes in Dublin?

I don't think there's anywhere that specialises in vegan shoes in Dublin but its worth just going to shoe shops and looking for good quality non-leather shoes. My faux-suede fuzzy-lined winter boots are from Shoe Rack, which have a branch on Wicklow St. If you'd prefer your shoes to have an official vegan certification you're better off going online.

[Barry]

I used to buy some footwear from the hemp shop on Capel Street, haven't been there in ages but I presume it's still there. If it's proper shoe-type shoes, as opposed to casual-wear you want, I think you're out of luck. I generally just do the same as Blueberries, and I stumbled across a brand-new pair of vegan Adidas for ten bucks in Oxfam recently - result!

[Barry]

I've never been a huge fan of Cafe Fresh in the powerscourt centre, but I have to say their new salad bar is awesome, and very reasonably priced too.

[Blueberries]

I've never been a huge fan of Cafe Fresh in the powerscourt centre, but I have to say their new salad bar is awesome, and very reasonably priced too.

Thanks for the tip Barry, will have to check it out! I'm like you, I've never really been a fan of Café Fresh, but I'm willing to change my mind for good food!

[DavidT]

Hi, guys and gals in Ireland and HNY.

I'm part of a veggie group here in county Clare. We're working on getting restaurants to think more about veg*nism. Slow going but a couple of successes!

We have a monthly gathering, either at an eatery which is happy to learn stuff and to accommodate us, or have a BYOFood night. People travel quite a distance sometimes, so if you want to come along (usually first Thursday each month) then send me a PM and I'll give you more details.

[Blueberries]

Was just thinking, fellow Dublin forum-ers, how about a real-life vegan forum meetup sometime?

[Barry]

I definitely would be up for it Blueberries. I'm a bit swamped at the minute though, I was away for christmas and now I'm catching up on about a months worth of work!

Also, are there any other Dubliners who use this forum?

[Blueberries]

I definitely would be up for it Blueberries. I'm a bit swamped at the minute though, I was away for christmas and now I'm catching up on about a months worth of work!

Also, are there any other Dubliners who use this forum?

That's grand, no bother! I think there are another one or two lurking around...

[Gwydion]

You guys will just have to come to London and make it a big one instead

[diy-girlie]

I'm living in Dublin!!

[Blueberries]

I'm living in Dublin!!

See Barry, there are others . You up for a meetup sometime diy-girlie?

[DavidT]

Too far for me; I'm in Clare. But take it from me, it's worth forming/joining a veggie group - I've made some absolutely gorgeous friends, lovely people, and eaten some quite amazing food, since the group started here.

Life as a vegan (and to a lesser extent as a veggie) can be lonely in Ireland; there's defo. strength in numbers.

Good luck to youse.

[DavidT]

Hi guys again

Our county Clare veggie group is having a meeting, sorry, gathering on Thurs 2nd Feb 2012 in Shannon Tandoori, Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon. It is an Indian restaurant and they are very happy to accommodate vegans and use veg ghee or vegetable oil for cooking instead of the butter ghee.

Posting here may not generate any more numbers directly for our group but please keep us in mind!! http://clareveggroup.blogspot.com/

[diy-girlie]

Sorry Blueberries I'm only seeing your reply now. Sounds good

[Blueberries]

Sorry Blueberries I'm only seeing your reply now. Sounds good

Good, good . All when're all the Dubs and people within travelling distance of Dublin up for a meetup? I'm terrible of organising things

[DavidT]

We had a good night in Shannon Tandoori on the 2nd February 2012 - nine people there, including a new face. We get anything between 2 and 22 at these gatherings and there is always someone new to us, so the actual number of veggies/vegans in Clare is encouraging; they can't always make it out to the gatherings of course.

The chef looked after us with plenty of vegan food - he just provided a selection of starters and mains and we dug in. There was a kind of lentil dahl soup which everyone liked. I thought his chana dhal (chick peas) was gorgeous. There were two kinds of rice, a mixed curry and an aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower). Two big platters of fresh fruit finished the meal nicely.

The only complaint was the temperature of the room - it had been an icy day and we arrived at seven, the only ones in the place, so it's somewhat understandable.

Anyway, one more place to add to the (very short) list of vegan-friendly places in county Clare.

We're going to visit a restaurant in Ennis next month, called The Dining Room; veggies who have visited have said they're very responsive.

If you hear of any other groups round Ireland meeting in restaurants, tell them to post their experiences here and on the various 'ratings' sites, eg Trip Advisor.

[niallmc]

I'm in Dublin too - it seems that we have lost 2 veggie spots recently - Juice and fresh.

[Barry]

That sounds great David, I'm delighted (and slightly surprised!) that you're getting such large numbers.

Hey Niall. It's a shame that veggie places are closing down alright, although I can't say I'm surprised about either Juice or Fresh. I never liked the food in Juice, in fact I've always viewed it as the kind of place that gives veggie food a bad name, stuff there was always poorly cooked. Fresh is a different matter, while the hot meals weren't great, the salad bar, soups and the sambos were all pretty decent. It was in a terrible spot stuck in the corner at the top of Powerscourt though, it did poor business compared to Cornucopia - a place with broadly the same type of food.

According to a post on Boards there's a new fully vegan place opening in the city centre soon. Not sure if that information can be completely trusted though (like most posts/posters on Boards).

[Blueberries]

I'm in Dublin too - it seems that we have lost 2 veggie spots recently - Juice and fresh.

Hi NiallMc, didn't realise you were in Dublin too, how do you feel about a Dublin forum meet-up sometime?

I didn't know that Café Fresh has closed down too, I just saw their cookbook in Hoggis Figgis. Although I must admit that I've never eaten there, I went a couple of times yonks ago to look at their menu and always felt like they were staring at me as I was trying to read the board, made me really uncomfortable!
I liked Juice, not all of their food was fantastic but I loved their tempeh-fried rice, and that they did vegan ice-cream.

I heard on Facebook ages ago about an all-vegan place opening in Dublin but I don't know where/when. Any news about it Barry? Also has anyone been to Deli O'Dehli on Moore St? Its all vegetarian with vegan stuff marked, I got 2 onion bajis the size of my fist for €3!

[Barry]

I used to get that same 'staff staring at you til you order thing' in Fresh too Blueberries! Used to really annoy me, sometimes you just want to left alone to browse a menu in peace...

I've no more news on the vegan place, just what I read on Boards.

I go to DOD regularly Blueberries. I usually get dosas, chole or pakora. The food is very authentic, it's the stuff regular Indian people eat every day but we rarely get here. Very reasonably priced too, which is a bonus!

[DavidT]

That sounds great David, I'm delighted (and slightly surprised!) that you're getting such large numbers.

I thought they were low... Still, there are a lot of closet veggies around generally. I think people like to keep a low profile and it's something that we're trying to change. It is not easy going into a previously un-tried eatery and declaring you're vegetarian, let alone vegan! You have to love chips and salad...

According to a post on Boards there's a new fully vegan place opening in the city centre soon. Not sure if that information can be completely trusted though (like most posts/posters on Boards).

That could be Shay Leon's place. He's a recording engineer in Kylebrack, Loughrea who's been to one of our meetings and brought great food. He was looking for investors at the time and said he had a place lined up in Temple Bar. I hope it turns into a chain!

Scroogle his place (shaystudio I think) if you want to e-mail him, to encourage him or even invest. Nice fellah.

[Barry]

I think I did a recording with him about ten years ago! He was just putting things together at the time if I recall correctly, and he was trying to drum up business so he did a few bands (including mine) for free. Small world.

[DavidT]

Cool. Small world. I heard of him when a book of music I was doing was having CDs included - recorded at his place. Veganism and music, can't beat it.

[KayJay]

Hi guys - I'm popping over to Dublin with work soon and with my omni colleague - can anyone recomend somewhere for us to eat that will cater for us both? Thanks.

[Blueberries]

Hi guys - I'm popping over to Dublin with work soon and with my omni colleague - can anyone recomend somewhere for us to eat that will cater for us both? Thanks.

Heya Kayjay, will you be in the city centre? Good options in the city centre are Cornucopia (Wicklow st), Café Irie (Temple bar), Itsa Bagel (Abbey st), Deli O'Dehli (Moore st), Yamamori (George's st & Ha'penny bridge), Cedar tree (Andrew's lane)... I'm sure the other Dubs on the forum can offer other suggestions. For specific directions to some of those restaurants check Happy Cow.

[KayJay]

Thanks Blueberries - will be staying at the maldron hotel in Cardiff lane, so closest to there would be fab x

[Barry]

Dublin is relatively small KayJay, so all those places are within walking distance of each other in the city centre. Blueberries recommendations are spot on; out of the ones she recommended, I'd say that the Cedar Tree is a very safe choice to satisfy both vegans and omnis, there's plenty of choice for both.

[DavidT]

Hi everyone


ClareVegGroup (http://clareveggroup.blogspot.com/) are having their next gathering on Thursday 1st March 2012, 7 for 7:30 in the The Dining Room, in the market area, Ennis, Co. Clare.


The staff have forwarded us a menu which sounds delicious!


We would welcome new faces to our gathering, so think about it if you are within travelling distance - car sharing might be worth investigating.


Please pass this information on to anyone who might be interested.


Regards
David

[KayJay]

Thank u Barry much appreciated - looking forward to sampling the Irish vegan fayre

[Barry]

No worries Hope you have fun!

[Barry]

I'm going to Chameleon tomorrow night for vegan rijst-tafel and to say that I'm excited is an understatement!

[Blueberries]

I'm going to Chameleon tomorrow night for vegan rijst-tafel and to say that I'm excited is an understatement!

Where's Chameleon and what's rijst-tafel? I'm curious now!