Heading to the Ploughing is almost like an annual pilgrimage for so many. The trip to Ireland’s largest attended festival sees attendees arriving from every corner of the island. Like any pilgrimage, it can be a long journey and grabbing a rest and a bite along the way is important to ensure you arrive in optimal form to enjoy your day.
Collated both from our readers through social media and my picks of foodie stops in the area, these are the only Ploughing pit stops you’ll need.
Carlow
The Birdcage Café, Muine Beag
A fabulous local café with lots of heart and great food. You’ll struggle to choose what to order as there are so many delicious-sounding dishes on the menu – spoilt for choice! Recommended by our readers.
@carlowbirdcagecafe
Kildare
Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas
A stop-off that spans decades, Lawlor’s has been dishing up food to passers-by since long before Naas was even by-passed. It still offers great food and hospitality.
@lawlorshotelnaas
Sprout & Co, Kildare Village
A spot of shopping before or after your trip to the Ploughing? Time may not allow it, however, a nip into Kildare Village, just off the M7, for a delicious salad could be just the thing to keep you going. Especially as these salads can be takeaway so you can grab ‘n’ go and eat it later when you’re peckish.
@sproutandco
Laois
Mueller O’Connell Bakery, Abbeyleix
A quick stop-off for a coffee and baked treat is what you’ll find here in the bakery. Freshly baked every day, stunning baked goods and a perfect nibble before launching into the day at the Ploughing.
@muelleroconnell_bakery
Polly’s @ Platform77, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix
If you wanted to wait until after the Ploughing for dinner, Polly’s is the perfect spot on your way home. Wood-fired pizzas, burgers, toasties and salads – this food truck has lots to offer for all tastes and is highly recommended.
@pollys.ie
Bowe’s Café & Foodhall, Durrow
A must-stop any time you are passing through the midlands, Bowe’s offer excellent food and a warm welcome. Expertly sourced and beautifully prepared, their food is top quality, from breakfast to lunch and all of the baked goods too. Eat in or pick up some bites to enjoy in the car to and from the Ploughing.
@bowescafe
The Pantry Café and Walled Garden, Portlaoise
Truly one of Laois’s best cafés, The Pantry is a wonderful spot on your way to Ploughing with not only beautiful food: it has provenance and quality Irish (and Laois) produce at the core of its ethos.
@thepantry_portlaoise
Kelly Lou Cakes, Portlaoise
Kelly Lou’s cakes and bakes are famous, even TV famous, and her café is a treasure trove of all she does. Located on the outskirts of Portlaoise, this is an easy one to visit when passing on the M7 on your way to or from the Ploughing. When you taste her cakes, you’ll know how worthwhile a stop it is!
@kellyloucakes
Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant, The Heath
As picturesque as it comes, this local bar and restaurant is full of character and heritage. Still a family-run business – it’s the eighth generation of the family in charge now – who pride themselves on serving the best traditional Irish food you can find in the midlands and an ultimate pit stop.
@treacys_the_heath
SOLAS Eco Garden Centre, Portarlington
This is such a wonderful space to spend time in, whether you are shopping the garden centre or strolling the food stands and enjoying the dining spaces. It’s a unique spot in Ireland and one that must be on your list to visit. Food includes pizza, breakfast, salads and sandwiches, plus lots for kids.
@solasecogardenshop
Offaly
The Blue Apron, Tullamore
One of Offaly’s best restaurants and renowned spot for fantastic cuisine, cooked with finesse. This is definitely a stop you want to make on your way home from a fun day at the Ploughing. Just leave your wellies at the door!
@theblueapronrestaurant
Woodfield Café & Garden Centre, Birr
The quality of ingredients in the café in Woodfield means that the food speaks for itself. Wonderfully fresh and with fantastic local provenance, this is a great stop, with lovely surroundings.
@woodfieldcafe_and_gardencentre
Emma’s Café, Birr
If you ask anyone from Birr or the area, Emma’s Café will be among the recommendations. It’s a local favourite and we can see why. Food is made fresh and the deli counter is perfect for a quick stop on the way to Ploughing. Enjoy the sandwiches in the car later… just bring a flask of tea!
@emmasbirr
The Eden Deli Café, Edenderry
Famous for their soups, sourdough and freshly made food, this is a wonderful stop in the heart of the midlands. While savoury dishes might be on your agenda, it will be difficult to leave without one of their sweet cakes that they are famous for.
@edendelicafe
Roscommon
Keenan’s Bar and Restaurant, Termonbarry
A landmark gastropub, this is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day at the Ploughing. The bar and restaurant are super comfy and stylish and the food is just as warming, with plenty of options for families. There is also an excellent cocktail menu if you’re feeling in the mood.
@keenanshotel
Tipperary
The Ugly Duckling, Roscrea
This charming café in the centre of this heritage town is a great stop for comforting food made really well. Sandwiches, wraps and homecooked meals are the order of the day. A good stop-off or takeaway option on the road to the Ploughing.
@uglyducklingdeli
Country Choice, Nenagh
This legendary café has been promoting and serving artisanal Irish produce for decades. Peter Ward and his family are renowned in the Irish food community and purveyors of the best local food you can find. A delicious stop for seasonal quiches, soups and sandwiches but expect to leave with a bag of groceries too!
@countrychoice
Baja Burrito Bar, Thurles
New on the food scene, but great reports already, this burrito bar prides itself on using local ingredients where possible and the best quality meat.
@baja_ireland
Westmeath
Browne’s on the Green, Tyrrellspass
Just off the M6 motorway, this is an easy lay-off on your journey to get some top-notch food. A family-run business in a beautiful location, they offer stunning menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, all with freshly-sourced ingredients. Plus, one of the warmest welcomes and hospitality, which completely rounds-off a wonderful experience.
@brownesonthegreen
Little Acorn Café, Baltinglass
One of my favourite cafés when I’m journeying past this area of the country, the food here is exceptional. Owner Margaret Roche is so passionate about food and it shines through the menu and onto your plate. Truly, don’t pass by without stopping!
@littleacorncafe
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