My Top 10 Irish Dishes of 2021 #10

#10: The Ulster Fry at Rostrevor Inn in County Down-

Breakfast is included in the room rate at the Rostrevor Inn and I’ve enjoyed this stellar fry-up on several occasions. Although it’s listed on the menu as the Full Irish Breakfast, my friend Joe Shea who lives in these parts, pointed out that this is actually a hearty variation known as the Ulster Fry.

What differentiates the Northern Irish spin on the big breakfast are the “farls,” These are pan-fried breads, typically cut into shapes that fit neatly on the plate. They are served instead of toast.

At Rostrevor Inn, one squarish soda bread farl and one triangular potato farl are added to the eggs, bacon, sausage, white and black pudding, baked beans, toast, fried mushrooms and fried tomato, found on a regular full Irish.

What an exceptional plate of food!

I first stayed at Rostrevor Inn when I went up north to visit Joe Shea on American Independence Day last year. And I discovered that, due to its Revolutionary War history, the Rostrevor Inn is a very strange place for an American to celebrate the 4th of July.

But the Inn is owned by Northern Irish food and travel writer Seth Linder, and I enjoy his company. The rooms are spartan, but you can’t beat the breakfast.