In a country where more than 76 percent of people identify as Caucasian, supporting Black-owned businesses may be the last thing that comes to mind when visiting Ireland. While less than 2 percent of the population identify as Black/African descent, there are a handful of Black-owned local shops and restaurants people can support while visiting.
Chuk’s Bites
Chuk’s Bites is bringing people a taste of Africa to Ireland. The menu in Limerick features West African dishes, including jollof rice, yam and plantain porridge, meat pies, egusi soup, and more. The restaurant accepts pre-orders Monday through Friday, and delivery takes place on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Flavour Safari
Spice collectors should seek out Flavour Safari at the local markets, artisan festivals, and grocery stores. Michaela Onalimi’s spices have received much-deserved recognition throughout Ireland. He takes people’s palettes on a flavorful journey across two continents with his spices. Onalimi says Flavour Safari is Ireland’s first African-inspired sauce. He combines fresh ingredients with African Spices.
Gursha
While visiting Dublin, head to the only Ethiopian restaurant in Ireland: Gursha. The restaurant is the brainchild of Mel Roddy. Roddy, who is Ethiopian, grew up in Ireland. A family trip back home in 2018 inspired him to open a pop-up in 2019. He realized Dublin didn’t have a place where you could chill in a restaurant, listen to music, and vibe.
Rodday has come a long way since his pop-up. He now has a brick-and-mortar where people can indulge in delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Hi-Spirits Wine Club
Travelers looking to enjoy an evening out should be on the lookout for Hi-Spirits Wine Club events. It’s a platform in Ireland that combines an exceptional wine experience with fashion and culture. This Black-led wine and spirits collective in Dublin creates an immersive experience for people surrounded by art and good people.
M.I.O Prints
M.I.O Prints is an Afro-inspired lifestyle brand founded by lifestyle blogger Florence Olufemi-Ojo. Her goal through her brand is to create joy with the vibrant prints found throughout Africa, including Ankara and Kente. Pajamas, scarves, and swimwear are just a few things people can purchase at Olufemi-Ojo’s shop.
Mama Shee
Edizemi Onilenla of Mansions Foods created Mama Shee in 2019 to bring the rich taste of Nigerian cuisine to Ireland. Mama Shee has put some of Nigeria’s beloved dishes, including jollof rice, plantain, and suya, in the market in Dublin and surrounding areas.
Onilenla’s products can be found in SuperValue Stores and African shops in the Dublin area.
Pete’s Provisions
On the days and nights you want to relax in your hotel, head to Pete’s Provisions wine shop for an incredible selection of food and wine from around the world to indulge in while relaxing. Conor Higgins and Darren Thompson, two men with a long history in Dublin’s restaurant industry, created a well-thought-out wine and food experience for guests who enter the store’s doors.
“Our guarantee to you is that any product at Pete’s Provisions can be personally vouched for by us,” a statement on the website reads. “Everything in store has been purposefully selected.”
Susan Sweet Streets
If you’re traveling to Dublin for a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, or wedding, Susan Sweet Streets can help you celebrate the occasion with her dessert masterpieces. Susan Ayandeko is the cake artist and founder of Susan Sweet Treats. She offers cakes, cupcakes, treat boxes, cookies, brownies, and more.