GENERAL
RESTAURANTS
GUESTHOUSES
HOTELS
CONTACT
GENERAL
Ireland has one of the highest prevalence of Coeliac Disease in the world. As a result, there is reasonably good awareness of the condition throughout the country. However it is still vital to be vigilant when shopping, eating out or visiting friends and family.
Eleven manufacturers provide gluten free products in Ireland:
Gluten-free flour, bread, bread mixes, biscuits, pastas and cereals can be obtained in most of the major supermarkets in Ireland. These supermarkets are
- Dunnes Stores
- Tesco
- Superquinn
- SuperValu
Also most Health Food Stores and Pharmacies stock gluten-free foods.
You can also purchase Gluten Free products online from Eco Direct. Their delivery service
will bring Gluten Free products right to your door, anywhere in Ireland, for a fixed
delivery charge up to 30kg.
RESTAURANTS
The Coeliac Society has a list of restaurants recommended by Coeliacs who have enjoyed a pleasant and helpful experience. These restaurants have not been vetted by the Coeliac Society so in each case it is always advisable to employ the same caution you would exercise at home.
- Telephone or drop in beforehand to check that they are familiar with the condition and are able to cater for someone on a gluten-free diet.
- Ensure that they understand that the diet is affected by many processed foods, where there may be modified starch, malt extract or cereal fillers and that it is not just a "problem with wheatflour".
- Stress that cross contamination is an important factor which must be avoided and suggest that they cook your meat etc separately and handle all your food with clean utensils.
- If they are unable to provide gluten free sauce/gravy/dressing suggest that they use chopped tomatoes for a basic tomato sauce for meats or olive oil & vinegar for salads.
- Be aware that in a busy restaurant information is often lost between multiple staff so ensure that you politely question anything that you are uncertain of.
- Remember that not everyone will check an ingredient label as knowledgeably and thoroughly as a Coeliac so when it comes to processed foods, such as dressings, mustards, sauces, ice-cream etc., err on the side of caution if you cannot be sure that it has been checked properly.
On the positive side, as there is a high prevalence of Coeliac Disease in Ireland, most restaurants are familiar with the Coeliac condition and although there is still a slight misconception that wheatflour is the only culprit in our diet, if you can suggest ways that they might prepare your food so that you can enjoy it in peace you should have a very pleasant experience. Which leaves you to enjoy an Irish coffee (avoid the powdered chocolate sprinkled on top unless you can check the brand) and soak in the sights and sounds of the Irish cultural experience!
The Coeliac Society also provides an Eating Out card, available in six European languages, which can be given directly to the waiter or chef, including English. This provides information on the diet and a suggested menu and can be helpful in trying to communicate to the staff that you have a medical condition.
GUESTHOUSES
The Coeliac Society of Ireland now has a small list of Coeliac-friendly guesthouses but again these are not vetted by the society so it is always advisable to check that they are familiar with the condition and understand the requirements of the diet and to take the same care as outlined above.
The society produces a list of Gluten-Free Manufactured Products and a Cookery Book. These are available from Head Office for €10 each. The restaurant and guesthouse list can be obtained by contacting Head Office (+ 353 1 872 1471) or by emailing info(at)coeliac.ie (replace the (at) with an @ symbol when sending your email.
HOTELS
The Woodlands Hotel, Limerick
This County Limerick hotel caters for Coeliacs and is on our recommended
restaurant and accommodation list. Please remember that the Coeliac Society
does not vet establishments but recommendations are based on the experiences of
fellow coeliacs.
CONTACT
Coeliac Society of Ireland
Carmichael House,
4 North Brunswick Street,
Dublin 7.
Telephone: 00-353-1- 872 1471
Fax: 00-353-1- 873 5737
Email: info(at)coeliac.ie
|
Legal Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure that all information on
the web site is accurate, the Coeliac
Society cannot accept responsibility for any errors which might arise. We
recommend that all Coeliacs check all products before consumption and contact
your doctor for medical advice.
|
