Killeshandra is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Its location, nestled among the lakes and drumlins of Co. Cavan, makes it a magnet for anglers, walkers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape. But what about the food? What should you be eating to get a true taste of this charming Irish town?

When you ask, “What to eat in Killeshandra?” the answer isn’t a long list of Michelin-starred restaurants. The answer is much better than that. It’s about fresh, wholesome, unpretentious food that’s made with care. It’s about local specialties, hearty meals, and the warm welcome that comes with them.

This is your foodie checklist for a visit to Killeshandra. These are the tastes you don’t want to miss, the culinary experiences that will make your trip complete.

1. The Essential: A Full Irish Breakfast
You cannot, in good conscience, visit rural Ireland and skip a “Full Irish.” It’s the quintessential start to any day, a hearty platter designed to fuel you for hours. But not all “Full Irish” breakfasts are created equal.

A proper one, like the kind celebrated by locals, features high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. We’re talking plump pork sausages, crisp rashers (bacon), black and white pudding, eggs cooked your way, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and a side of toast.

In Killeshandra, this isn’t just a meal; it’s a benchmark. And it’s the first thing you should tick off your “What to eat in Killeshandra” list. At Fika 33, we pride ourselves on serving one of the best Irish breakfasts in Killeshandra, a plate that pays full respect to this beloved tradition.

2. The Local Delicacy: Drummully Boxty
Now for the real local secret. If you eat one thing that is unique to this area, make it Drummully Boxty.

This is not your average potato pancake. Boxty is a rich part of the culinary heritage of the Cavan-Leitrim border region. Drummully Boxty, made by a local producer, is a specific and, many would argue, superior form. It’s a soft, slightly chewy, and utterly delicious potato bread, traditionally cooked on a griddle or in a pan.

The best way to eat it? Pan-fried until golden brown and served as part of your breakfast. It’s the perfect companion to bacon and eggs, soaking up the flavour and offering a wonderful, comforting texture. Asking for boxty with your breakfast shows you’re a traveler in the know. We are proud to serve it at Fika 33 as a true taste of local flavour.

3. The Midday Mainstay: A Hearty Soup & Sandwich
After a morning walking the Killeshandra Camino or fishing on the lakes, you’ll need a midday recharge. This is where the classic Irish “soup and sandwich” combo comes into its own.

When you’re deciding what to eat in Killeshandra for lunch, look for a place that makes its soups from scratch. A bowl of homemade, piping-hot vegetable soup paired with a freshly-made sandwich on good bread is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s the kind of wholesome, satisfying lunch that a top-tier restaurant Killeshandra café, like Fika 33, builds its reputation on. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s worlds away from a pre-packaged meal deal.

4. The Afternoon Ritual: A Proper “Fika” (Coffee & Cake)
You can’t come to a café named Fika 33 and not participate in the ritual itself. “Fika” is the Swedish tradition of taking a dedicated pause in your day for coffee and a sweet treat.

This is a non-negotiable part of the Killeshandra food experience. The town runs on a more relaxed pace, and fika fits in perfectly. The answer to “What to eat in Killeshandra” in the afternoon is simple:

· A cup of expertly-brewed, aromatic coffee.

· A slice of homemade cake or a fresh, warm scone with cream and jam.

It’s about slowing down, sitting in a cozy corner, and just enjoying the moment. It’s the sweet reward for a day well-spent.

Your Killeshandra Foodie Checklist
So, to recap, when you visit Killeshandra, your culinary to-do list is:

1. Start with a high-quality Full Irish Breakfast.

2. Insist on trying the local Drummully Boxty.

3. Recharge with a wholesome, homemade soup and sandwich.

4. Pause and indulge in the afternoon ritual of fika—great coffee and cake.

The best food in Killeshandra isn’t complicated. It’s honest, it’s fresh, and it’s served with pride. And at Fika 33, we’ve made it our mission to deliver all of it under one roof