If you haven’t heard the news, Ireland is the latest “it’ destination for international artisanal cheese lovers.
Fortunately, you don’t have to hunt down cheesemakers all across Ireland to sample them all– Dublin has a top-notch cheesemonger located right in the center of town, Sheridans Cheesemongers.
Sheridans started off as a market stall selling traditional Irish farmhouse cheeses and has expanded over the years to their current store front– some local retailers also stock their cheeses, but it’s best to visit their shop, both to see all of their offerings and to chat up the very helpful staff.
The shop is small in size, but packed with a huge variety of cheeses, both local and international.
All of the staff members are cheese experts with in-depth knowledge on every cheese on offer.
They will also slice you some delicious samples so you can try before you buy.
Since I live in a city with great cheesemongers who source internationally, I asked which cheeses are only available in Ireland, and the staff gave these recommendations:
Knockdrinna Goat
Kilree, a washed-rind goat cheese, best in show at 2011 British cheese awards
Hegarty’s Cheddar (cow)
The staff also noted something I hadn’t considered– even when Irish cheeses do make it across the Atlantic, they may not be in optimal condition, possibly worse for wear after an extended journey, or exposed to varying temperatures and conditions. Sheridans puts a lot of effort into ensuring their cheeses are sold only at optimum levels of ripeness and maturity, so you know you are getting the cheeses at their best.
These charcoal crackers are a best seller.
Sheridans sells a few other gourmet items too– like crackers to go with your cheese.
And wine to complement your selections. We were able to pick up everything we needed for our own cheese plate happy hour back in our hotel room. Everyone agreed it was one of our favorite meals.
Do you have favorite Irish cheeses to recommend? Share in the comments below!
Souvenir Shopping Details:
Sheridans Cheesemongers
11 South Anne Street, Dublin 2
Mon-Wed: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
You might want to check out these other Dublin shopping posts:
Shopping Irish Supermarkets for fun Souvenirs: What to bring back
Hit the Park, Shop for Knits, Get a Drink– the perfect Dublin Itinerary
Candy-colored woolens from one of the world’s oldest mills: Souvenir Shopping in Dublin
Shopping Dublin: Refined Irish design all wrapped up at Bow
Where to shop in Dublin for great dresses and jewelry by Irish indie and vintage designers