Restaurant
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
A two-Michelin-star restaurant beneath the Dublin Writers Museum on Parnell Square, cooked by Mickael Viljanen since 2021 and open since 1992.
Gallagher’s Boxty House
A family-run Irish restaurant in Temple Bar since the 1980s, known for handcrafted boxty potato pancakes, fresh bread and its own house-brewed beer.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Irish
- Area
- Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- boxtyhouse.ie
Good to know
- Breakfast menu
- House-brewed beer
- Irish whiskeys
- Online ordering
Why we recommend it
Gallagher's Boxty House is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional Irish food on Temple Bar since the 1980s, more than 35 years in all. It takes its name from boxty, the Irish potato pancake, which has long been the house speciality. In a part of the city that can feel geared towards quick pints, it is a good place to sit down to a proper meal of Irish food.
At Gallagher's the boxty is handcrafted and used as the base for a range of dishes, with fillings and toppings that change with the menus. Breads are baked fresh, and the drinks list is a draw in its own right: the restaurant brews its own beer and offers creative cocktails and a selection of Irish whiskeys. Separate menus cover breakfast, the à la carte dinner, desserts and drinks, and there is a winter set menu in the colder months, so you can drop in at several times of day.
The restaurant presents itself as a place where tradition meets warmth, which suits the cobbled streets outside. It works well for families, groups of friends and first-time visitors who want to try an Irish speciality in a central location. Mention dietary needs when you order, as staff can advise on the dishes.
Book a table through OpenTable from the restaurant's website, especially for dinner on Friday and Saturday or during busy holiday periods, when Temple Bar is crowded. You can also contact the restaurant by phone on +353 1 677 2762 or by email at [email protected]. Online ordering for collection is available too. Opening hours are not listed on the website's contact page, so ring ahead if you plan to arrive early or late.
The restaurant is on Temple Bar itself, the street that gives the district its name, a couple of minutes from the Ha'penny Bridge and Meeting House Square. After your meal you can browse the Saturday food market or the weekend book market nearby, or walk five minutes east to Trinity College.
If you are new to boxty, ask the staff which dish they recommend as a first taste, and pair it with one of the house beers.
Gallagher’s Boxty House FAQs
What is boxty?
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake, and it is the house speciality at Gallagher's.
How long has Gallagher's Boxty House been open?
The family business has been in Temple Bar since the 1980s, serving guests for more than 35 years.
Does it serve breakfast?
Yes, there is a breakfast menu as well as à la carte, dessert, drinks and winter set menus.
Does Gallagher's brew its own beer?
Yes, the restaurant serves beer it brews itself, as well as cocktails and Irish whiskeys.
How do I book?
Book via OpenTable from the website, call +353 1 677 2762 or email [email protected].
Where is it?
At 20-21 Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Can I order food to collect?
Yes, online ordering is available through the website.
What is nearby?
The Ha'penny Bridge, Meeting House Square and Trinity College are a short walk away.