This week Supermacs launched an impressive trans-Atlantic ad campaign in New York's Times Square.
But Americans should know that there's more to our takeaway culture, and so on Wednesday we researched a top five for any prospective visitors - and people certainly had something to say on the matter.
Therefore, due to popular demand / outrage, we’ve added a few more to the list.
So in no particular order – here are 10 of the best local chippers in Ireland.
Donkey Ford’s, John’s St, Limerick city
This spot got a number of shout-outs with one regular customer describing the chips as “heaven in a bag”. Apparently this place even has a poem written in honour of its snack box (although we're yet to find it!).
Interestingly in Limerick the locals refer to the local takeaway as 'batter shops’ - as in 'Are ye goin’ down Donkey's for a bit of batter?’
Wrapped in bleach paper, the fish and chips at Donkey’s are cooked the traditional way in buckets of animal fat. Expect a queue, a bit of banter and a steaming pile of cod and chips.
Jackie Lennox Bandon Road, Cork.
Described as a Cork institution, the very generous portions served at Lennox’s (just off the main thoroughfare Patrick St) are said to be equal parts greasy and delectable. With staff dressed in blue striped aprons and a signed photo of Himself (aka Bono) gracing the walls this place has an air of class for a local chipper.
The ‘Garlic, Cheese and Chips’ is a particularly popular choice among patrons and their snack box has been labelled as the “perfect hangover cure”.
The Premier in Wexford town
Purveyors of Irish chip shops are fond of the words ‘real’ and ‘proper’ and this establishment in Wexford gets the nod for its authentic chipper cuisine.
Apparently the rissoles - deep fried croquettes to the unacquainted - are “legendary” but overall, The Premier’s produce is very tasty and free from access grease (another important factor among chipper fans).
Luigi’s Longford, Main St, Longford
Located on Main Street you’re unlikely to miss this spot should you find yourself wanting a snack box while visiting Longford town. This place got a number of mentions from people as far flung as Australia – possibly due to the fact that Luigi’s withdrawals is commonplace among many a Longford émigré.
From mushrooms to peppers and from pepperoni to sweetcorn, Luigi’s pizza varieties are wide and endless. What’s more, they also have an option of a 7 inch pizza available so you don’t have to feel like a complete savage upon ordering.
Chish n Fips, Crosshaven, Cork
The Cork chipper scene is hopping by the looks of things and these clever clogs from Crosshaven are cited as up there with the aforementioned KC’s and Lennox’s.
This spot is said to be well worth the journey out from Cork city and if it’s not rainy (which is pretty rare in Cork) you can sit out on the grassy spot out front and take in the scenery.
Leo Burdocks
A Dublin institution, Leo Burdock's has probably existed in some capacity since Vikings first settled here. Their cod, scampi and crispy bits are some of the best known delicacies the city has to offer, and are available in seven different locations.
And if you have any doubts about the quality, remember when you approach the hallowed stainless steel countertop you follow the footsteps of giants. Daniel Day Lewis, BB King, John Malkovich and mammy's favourite Dickie Rock are all past customers.
Supermacs
The Mecca of Irish fast food is undoubtedly Supermac's on Galways Eyre Square. This cavernous structure, which remains open into the wee hours, is a microcosm of Galway society: familys, students, suits, GAA teams are all to be found here.
The snack boxes are reliably greasy, but the ambience of Supermac's late on a Saturday night transcends any other take away experience you're likely to have in Ireland.
Here's some documentary footage from last year's RAG Week:
KC's Cork
Placing just above the city's most famous purveyors of fried chicken, Hillbilly's, KC's of Douglas is an effort to get to. But the effort is well rewarded by some of Ireland's finest late night dining. Located in a rather small cottage, this take away has been delivering the goods for donkey's years now.
The fare is high quality, locally sourced and plenty filling. Big shout out to the King Creole - as fine as any cajun chicken pitta that you'll find. Only a fiver too, though expect a queue.
Zaytoon
Often described as 'so good you could eat it sober,' Zaytoon's Persian shish-kebab is surely an incontestable argument for the benefits of multiculturalism. Packed with salad and oozing with sauces unknown, Zaytoon's offerings are certainly the messiest on this list. But don't let that scare you off. By the end you'll feel marginally more cultured than if you'd scoffed a batter burger and garlic cheese chips instead.
Di Fontaine's Pizza
Along with burgers and kebabs, pizza forms the Holy Trinity of take away food. Di Fontaine's, located on Temple Bar's Parliament St, is a New York-style pizzeria selling by the slice - or if you're incredibly hungry, by the full pie. The pizza is of course delicious, but as with other top-ranking take aways, it has a cracking atmosphere to boot.
Ireland may not have the latest licensing hours, but there's always somewhere else for the party to move on to, and that place is often Di Fontaine's. On a good weekend, the place fills, the staff turn up the tunes, and the whole shop turns into a heaving dance floor. Not to be missed.
