With our recent release from lockdown still fresh in our minds, the time has finally come to explore destination dining, albeit still in take away form. It’s time to take that road trip outside your own county that you’ve been dreaming of all lockdown – plan a route with some delicious food options. Here are five trips worth taking.

Fish, Chips and Potatoes in Co Louth

Proprietors of Ireland’s most famous potatoes, Maria and David Flynn of Ballymakenny Farm should be first on your list should you plan to visit Co Louth. Located outside Drogheda, their Spud shack has reached legendary status, along with their unique selection of spuds that will improve any meal along with an array of fresh vegetable too. When you have finished stocking up your car, head to Fishermans Catch, located not too far away on the harbour at Clogherhead, Co Louth. The Kirwan family are fourth generation fishermen so will likely have something delicious to pair nicely with your newly purchased potatoes, and don’t forget their fish and chips and a walk along the harbour before you make your way home. www.ballymakennyfarm.com / www.fishermanscatch.ie

The English Market and Ichiego Ichie, Cork

Depending on your location, a day trip to Cork might well be a possibility, and that trip should begin and end at The English Market with a slight detour to collect food (order in advance) from Cork’s famous Ichiego Ichie. At the Market, start your culinary spree with a visit to Frank Hederman’s to pick up some top quality Irish smoked salmon then make like Darina (Allen of course) and stop by Ballycotton Seafood. You will also find delicacies from Toonsbridge, On The Pigs Back and sweet treats from The Chocolate Shop plus many, many more. www.corkcity.ie / www.ichigoichie.ie

Firehouse Bakery, Wicklow

While there are plenty of reasons for a day trip to Wicklow, a visit to Firehouse Bakery is one whether it be the Delgany café or the Wicklow town location. There is lots to choose from here – think woodfired pizzas, Irish gelato, ice cream cookie sandwiches and regular sandwiches. Oh, and coincidentally, the bread is amazing too. Happily, as it’s Wicklow, there are plenty of picturesque options to consider when deciding where to enjoy your haul. www.thefirehouse.ie

Overends Kitchen, Dublin

Airfield House and Overends Kitchen are a match made in road trip heaven for anyone who wants to make a day of it. There is a farm shop open Wednesday to Sunday along with Little O’s Airstream serving delicious treats like a brioche bun with six hour smoked pulled pork, chipotle ketchup and bread and butter pickles. Alternatively, The Stables Café is also open for take away. A wander around the beautiful estate or the garden centre will work up an appetite, not to forget the farmers market on weekends.

Grow HQ, Waterford

Should a day trip to Waterford be an option, Grow HQ is the ideal destination for those with even a passing interest in food – or eating. The award winning café has a range of delicious dishes available for click and collect or if you aren’t that organised, the Grow HQ food truck has enough choices to satisfy the crankiest of drivers. There is even homemade Kombucha. Hungry for more? A pit stop worth taking and also located on the Dunmore Road is Ardkeen Quality Food Store where you will find, well, just about everything. www.giy.ie / www.ardkeen.com