Cork takes its breakfast seriously. This list is the running ranking of every place we have reviewed for the most important meal of the day. Updated as the series rolls on.
1. Dunnes Stores Bishopstown
The most talked-about Full Irish in Cork. €9.35 for an 8-piece breakfast with coffee and toast, or €5.50 for the 5-piece. Top-marks sausages, very good pudding, hot coffee. Unreal value. The breakfast to beat in Cork.
Dunnes Stores, Bishopstown, Cork
2. Ross's Bakery, Ballinlough
Cork institution serving the best-tasting sausages on our breakfast hunt, on a perfectly fresh roll, with chunky top-quality bacon. €10 for the Full Irish (coffee extra). Welcoming staff, cosy 20-seater room. The gardaí eat their breakfast here for a reason.
Ballinlough, Cork
3. Puccino's, Douglas Village
Cork institution since 2004 anchoring the Douglas Village Shopping Centre breakfast scene. Quality sausages, thick meaty bacon, coffee pulled properly. Self-service cutlery keeps it low waste. A serious contender for the best Irish breakfast in Cork.
Unit 24, Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Douglas, Cork
4. Silver Key Bar & Restaurant, Ballinlough
The biggest Full Irish portion we've had in Cork to date. Quality ingredients across the plate, with a stand-out white pudding breakfast sandwich. Friendly staff, comfortable Ballinlough setting. On the pricier side at €15.95 plus coffee, but you get way more food than the city-centre cafes.
Churchyard Lane, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 C85W
5. The Pavilion, Ballygarvan
Garden-centre cafe about 5 minutes from Cork Airport. Beautiful setting, polished service, but the €16 West Cork Breakfast plus €4 coffee did not justify the price on our visit. Worth a wander and a coffee more than a full fry.
Ballygarvan, Cork (5 minutes from Cork Airport)