Dunnes Stores Bishopstown Full Breakfast - Is It the Best In Cork?

Today we headed to Dunnes Stores in Bishopstown to test out the most talked-about Full Irish breakfast in Cork, and we weren't disappointed. This is the breakfast everyone's been telling us about, so it had a lot to live up to.

Cork Xtra Video Review

Getting There

I pulled into the large car park at Dunnes and there were actually plenty of spaces available. I was half expecting to never find the cafe inside the building, but it was right next to the entrance, and it even has an outdoor terrace where you can sit and eat your breakfast in peace.

The Cafe

I entered the cafe and it was busy, with a massive seating area that was about 70% full but still offering plenty of space. Though the tables are jammed in fairly tightly together. There's a large buffet-style queue, and that's where you spot the two ridiculous offers:

• 5-Piece Breakfast: €5.50
• Full Irish (8 pieces) with coffee and toast: €9.35

For the quality and quantity, those prices are genuinely hard to believe.

How It Works

I got to the serving area and had my plate loaded up by the very helpful staff. The toast is ready-cooked and waiting to be grabbed, and you fill your own coffee at the machine. It fills to the brim, with the milk machines right next to it. The girl behind the till was fair, sorted me with butter and ketchup, and off I went to start eating. I took a very full tray down to the end of the hall and got stuck in, building a few sandwiches along the way.

The Food

Here is how it stacked up:

• Sausages - really good, top marks
• Rashers - decent, but a little stringy. Not as thick and nice as the ones at Puccinos
• Pudding - very good
• Eggs - looked perfect, sunny side up with the yolks ready to explode all over the plate, but they were a tiny bit cold
• Ketchup - a little bit fruity for my liking
• Coffee - can't be faulted. Not exceptional craft coffee but a solid 7.5, hot throughout and a good taste

Overall it was a really good breakfast with only minor gripes.

The Verdict

I finished up quite full, put my empty plate on the rack and headed for the exit. It's a bit like a work canteen in feel, but it absolutely delivered on its promises. For the price, the quality, and the sheer value, this is the breakfast to beat in Cork city and county. And beating it is going to be a tough ask.

Cork Xtra Scorecard

• Location: 7.5/10
• Facility: 8.5/10
• Staff: 7.5/10
• Food: 8.0/10
• Value: 9.5/10
• Overall: 8.8/10

The breakfast to beat in Cork. Unreal value at €9.35 for the full works.