Halal Food in Ireland

The word "halal" is an Arabic word which refers to all that is "permissible" and when it comes to food, it means nourishment that follows Islamic law. It is the opposite of "haram," which means forbidden. Under Islamic law, meat must come from an animal that was killed according to specific practices. But halal doesn't just refer to meats. Islamic law sets out a series of foods that are considered "halal" and "haram."

Halal Meat in Dublin & Ireland

Halal meat is, at present, available at several Muslim shops in Dublin, including the shop of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland (within the premises of the Dublin Mosque and Islamic Center on South Circular Road, Dublin 8, Tel. 01-453 8336).

All cuts of pork (pig-meat) are Haram. These include such names as bacon, ham, gammon steaks and rashers. Also, all types of sausages, including beef sausages, contain pork and therefore are forbidden.

Many foodstuffs contain fats from animals, including the pig and so it is important to read the "Ingredients" label before buying anything. Foods containing "animal fat", "lard", "shortening", or just "fat" are not suitable to be eaten by Muslims.

Foodstuffs containing "vegetable oils", "vegetable shortening", and of course butter are safe to eat. Margarine is often made from animal fats unless otherwise stated.

Further information is available in the "Halal Food and Certification by IFI" document.

Definition of Halal Food

In Islam, everything is permitted (Halal) to consume except “A B C D I S” which are prohibited (Haram). These are:

A: Alcohol and drugs
B: Blood (Flowing or congealed)
C: Carnivorous animals and birds of prey
D: Dead animals (died before slaughter)
E: Immolated food
F: Swine and its by-products

Halal Shops

Al-Barakah Halal Shop - Stocks Halal meat and poultry: fresh, frozen and tinned. The shop also stocks Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African and East European foods, spices, fetta cheese and many other items. It is situated within the premises of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland on South Circular Road, Dublin 8. Tel. 01-4538336.
Opening hours: Opened seven days a week. Mon - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Closed for the prayers for ten minutes.

Halal Restaurants

IFI Halal Restaurant - Located on the Mosque grounds on South Circular Road, Dublin 8.
Opening hours: Opened seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m. for daily meals. Closed for the prayers for ten minutes. Also caters for special occasions such as parties, private functions, weddings etc. Takeaway services available. All are welcome.

IFI is currently conducting a questionnaire in relation to Halal restaurants and shops.
To find out more and to take part, please see here.

To be included in the list below, please send us your submission request.