American food outlets are taking big steps in Irish market

Ireland's restaurants and takeaways turned over €6.1bn in 2022. US food outlets are thriving here and the trade is flows both ways

Buttons the dog and his owner Shannon Lawlor arrive at McDonalds Tralee. Photo: Domnick Walsh 

Rita de Brún explains why American food outlets are big players in Ireland, an important market in itself and a key gateway into Europe. 

Rita de Brún, news feature writer.