The Ireland booth Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and beer cheese during the 2026 festival running through April 4.
Top o’ the mornin’… and happy Mardi Gras? Somehow, Universal Orlando has invited Ireland to the party, and we’re not mad about it. Just a bit confused. The Ireland booth at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is here for the 2026 season, running daily through April 4, serving up hearty pub fare in the middle of beads, brass bands.
You’ll find the Ireland food and beverage booth near the water in the bar area by Central Park Crêpes, which is a very scenic spot to ponder life’s big questions. One question we pondered was: Why does an Irish food booth exist at a New Orleans–inspired festival? We saw decor at this location that did not look very Irish! Still, here we are, and we ate everything.
With Finnegan’s Bar & Grill still under extended refurbishment, this booth feels like Finnegan’s greatest hits… just laminated and served outdoors. Let’s dig in.
Ireland Booth Menu at Universal Mardi Gras
According to the menu posted at the booth, Ireland is keeping things simple with three savory food options, all of which lean more “cozy pub night” than “Mardi Gras madness.”
Fish & Chips – $16.99
Beer-battered fish served with chips and tartar sauce.
There’s no denying it: the quality here is good. The fish is flaky, the batter is crisp, and the portion feels appropriately hearty. That said… $16.99 is a tough pill to swallow.
This dish costs:
- More than similar offerings at SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival
- More than the everyday price at Yorkshire County Fish Shop at Epcot
So while it tastes good, the price-to-plate ratio raises an eyebrow. If you’re already comparing theme park fish and chips across Central Florida (as one does), this one lands firmly in the “why though?” category.
“Beer & Cheese Soup” (Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dip) – $7.99
Warm pretzel served with beer cheese.
We’re just going to say it: this is beer cheese dip, not soup. There is no broth. There is, however, a pretzel—and honestly, a pretty solid one.
This item has appeared at previous seasonal events, now at a higher price, and while it’s nothing life-changing, it’s a decent version of beer cheese. The pretzel itself tasted above average for a theme park festival, which goes a long way when you’re surrounded by fried everything.
Still, calling this “soup” feels like a stretch worthy of a St. Patrick’s Day parade float.
Shepherd’s Pie – $9.99
Seasoned beef, vegetables, mashed potatoes.
This dish arrived very warm, which we always appreciate. Flavor-wise, it’s good… but our group collectively agreed it felt like it was missing something. What that something is? We’re not entirely sure. A bit more seasoning? Richness? A shepherd yelling encouragement?
The Ireland booth Mardi Gras portion size felt a little iffy, especially compared to the heartiness you’d expect from classic Irish comfort food. That said, with Finnegan’s closed, this really does feel like Finnegan’s menu in festival form, just plated for Mardi Gras.
Which brings us to the big question…
How Irish Is This for Mardi Gras?
Look, we love Ireland. We love Mardi Gras. We’re just not sure they love each other.
This booth doesn’t scream Carnivale energy so much as it whispers “quiet pub along the Liffey.” While the food is solid overall, it feels more like an Irish greatest-hits food stand than something made specifically for Universal’s biggest party of the year.
That said, if you’re craving:
- Heavier food to balance out all those sweets
- Familiar pub-style comfort
- A Finnegan’s fix while it’s closed
…the Ireland booth gets the job done.
Ireland Booth Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando
The Ireland booth Mardi Gras food at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras delivers good-quality, though its pricing is a concern, wrapped in a charming but slightly out-of-place theme. It’s not the most adventurous booth at the festival, but it’s dependable—much like Ireland itself showing up fashionably late to a New Orleans party.
Just don’t ask us to call that beer cheese a soup again.
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