Classic Irish Recipes: Emerald Isle Comfort Food at its Best (2024)

FAQs

What is the most traditional Irish dinner? ›

The national dish of Ireland is Irish stew! It's a delicious dish made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It's hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cosy meal. You can find it in many Irish homes and restaurants, especially on chilly days.

The food eaten by the early Irish people changed very little from the time when farming began until the arrival of the potato from America in the 1600s. The main parts of the early Irish diet were milk and cereals. Butter, buttermilk and cheeses also were very popular.

Colcannon has been a favourite comfort food in Ireland for some time and is something that the nation prides itself on inventing. The ingredients of traditional Irish colcannon are mashed 'floury' potatoes, kale, butter and milk.

In Ireland food was designed based on caloric intake, instead of for pleasure, such as foods in America. Traditional Irish dishes started to include more meat and fruit and allowed for Irish food to stray from the stigma of being bland.

Irish Stew is a thick, hearty dish of mutton, potatoes, and onions and undisputedly the national dish of Ireland.

(In Ulster in Northern Ireland the breakfast is also known as an "Ulster fry.") All full Irish breakfasts include some or all of the following: Bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and perhaps some cooked leftover potatoes made into a hash or a bubble and squeak.

Just like today, porridge was the perfect meal for those cold, rainy days. Fruits and Vegetables: While the potato wasn't around just yet, there were plenty of other root vegetables to choose from. The Irish diet included onions, garlic, radish, cabbage, and carrots.

3. Irish Apple Cake. One of the most popular traditional desserts in Ireland is the Irish apple cake. It's made with lots of fresh apples that are readily available in the country.

Potatoes took up very little space and were very nutritious. One acre of potatoes could feed a family of four for a year. Potatoes also grew well in the rocky soil. At least two-thirds of the farmers in Ireland grew only potatoes for themselves and their family.

Over the last three centuries, Guinness has become a legendary part of Irish culture, celebrated as Ireland's national drink. And with over 8,000 years still left on the original St. James Gate brewery lease, there's still a lot more of 'the black stuff' to make and enjoy.

What food do the Irish love? ›

The Dining Experience in Ireland

The main meal of the day for locals is dinner, meaning making reservations is a good idea, especially if you're planning to dine during peak Irish dinner hours (from 8:00 p.m. onward).

Usually around 6 to 6. 30 pm when most of the family return from work. In Ireland, dinner is usually referred to as having your tea, unless it's Sunday when dinner is served at lunchtime, around 1.30 to 2 pm depending on mass times. This is Ireland for you.

Representative Irish dishes include Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, boxty, coddle, and colcannon.

Traditional Irish Dishes

Irish Stew - Found on pub menus all over Ireland, stew is one of the most traditional Irish foods you could try. A classic Irish stew is made with onions, potatoes and lamb, but you'll find beef stews are popular as well.

Usually around 6 to 6. 30 pm when most of the family return from work. In Ireland, dinner is usually referred to as having your tea, unless it's Sunday when dinner is served at lunchtime, around 1.30 to 2 pm depending on mass times.