Irish Stew
Often eaten: Often eaten as a warming lunch or dinner, especially in cooler weather
Known for: Nationwide
St. Patrick's DayFamily Dinner
Photo: Anne Burgess (CC BY-SA 2.0)
5 dishes to discover
Food of Ireland
Irish food is cozy and filling! Many dishes are made from simple ingredients like potatoes, dairy, and fresh meats. Irish food is enjoyed by families and friends, often around a big dinner table. Let's explore some popular dishes and the traditions that come with them!
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Ireland, mealtime is a special time for family and friends to gather. Meals are often hearty and warm, which helps everyone stay cozy on cool Irish days. Sharing food is a way to enjoy each other’s company.
Eating Etiquette
In Ireland, it's polite to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat. Saying 'thank you' to the cook is always appreciated!
When People Eat It
Soda Bread
Often eaten: Often served with breakfast, lunch, or alongside soups and stews
Known for: Nationwide
Tea TimeEveryday
Colcannon
Often eaten: Usually enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner, especially in autumn
Known for: Nationwide
HalloweenFamily Dinner
Boxty
Often eaten: Often eaten for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side dish
Known for: Nationwide
BreakfastTraditional
Coddle
Often eaten: Often eaten as a hearty dinner or late-evening comfort dish
Known for: Dublin, especially older working-class home cooking traditions
Comfort FoodFamily Dinner
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
Irish StewStobhach Gaelach
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g)Lamb or beef chunks
- 4 potatoesPotatoes, cubed
- 3 carrotsCarrots, sliced
- 1 onionOnion, chopped
- 4 cups (950 ml)Beef or lamb stock
- 1 tspFresh thyme
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to brown the meat chunks in a large pot.
- 2Add the onion and carrots and cook for a few minutes.
- 3Pour in the stock and add the thyme.
- 4Add the potatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 5Cover and cook for about 1.5 hours, until the meat and potatoes are tender.
- 6Season with salt and pepper and serve with soda bread.
Soda BreadArán Sóide
Makes 1 loafIngredients
- 4 cups (500 g)Flour
- 1 tspBaking soda
- 1 tspSalt
- 1 3/4 cups (415 ml)Buttermilk
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2Stir the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a big bowl.
- 3Pour in the buttermilk and mix quickly into a soft, sticky dough.
- 4Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a floured tray.
- 5Cut a deep cross in the top with a knife.
- 6Bake for about 35 minutes, until it sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
ColcannonCál Ceannann
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 4 potatoesPotatoes
- 3 cups (200 g)Kale or cabbage, chopped
- 4 tbsp (60 g)Butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml)Milk
- 2 stalksGreen onion
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to boil the potatoes until soft.
- 2Cook the kale or cabbage in a little water until tender, then drain.
- 3Mash the potatoes with the butter and milk until creamy.
- 4Stir in the cooked greens and green onion.
- 5Season with salt and pepper.
- 6Make a little well on top and add an extra knob of butter.
BoxtyBácstaí
Makes 8 pancakesIngredients
- 2 potatoesPotatoes, grated
- 1 cup (200 g)Mashed potato
- 1 cup (125 g)Flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml)Milk
- 2 tbspButter, for frying
How to Make It
- 1Squeeze the grated potato in a towel to remove extra water.
- 2Mix the grated potato, mashed potato, flour, and milk into a thick batter.
- 3Ask a grown-up to heat a buttered pan over medium heat.
- 4Spoon in rounds of batter and flatten them gently.
- 5Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 6Serve warm — a traditional Irish potato pancake.
CoddleCadhlann
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 8 sausagesSausages
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Bacon, chopped
- 4 potatoesPotatoes, sliced
- 2 onionsOnion, sliced
- 3 cups (710 ml)Chicken stock
- 2 tbspFresh parsley
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to lightly brown the sausages and bacon.
- 2Layer the potatoes, onion, sausages, and bacon in a large pot.
- 3Pour in the stock until everything is just covered.
- 4Cover and simmer gently for about 1 hour, until the potatoes are soft.
- 5Sprinkle with parsley.
- 6Ladle into bowls — a cozy Dublin one-pot dinner.
Vocabulary
If you like cozy meals and sharing them in the company of others, you'll love Irish food! Like warm soups and stews, Irish dishes are made to keep you full and happy even on the chilliest days.