Irish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. From hearty stews to rustic breads, these recipes have been passed down through generations.
They reflect Ireland’s history and culture, using simple ingredients to create comforting dishes.
You can easily make many classic Irish recipes at home. Whether you’re looking for a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal or just want to try something new, these dishes are sure to please.
From savory main courses to sweet treats, Irish cooking has something for everyone.
1. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a beloved Irish comfort food. You’ll find this hearty dish in pubs and homes across Ireland.
It features a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
To make shepherd’s pie, brown ground lamb with onions and carrots. Add peas, broth, and seasonings to create a rich gravy.
Spread this mixture in a baking dish. Cover the meat with a thick layer of mashed potatoes.
Bake until the top is golden and crispy. Some recipes add cheese to the potato topping for extra flavor.
While traditionally made with lamb, beef is also common in Ireland. This variation is sometimes called cottage pie. Either way, it’s a filling meal perfect for cold evenings.
2. Colcannon
Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale. To make it, you’ll need potatoes, butter, milk, and your choice of greens.
Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. While they cook, sauté chopped cabbage or kale in butter until soft.
Mash the potatoes with warm milk and butter. Then mix in the cooked greens.
For extra flavor, you can add chopped green onions or leeks.
Serve colcannon hot with a pat of butter on top. It’s perfect as a side dish for many meals, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
3. Boxty
Boxty is a classic Irish potato pancake. You can make it with a mix of grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes. Add flour, milk, and egg to form a batter.
Cook the batter on a hot griddle or pan until golden and crispy outside. The inside stays soft and fluffy.
Boxty makes a tasty side dish or breakfast option.
You can serve boxty with butter, sour cream, or savory toppings. Some people enjoy it with bacon or smoked salmon.
It’s a versatile dish that works well for many meals.
Try making boxty for your next Irish-themed dinner or St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy potatoes in true Irish style.
4. Coddle
Coddle is a classic Irish dish that’s perfect for cold evenings. It’s a hearty stew made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions.
To make coddle, you start by cooking bacon in a large pot. Then add sliced sausages and onions.
Layer in potatoes and pour in some broth. Let everything simmer together slowly until the flavors meld.
The result is a comforting one-pot meal that’s filling and flavorful.
Coddle is especially popular in Dublin. It’s often made to use up leftover ingredients.
You can add other vegetables like carrots or leeks if you have them on hand.
Serve your coddle hot with crusty bread on the side. It’s a simple but satisfying Irish classic you’ll love.
5. Dublin Coddle
Dublin Coddle is a classic Irish stew that’s perfect for cold nights. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.
The main components are Irish sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions. You can also add carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
To make Dublin Coddle, start by cooking the bacon and browning the sausages. Then layer the ingredients in a pot with chopped onions and potatoes.
Pour beef broth over everything and let it simmer slowly. This allows all the flavors to blend together.
The result is a hearty, comforting meal that’s been enjoyed in Ireland for centuries. It’s easy to make and great for using up leftovers.
6. Irish Stew
Irish stew is a classic comfort food. You’ll love this hearty dish made with tender lamb and root vegetables. The rich broth adds deep flavor to every bite.
To make Irish stew, brown lamb pieces in a pot. Add carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer.
The stew cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend. This creates a thick, satisfying meal.
Serve it hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Irish stew is perfect for cold days. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. Try this traditional recipe for a taste of Ireland at home.
7. Soda Bread
Soda bread is a staple in Irish cuisine. You can make this quick bread easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk in a bowl. Knead the dough lightly and shape it into a round loaf.
Cut a cross on top of the bread before baking. This helps it cook evenly and is said to ward off evil spirits.
Bake the bread until golden brown and crusty. Serve it warm with butter for a tasty treat. Soda bread goes well with soups and stews too.
8. Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake enjoyed year-round. This sweet bread is packed with dried fruits soaked in tea and whiskey overnight.
You’ll find raisins, currants, and candied peel in a typical barmbrack. The dough is lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a warm flavor.
Barmbrack is often served sliced and toasted, with a generous spread of butter. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
At Halloween, small charms are sometimes baked into the bread. Each charm is said to predict the finder’s future for the coming year.
You can enjoy barmbrack as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Its rich history and delicious taste make it a beloved part of Irish cuisine.
9. Ballycotton Fish Chowder
Ballycotton Fish Chowder is a beloved Irish dish from the coastal village of Ballycotton. This comforting soup showcases Ireland’s rich seafood traditions.
You’ll start by frying bacon until crispy. Then, add a mix of fresh fish like cod, haddock, or salmon.
The chowder gets its creamy texture from milk and potatoes.
For extra flavor, you can include smoked fish. This adds a rich, smoky taste to the dish. Mussels, clams, or shrimp make great additions too.
The chowder is perfect for cold days. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with protein. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
10. Beef and Guinness Pie
Beef and Guinness Pie is a classic Irish dish that combines tender beef with rich Guinness stout. This hearty meal is perfect for cold days.
To make it, you’ll cook beef chunks with onions, carrots, and Guinness. The stout adds depth to the gravy as it simmers.
Once the filling is ready, you’ll pour it into a pie dish. Top it with flaky pastry and bake until golden brown.
Serve your Beef and Guinness Pie hot with mashed potatoes or vegetables. It’s a filling meal that captures the essence of Irish comfort food.
11. Black Pudding
Black pudding is a traditional Irish sausage with a rich history. It’s made from pork blood, fat, oats, and spices.
You can find black pudding served as part of a full Irish breakfast. It’s often sliced and fried until crispy on the outside.
To make black pudding at home, mix the ingredients and stuff them into casings. Then cook it in simmering water or bake it in the oven.
Black pudding has a savory, slightly spiced flavor. You can eat it on its own or use it in other dishes like stews and casseroles.
Try serving black pudding with eggs and toast for a hearty Irish-inspired meal. It pairs well with apple sauce or mustard too.
12. White Pudding
White pudding is a classic Irish breakfast food. It’s a type of sausage made from pork, fat, and oatmeal. Unlike its cousin black pudding, it doesn’t contain blood.
You can find white pudding throughout Ireland. It’s often served as part of a full Irish breakfast. The pudding is sliced and fried until crispy on the outside.
To make white pudding at home, mix ground pork, pork fat, oatmeal, and spices. Stuff the mixture into casings and boil. Once cooled, slice and fry the pudding.
White pudding has a long history in Ireland. It dates back to the 16th century when it was a cheap, filling meal for large families.
13. Drisheen
Drisheen is a unique Irish blood sausage from Cork. It’s made with sheep’s blood and spices, giving it a distinct flavor.
To prepare drisheen, you’ll soak it in buttermilk overnight. Then rinse and brine it for a few hours before a final rinse.
You can serve drisheen as part of a traditional Cork dish with tripe. Some chefs are giving it modern twists, like using it in tartlets as appetizers.
Drisheen has a long history in Irish cuisine. While not as common today, it’s seeing a small rise in popularity as people rediscover traditional foods.
14. Champ
Champ is a beloved Irish potato dish. You’ll love its creamy texture and mild onion flavor. To make it, you’ll need potatoes, milk, butter, and green onions.
Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Mash them well.
Heat milk with chopped green onions. Mix the warm milk and onions into the mashed potatoes.
Add a generous amount of butter and season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Serve hot with a pat of butter on top.
Champ makes a great side dish for many meals. It pairs well with roasted meats, fish, or stews. You can also enjoy it on its own as a comforting treat.
15. Potato Farls
Potato farls are a traditional Irish breakfast treat. You can make them easily with leftover mashed potatoes.
Mix the potatoes with flour, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into a round shape and cut it into quarters.
Cook the farls in a hot pan with butter until golden brown on both sides.
These tasty potato cakes are often served as part of a full Irish breakfast. You can enjoy them with eggs, bacon, and sausages. They’re also great on their own with a bit of butter.
Potato farls are a simple yet delicious way to use up extra mashed potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Give them a try for a taste of authentic Irish cuisine.
16. Bacon and Cabbage
Bacon and cabbage is a beloved Irish dish that’s both simple and satisfying. You’ll find it on many dinner tables across Ireland.
To make it, you’ll need Irish bacon, which is different from American bacon. It comes from the back or loin of the pig.
Start by boiling the bacon in water. Once it’s nearly done, add sliced cabbage to the pot. Cook until the cabbage is tender.
Serve the bacon sliced with the cabbage on the side. Some people like to add butter to the cabbage for extra flavor.
For a traditional touch, you can make parsley sauce to pour over the bacon. This creamy sauce adds a nice contrast to the salty meat.
17. Farl
Farls are a traditional Irish bread. You can make them with flour or potatoes.
Flour-based soda farls use baking soda as the leavening agent.
To make soda farls, mix flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. Shape the dough into a circle and cut it into quarters. Cook the quarters on a griddle or skillet.
Potato farls use mashed potatoes as the base. Mix the potatoes with flour and butter, then cook on a griddle. They’re often part of an Irish breakfast.
You can enjoy farls warm with butter or jam. They’re tasty on their own or as part of a larger meal.
18. Seaweed Cured Salmon
Seaweed cured salmon puts an Irish twist on a classic dish. You’ll love this unique take on cured salmon.
To make it, you coat fresh salmon fillets with a mix of sea salt, sugar, and dried seaweed.
The seaweed adds a subtle briny flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
Let the salmon cure in the fridge for 24-48 hours. The salt draws out moisture, giving the fish a firm texture.
After curing, rinse off the seasoning and slice the salmon thinly. Serve it on brown bread with a squeeze of lemon. It makes a great appetizer or light meal.
This dish celebrates Ireland’s coastal flavors in a simple yet elegant way.
19. Spiced Beef
Spiced beef is a classic Irish dish often enjoyed during Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day. This flavorful meat is prepared by rubbing a beef cut with a mix of spices and salt.
To make spiced beef, you’ll need a large cut of beef, typically silverside or brisket. The spice blend usually includes salt, brown sugar, and various spices like cloves, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Rub the spice mixture all over the beef and refrigerate it for several days. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
After curing, cook the beef slowly in water or stout beer with vegetables like onions, carrots, and turnips.
You can serve spiced beef hot or cold. It’s often sliced thinly and enjoyed in sandwiches or as part of a festive spread.
20. Carrageen Moss Pudding
Carrageen moss pudding is a traditional Irish dessert with a unique texture. You make it using dried red seaweed called carrageen moss. This ingredient gives the pudding a smooth, creamy consistency.
To prepare, soak the carrageen moss in cold water. Then simmer it in milk for about 15 minutes. Add vanilla and sugar for flavor. Strain the mixture and let it set.
The pudding has a subtle taste that pairs well with toppings. Try serving it with whipped cream or a sweet sauce. Some recipes suggest an Irish coffee sauce for extra indulgence.
This dessert showcases Ireland’s connection to the sea. It’s a tasty way to enjoy a piece of Irish culinary history.
21. Crubeens
Crubeens are a traditional Irish dish made from pig’s feet. You boil the trotters until they’re tender, then fry them until crispy.
The name “crubeens” comes from the Irish word “crúibín,” meaning little hoof. This dish is often enjoyed as a tasty snack or appetizer.
To eat crubeens, you pick them up with your hands and nibble the meat off the bones. They have a rich, gelatinous texture and savory flavor.
You can serve crubeens with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. They pair well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
22. Porter Cake
Porter cake is a classic Irish treat you’ll love. It’s a rich fruitcake made with dark porter beer, giving it a deep flavor. You’ll find it packed with dried fruits and spices.
This cake is often baked weeks before Christmas. It’s kept in an airtight container to stay moist. Some people add a splash of whiskey or brandy each week for extra flavor.
To make porter cake, you’ll mix fruits, sugar, and butter with porter beer. After heating this mixture, you’ll add flour and eggs.
The result is a dense, sweet cake perfect with tea or coffee.
Porter cake shows off Ireland’s brewing tradition in a tasty way. It’s a hearty dessert that brings warmth to cold days.
23. Goody
Goody is a simple Irish dessert with a long history. It’s made by soaking bread in milk and adding spices and sweetener. The result is a soft, pudding-like treat.
You can make Goody easily at home. Start with stale bread and soak it in warm milk. Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to taste. Some recipes include raisins or other dried fruit.
Goody was often served on St. John’s Eve (June 23rd). It’s a humble dessert that uses basic ingredients. While not fancy, it’s comforting and filling.
Try making Goody for a taste of old Irish tradition. It’s a unique dessert that’s different from more common Irish treats.
24. Barm Brack
Barm Brack is a traditional Irish fruitcake enjoyed year-round but especially popular at Halloween. This sweet bread gets its name from the Gaelic “báirín breac,” meaning “speckled loaf” due to the raisins dotting the bread.
To make Barm Brack, you’ll soak dried fruit in whiskey and tea overnight. Then mix it into a dough with flour, spices, and baking soda. Bake the loaf until golden brown and fragrant.
In Ireland, Barm Brack is part of a fun Halloween tradition. Small objects like coins or rings are often baked into the bread. Finding one in your slice is said to bring good fortune for the coming year.
You can enjoy this fruit-studded bread plain, toasted, or spread with butter. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea for a cozy Irish treat.
25. Waterford Blaa
Waterford blaa is a soft, white bread roll from Ireland. It has a floury crust and a fluffy inside.
You can enjoy blaas for breakfast or use them to make sandwiches. They taste great with just butter or as part of a heartier meal.
To make blaas, you’ll need flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough rises multiple times before baking. This process gives the rolls their special flavor and texture.
Blaas originated in Waterford City in the 1700s. French Huguenots brought their baking skills to Ireland and created this local favorite.
You can find blaas in bakeries around Waterford. They’re best eaten fresh on the day they’re made.
26. Galway Oysters
Galway oysters are a prized delicacy from Ireland’s west coast. You’ll find these plump, briny treats served fresh or cooked in various ways.
Try them raw with a squeeze of lemon for a true taste of the sea. Or sample them fried in a light batter for a crispy treat.
Galway hosts a famous oyster festival each September. You can enjoy oysters paired with Guinness or white wine at this popular event.
Look for dishes like Oysters Kilpatrick, where the shellfish are grilled with bacon and Worcestershire sauce. This tasty preparation highlights the oysters’ rich flavor.
27. Kerry Apple Cake
Kerry Apple Cake is a beloved Irish dessert. You can find it in many homes across Ireland, especially during apple season.
This cake has a moist texture and a crunchy top. It’s made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and fresh apples.
You can serve Kerry Apple Cake warm or cold. It pairs well with chilled cream or custard sauce. Some people enjoy it with Irish Clotted Cream for extra richness.
To make this cake, you’ll mix diced apples into the batter. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a sweet crunch. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
28. Rabanadas
Rabanadas are a sweet bread dish popular in Portugal and Brazil. You can enjoy them as a dessert or breakfast treat. To make rabanadas, you’ll need day-old bread slices.
Soak the bread in a mixture of milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Then dip each slice in beaten egg. Fry the coated bread until golden brown on both sides.
After frying, dust the rabanadas with cinnamon sugar. Some recipes call for a drizzle of honey on top. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.
While not traditionally Irish, rabanadas share similarities with French toast. You might enjoy them as a twist on your usual St. Patrick’s Day menu.
29. Irish Breakfast
A full Irish breakfast is a hearty meal to start your day. It typically includes eggs, bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, and grilled tomatoes.
You’ll often find baked beans, mushrooms, and potato farls on the plate too. Farls are soft, buttery flatbreads made from potatoes.
The meal is usually served with brown soda bread or toast. Don’t forget a pot of strong Irish breakfast tea to wash it all down.
This filling breakfast will keep you going for hours. It’s perfect fuel for a busy day of sightseeing or work.
30. Blathach
Blathach is a traditional Irish buttermilk drink that’s simple yet refreshing. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
To prepare blathach, mix chilled buttermilk with a pinch of salt. Some people add a touch of sugar for sweetness.
This drink is popular in rural areas of Ireland, especially during hot summer days. It’s known for its tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Blathach is not only tasty but also nutritious. It’s rich in calcium and probiotics, making it good for your gut health.
31. Potted Crab
Potted crab is a classic Irish appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for parties. You’ll need cooked crab meat, butter, and some simple seasonings.
Mix brown and white crab meat with softened butter. Add finely chopped parsley for freshness and color. Some recipes include a bit of mayonnaise or crème fraîche for extra creaminess.
For a twist, try adding finely diced Granny Smith apple and red chili. This adds a nice crunch and subtle heat to the dish.
Serve your potted crab chilled with toast points or crackers. It’s a tasty way to showcase the delicate flavor of crab meat. This dish is popular in both Irish and English pubs.
Seasonal Variations
In spring, you might find more lamb dishes on Irish menus.
Fresh peas and new potatoes also make an appearance.
Summer brings a variety of berries used in desserts and jams.
Fall is harvest time for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
These often end up in hearty stews.
Apples are also plentiful, showing up in pies and tarts.
Winter sees more preserved foods.
Cured meats and pickled vegetables help add flavor to winter meals.
Hearty soups and stews become more common during the cold months.