What to eat in Ireland

A trip to a new country is always a great opportunity to try out some of the best food on offer, and Ireland is no exception. Not only can you taste traditional dishes, some research will also lead you to some of the country’s best chefs.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, then you’ll want to explore the culinary delights on offer. Square Meal IE is a great place to find out about Irish Restaurants and Chefs, so you can start making plans and getting your dining options lined up.

When you’re making your food choices, it’s a brilliant chance to look for some of the foods that are synonymous with the country you’re in. I’ve rounded up five traditional Irish dishes that you might like to try out on your next visit.

Irish Stew

If the weather is cold or your tummy is very rumbly, Irish Stew is a fantastically warming meal that will fill you up. Meat, onions, potatoes and sometimes other vegetables are cooked together, with stock and herbs to create a rich flavour. Some recipes add pearly barley. While mutton is the traditional base ingredient, lamb is more common and popular these days.

Soda bread

Soda bread has a denser texture than other breads, and is often likened to the consistency of a cake. It’s very popular in Ireland, being found in bakeries and served in plenty of restaurants. It’s ideal with the previously mentioned Irish stew for mopping up yummy juices, or with butter and jam as a breakfast or snack.

Colcannon

Colcannon mash is a delicious comfort food that has been made in Ireland for many generations. With several varieties, it’s always interesting to see how your Colcannon is served. With a mashed potato base, other ingredients include spring onions, cabbage or kale. Often served with sausages for a take on bangers and mash, it’s a hearty addition to a meal.

Irish Barmbrack

This sweet fruit loaf is loaded with raisins, candied peel and mixed spice. It is often served with butter and a cup of tea for an afternoon pick me up. A very lovely way to get your sweet treat for the day.

If you visit around Halloween, you may find a coin in your Barmbrack. Don’t be alarmed; it’s paying tribute to an old tradition that Barmbrack was used around this time of year to tell the future. If you do find a coin, the belief is that you’ll be brought wealth. Fingers crossed for you!

Boiled bacon and cabbage

While this doesn’t sound the most appetising, it is very popular dish in Ireland so it could be worth a try. A cut of bacon form the main part of the recipe, which is boiled and the cabbage is added toward the end of the cooking time. It is often accompanied with a parsley sauce.

When in Ireland, you may also want to try a tipple of Irish whiskey. Why not partner it with a coffee if you enjoy both? Irish coffee blends black coffee and Irish whiskey, with cream floating on the top to sweeten it.

Happy travels!