You must try Irish dishes when in Ireland. Ireland is home to an abundance of wonderful places to eat. Many of their top restaurants also serve other cuisines. But honestly? Irish food is outstanding and feels so warm and homey. It’s an absolute must.
To make things simpler, I’ve researched and compiled a list of foods recommended by locals, renowned by chefs, and experienced when I was in Ireland.
1. Soda Bread
You must try soda bread when in Ireland. Every restaurant and family has their own recipe of soda bread. Soda bread is a complement to Irish meals and is phenomenal! Each soda bread is difficult to compare with others. Each have been incredible.
2. Irish Stew
Another stew you must try is Irish Stew with lamb AND Beef & Guinness Stew. HOLY cow. Irish stews are hearty and homey and are so absolutely satisfying. Stews are made with chunks of beef or lamb, gravy, and onions.
Irish Stew in the front. Beef & Guinness Stew in the back.
3. Coddle
I tried Famous Dublin Coddle at the The Hairy Lemon when I was in Dublin. I like looking through TripAdvisor when assessing the dishes. Coddle was one of the “best sellers” at The Hairy Lemon. I tried it and was impressed. Coddle is comprised of potatoes, sausage, bacon and is so delicious.
4. Boxty
Boxty is made of potatoes…and when in Ireland, you must try their potatoes. They are basically potato pancakes!
5. Full Irish Breakfast
Full Irish Breakfast includes bacon, sausages, toast, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and black and white pudding. The breakfast comprises of what is deemed necessary for a successful start to one’s day.
6. Barmbrack
Barmbrack is sweet Irish fruit bread, which can contain dried fruits and spices. Looking for recipes for my “Foodie’s Recipe Book” Pinterest board, I found a recipe on Irish Times in case one is looking to give it a go.
7. Colcannon
Colcannon is basically a variation of mashed potatoes! They are mixed with items such as scallions and greens and are creamy!
8. Bacon and Cabbage
Bacon and cabbage is a traditional dish in Ireland. It is stewed bacon and cabbage. When coming into Dublin Airport, the security staff asked what I was in Ireland for. When I said “food,” she smiled and said, “Oh yes! Bacon and cabbage?”
9. Fish and Chips
I lived in England for 4 years and was in London for a week and a half trying fish and chips everywhere. Without a doubt, you MUST try fish and chips in Ireland. The best fish and chips I’ve ever had was in Doolin, Ireland. I talked about it in my 6 Classic Experiences article.
10. Seafood!
Now I myself am not much of a seafood person but when it comes to seafood, Ireland has an outstanding rep. They say the shell fish is outstanding, for all you seafood lovers out there!
11. Desserts
The bread pudding I had in Ireland was amazing! If you’re visiting, you MUST try their bread pudding. It’s light, fluffy, but still a rich and scrumptious treat.
12. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee= hot coffee + Irish Whiskey, topped with cream and sugar. When you’re in Ireland, you must try Irish coffee! Irish Coffee is perfect for an end-of-the-night treat. Boost of caffeine and relaxation.
13. BEER
You cannot leave Ireland with trying their famous Guinness on draft or any other beer for that matter! I wrote about the Guinness Warehouse Tour in my 6 Classic Experiences to have in Dublin. If you’re in Dublin, do stop by! It’s so much fun. They brew so many kinds of beer that you must try in Ireland.
I am a foodie at heart. I mean, food places are at the top of ALL my “to-do’s” when I’m traveling. If you have any suggestions or tips for Irish food, I am all ears! And if you have questions or comments, I’d love to hear them!
