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31 Best Traditional Irish Recipes: You Need!

Irish cooking has never been easier with this list of the best Traditional Irish Recipes around. I’ve always been a meat and potatoes kind of girl and I am sure this comes from my Irish ancestry.

Today I’ll be sharing with you some of my favorite recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation in my family.

Whether you live in Emerald Isle, want to try some Irish cuisine, or are looking for amazing recipes for Saint Patrick’s Day, here are some of the best Irish meals to choose from.

31 best traditional irish recipes: you need!

What Makes Traditional Irish Dishes Popular?

Certain ingredients are commonly used in Irish recipes. These include potatoes, onions, carrots, turnips, cabbage, beef, lamb, and pork.

There is also a variety of seafood that is popular in Ireland such as salmon, trout, haddock, and cod.

Guinness Stout!

Another key ingredient in many Irish recipes is Guinness stout. This dark beer gives a rich flavor to stews and sauces. Irish beer is often added to dishes and it is also used as an ingredient in baking.

homemade irish beef stew with carrots and potatoes
Homemade Irish Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes

What Is A Traditional Irish Meal And What Do Traditional Irish Dishes Taste Like?

The majority of classic Irish recipes are hearty and filling. They often have a rich and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.

The use of fresh ingredients, such as vegetables and seafood, gives these dishes a unique flavor that is different from other cuisines.

Bread and Potatoes

Irish meals are often served with a side of bread or potatoes. This helps to soak up the rich flavors of the dish and makes it a complete meal.

If you’re looking for something new to try, I highly recommend giving these Traditional recipes a try! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Why Do People Love Irish Cuisine?

The answer is simple it tastes amazing! The combination of fresh ingredients and unique flavors make Irish recipes some of the most delicious recipes in the world.

If you’re looking for a new cuisine to try, I highly recommend giving these best Irish recipes a try!

saint patrick's day party with traditional irish food

What Are Some Irish Traditional Foods or Classic Irish Recipes?

Whilst I’ll be going into detail for each recipe, here is a quick list of Irish foods that are popular:

  • Irish Lamb Stew
  • Traditional Guinness Beef Stew
  • Irish Soda Bread
  • Corned Beef And Cabbage
  • Colcannon
  • Boxty
  • Irish Seafood Chowder
  • Barmbrack
  • Irish Bangers And Mash
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Irish Stew Pie
  • Farls
  • Irish Pub Cheese Spread
  • Irish Cod Pie
  • Blarney Stones
  • Irish Oatmeal
  • Irish Potato Soup
  • Irish Scones
  • Kerry Apple Cake
  • Shamrock Salad
  • Irish Champ
  • Irish Bread Pudding
  • Black Pudding
  • Irish Smoky Salmons
  • Irish Dublin Coddle
  • Irish Shortbread
  • Irish Cottage Pie
  • Irish Pasties
irish cooking

Irish Lamb Stew A Traditional Irish Dinner

One of my all-time favorite recipes is Irish Stew. This dish is usually made with lamb or mutton, but you can also use beef.

The key to a good Irish Stew is to slow cook it so the meat is melt in your mouth tender. I like to add some carrots, celery, and potatoes to mine for a complete meal.

Get this Irish Lamb stew recipe here!

Traditional Guinness Beef Stew

Guinness Beef stew is another delicious Irish recipe that is perfect for a cold winter day.

The beef is cooked until it’s super tender in a rich gravy made with Guinness stout, beef broth, and tomato paste. I like to serve this stew over some creamy mashed potatoes.

Here is a recipe for Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew. Guinness Beef stew is delicious. You can also read this article on what to serve with Irish Stew.

traditional irish recipes

Irish Soda Bread: Goes Well With Irish Meals

No matter what time of year it is, traditional Irish Soda Bread is always a hit in my house.

This quick bread is so easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. I like to serve mine with a dollop of butter and some honey.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

For the best Irish Soda Bread recipe using buttermilk, check out this recipe here!

You can also try Brown Soda bread which is one of the best Irish soda bread recipes I use.

irish soda bread with creamy irish butter on a wooden plate

Corned Beef and Cabbage Irish Food Recipe

Corned beef and cabbage are one of my favorite Irish family recipes. This corned beef dish is usually made on St. Patrick’s Day, but I like to make it year-round.

The key to making the best-corned beef and cabbage is to simmer the corned beef for hours so it becomes tender and flavorful.

You can cook corned beef brisket and cabbage on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Here is our recipe for Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage.

corned beef brisket

Colcannon: A Delicious Irish Cusine

Colcannon is a dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage. It’s a popular dish in Ireland and one that my family always makes around St. Patrick’s Day.

I like to add some butter, cream, and green onions to mine for extra flavor.

Colcannon is one of my favorite Irish recipes that I cook for the family and it always goes down like a treat – especially with baked beans! If you have any leftover mashed potatoes or fried cabbage then try this Irish recipe today!

homemade colcannon. irish mashed potatoes st patrick day food
Homemade Colcannon. Irish Mashed Potatoes St Patrick day food

Colcannon Soup: Hearty Irish Soup

This delicious soup is made with mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and bacon. It’s a hearty soup that is perfect for the slow cooker for a cold winter day. I like to add some shredded cheddar cheese to mine for extra flavor.

Get the recipe for Colcannon Soup here!

Boxty: Typical Irish Food

Boxty is one of the go-to Irish food recipes. It’s a dish made with potatoes, but it’s so much more than that.

Boxty can be served as a side dish or main course and can be made with either mashed or grated potatoes. I like to add some bacon and onions to my Irish Potato cakes for extra flavor.

This recipe from The Spruce Eats for the best Boxty is one that you need to try!

boxty traditional irish recipes

Irish Seafood Chowder

If you’re looking for an Irish starter or main that is perfect for summer, then look no further than Irish Seafood Chowder.

This dish is full of fresh seafood like salmon, shrimp, and scallops, a choice that underscores the difference between fresh and frozen seafood. It’s also packed with veggies like potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Seafood Chowder is a typical Irish food and Irish main dish that will warm you up on a cold night and it’s packed with nutrition and protein. Check out this clam chowder recipe from The Instant Pot Table!

irish seafood chowder

Barmbrack: Irish Bread

Barmbrack is a yeasted quick bread that is popular in Ireland. It’s usually made with raisins, dried fruit, and spices and is often served with tea. I like to make my Barmbrack in the fall when the weather starts to cool down.

Barmbrack Recipe

This Barmbrack recipe is a typical Irish recipe that is great for an Irish breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Serve it with some butter and jam for a delicious treat!

barm brack
Barm Brack – shortened to brack, is a yeasted bread with added sultanas and raisins.

Traditional Irish Bangers And Mash

Bangers and Mash is a dish made with sausage and mashed potatoes. It’s a popular pub food in Ireland and one of my personal favorites.

I like to make mine with Guinness beer-soaked sausages and serve it with some onion gravy on top.

For the best Irish Bangers and Mash recipe, check out this recipe from The Original Dish!

irish bangers and mash

Sheperd’s Pie: A Traditional Irish Cuisine

Shepherd’s Pie is a dish made with ground lamb (or beef) and vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn. It’s covered in creamy mashed potatoes and then baked until golden brown.

This dish is one Irish dinner that is perfect for a winter night. Serve it with some green beans or a salad for a complete meal.

For the best Shepherd’s Pie recipe, check out this recipe from Robust Recipes!

irish shepherds pie

Irish Stew Pie: Great Irish Cooking

Irish Stew Pie is a great authentic Irish recipe. The only thing more comforting than an Irish lamb stew is an Irish dish baked into a pie!

Irish pasties and pies have been a popular meal in my home since childhood and taste even better with a delicious gravy.

This Irish Pie recipe from Taste of Home is the perfect dish for a winter night. Serve it with some crusty brown soda bread and you’ll be in for a treat!

irish stew pie

Farls: Irish Potato Pancakes

Farls are Irish potato pancakes that are popular in Ulster. They’re made with grated potatoes, flour, and baking soda and then fried until golden brown.

I like to serve farls with some sour cream and chives or baked beans for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Irish Pub Cheese Spread: So Delicious

This Irish Pub Cheese Spread is a delicious appetizer that is perfect for any party.

It’s made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Guinness beer. Serve it with some crackers or slather it onto brown soda bread for a delicious snack.

irish pub cream cheese
irish pub cream cheese

Irish Cod Pie: Traditional Irish Food

This Irish Cod Pie is a delicious and traditional fish pie. It’s made with fresh cod, potatoes, and onions and then baked until golden brown. A delicious fish pie for the family to enjoy.

irish cod pie
irish cod pie

Blarney Stones: A Traditional Irish Dessert

Blarney Stones is a traditional Irish dessert that is made with shortbread cookies and chocolate. They’re named after the Blarney Stone in Ireland and are said to bring good luck to those who kiss them. Get the recipe here!

Irish Oatmeal: A Great Start to the Day

Irish oatmeal is a type of oatmeal that is made with steel-cut oats. It’s popular breakfast food in Ireland and one that I love to eat.

Serve with some milk, honey, and raisins for added flavor.

This recipe for Irish oatmeal from Garlic and Zest is the perfect way to start your day. It’s a nutritious and filling breakfast that will keep you going until lunchtime.

irish oatmeal

Irish Potato Soup: With Crusty Bread

Irish Potato Soup is a creamy and delicious soup that is made with potatoes, onions, and celery. It’s a popular soup in Ireland that is great to serve with some crusty bread for dipping.

This easy homemade potato soup recipe at The Inspiration Edit is one of my classic go-to Irish soups and one the whole family can enjoy!

Irish Scones: For Afternoon Tea

Irish scones are a type of quick bread that is made with flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, and milk.

These Irish scones are often served with tea or Irish coffee and are a popular snack in Ireland. I like to make mine with raisins or currants for added flavor.

Irish scones are easy to bake and taste great with jam and whipped cream.

Irish Apple Cake: A Traditional Irish Recipe

Kerry Apple Cake is a dessert recipe that is made with apples, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder.

Apple cake is a moist and delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion. I like to serve mine with some vanilla ice cream or custard for a special treat.

You can also serve Irish apple cake wIth Baileys Irish cream and it makes a great dessert at a Saint Patrick’s day party.

Check out my grandma’s famous Kerry Apple Cake recipe here!

irish kerry apple cake

Shamrock Salad: Irish Greens

Shamrock Salad is an Irish salad made with mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. It’s a healthy and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Serve with some balsamic dressing or vinaigrette for a light meal.

Shamrock salad is a great side dish to go with any hearty Irish meal. Get the recipe here!

Irish Champ: With Scalions and

Irish champ is a dish made with mashed potatoes, scallions, and butter. It’s a popular side dish in Ireland and one that I love to make. I like to serve it with some grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

This easy recipe for Irish champ can be made with ease from the kitchen and is also a great side dish for Saint Patrick’s Day.

31 best traditional irish recipes: you need!
Irish Champ – Mashed Potatoes

Irish Bread Pudding: A Classic Irish Dessert

Bread pudding is a classic dessert that is made with bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. It’s a popular dessert in Ireland and one that I love to make. I like to serve it with some whipped cream or ice cream for a special treat.

This Bread pudding recipe with Irish Whiskey Caramel Sauce is delicious.

Black Pudding: Traditional Dish Of Ireland

This type of blood sausage is made with pork, beef, oatmeal, and spices. It’s a popular dish in Ireland and one that I love to eat. I like to fry it up and serve it with some eggs for a traditional Irish breakfast.

irish black pudding

Full Irish Breakfast

This Irish delicacy is often served as part of a full Irish breakfast and this recipe is a great way to make it at home.

Irish Smoky Salmons

Irish smoky salmons are a type of salmon that is smoked with oak chips. It’s a popular delicacy in Ireland and one that I love to eat. I like to serve it with some cream cheese and crackers for a delicious appetizer.

This recipe for Irish smoked salmon dip is perfect for any party or gathering. Check out this delicious Irish smoked salmon recipe here!

irish smoked salmon
Cold, hot smoked fish and cheese.

Dublin Coddle: Authentic Irish Fare

Dublin coddle is a traditional Irish dish that is made with pork sausage, bacon, potatoes, and onions. It’s a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Dublin Coddle is one of the Irish foods the kids love. It’s also one of my dad’s favorite dishes.

This Irish recipe from The Spruce Eats is a great way to make Dublin Coddle at home.

dublin coddle
coddle or Irish coddle, traditional potato grilled sausage

Irish Shortbread Cookies: A Delicious Treat

Shortbread cookies are a type of cookie that is made with flour, sugar, and butter. They’re popular in Ireland and are often served with tea or coffee.

I like to make mine with some raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor.

These shortbread cookies are simple to make and taste delicious.

I hope you enjoy these easy Irish recipes. They’re sure to please any crowd and will leave you feeling satisfied.

Ireland is a beautiful country with so much to offer. I hope you get a chance to visit soon!

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Similar to Shepherd’s pie, the dish called cottage pie is made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.

This classic Irish dish and recipe is a great way to make Irish cottage pie at home.

Irish Pasties: A Family Favorite

Pasties are a type of turnover that is made with potatoes, meat, and vegetables. They’re popular in Ireland and are often served as a snack or for lunch.

I like to make mine with some chicken, bacon, and cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

This recipe for Irish pasties is amazing with rich Guinness gravy.

What Is The Most Famous Irish Dish?

There are so many delicious and traditional Irish meals to choose from. But if I had to pick just one, I would say that the most famous Irish recipe is Irish stew. It’s great for any occasion and is sure to please any crowd.

What To Serve With Traditional Irish Meals

Many side dishes go well with traditional Irish meals. Some of my favorites include boiled eggs, fried eggs, roasted potatoes, a cabbage dish, or sauteed vegetables.

I also like to serve a green salad with my Irish meals.

You can also try an Irish soda bread recipe, traditional Irish brown bread, or speckled bread which are wonderful Irish recipes.

Popular Irish Drinks To Make At

There are many popular Irish drink recipes that you can make at home. Some Irish family favorites include Irish coffee, Guinness beer, Baileys Irish cream, and Irish whiskey.

I like to make a non-alcoholic / non-caffeine version of an Irish coffee by using decaffeinated coffee and adding some chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

Enjoy Irish Cooking Today!

So there you have it, some easy Irish recipe ideas that you need to try! Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a hearty stew, or a tasty dessert, these traditional dishes and classic Irish recipes will hit the spot.

So get cooking and enjoy some of the best food Ireland has to offer!

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing my Irish Shepherd’s pie recipe. Such a great list of traditional Irish food. Love it all! Yum!

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