11 of the Best Irish Foods and Drinks to Try

Ireland is a country known for its amazing landscapes, rich culture and friendly locals. But it is also known for its food and drinks, especially the famous Guinness. From hearty stews to fresh seafood, there are plenty of traditional Irish foods and drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds.

So if you are coming to Ireland for a holiday or decide to live there, we have got plenty of traditional Irish food and drink here.

IRISH STEW

Irish stew is one of the most famous dishes in traditional Irish cuisine. Made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, this hearty stew is a staple in many Irish households. The key to making a great Irish stew is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to let the flavours simmer together for hours. Irish stew is often served with soda bread or brown bread, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.

• Classic Irish stew

IRISH SODA BREAD

Irish soda bread is a traditional bread that originated in Ireland. It is made with just a few simple ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. The bread gets its rise from the chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acidic buttermilk.

There are many variations of Irish soda bread, but the most traditional version is a round loaf with a cross cut into the top.

COLCANNON

Colcannon is a traditional dish from Ireland that typically consists of mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage or kale, butter, and milk. Sometimes it can contain other ingredients such as scallions, leeks, laverbreads, onions and chives.

You can season it with butter or any other desired ingredients.

• Irish colcannon recipe

BOXTY

Boxty is a traditional Irish dish made with grated potatoes, buttermilk, flour, salt, baking powder and sometimes eggs. It is like pancakes, that is why this dish is also called “Irish potato pancakes”.

There are many recipes but all contain finely grated, raw potatoes and all are served fried. Boxty is often served with butter, sour cream, or jam and is a popular dish in Irish cuisine.

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FULL IRISH BREAKFAST

The full Irish breakfast is very popular in Ireland, many Irish families like to get together for this breakfast on weekends or special occasions. It is composed of eggs,black and white pudding (a type of sausage made with blood and grains), rashers (Irish bacon), sausages, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, butter and toast or soda bread.

GUINNESS

Guinness is definitely the most famous drink in Ireland and one of the most successful drinks in the world. Founded in 1759 in Dublin, this popular beer is known for its dark colour, creamy texture, and distinctive taste, which is achieved through a combination of roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast. It is brewed in nearly 50 countries.

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IRISH COFFEE

Irish coffee is also a popular drink in Ireland. This hot cocktail is made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and heavy cream. Often served in a clear glass mug with a handle, this drink is perfect for cold weather or as a nightcap after a meal. The layers of coffee, whisky and cream create a visually appealing drink.

BAILEYS

Baileys is a popular brand of cream liqueur known in Ireland. This alcohol is made by blending cream, Irish Whiskey, cocoa, and other ingredients. Often served over ice or used as a mixer in various cocktails, Baileys has a smooth and creamy texture with sweet and rich taste.

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IRISH WHISKEY BRANDS

1) Jameson

This Irish Whiskey brand, also appreciated by the Irish, has been produced in Ireland since 1780. It is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley, as well as other grains, and is distilled three times for a smooth and distinct flavour. It has a light, fruity taste with a slight sweetness and is often drunk neat, on the rocks or as a mix in cocktails.

2) Redbreast

This brand of Irish Whiskey, known for its rich and complex flavour, was created in 1903 in Dublin. Also enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this alcohol is a single pot still whiskey made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley that is distilled in a pot still. Redbreast whisky has a deep, mellow taste with notes of fruit, spice and toasted oak as it is aged in oak casks for at least 12 years.

3) Bushmills

This famous whiskey has been produced in the town of Bushmills since 1608. This drink is made using a blend of malted and unmalted barley which is distilled three times to create a smooth and flavourful spirit. It has a distinctive taste and colour because it is aged for at least three years in oak barrels.