What to Eat in Ireland: Typical Irish Food and Specialties

Irish cuisine is known for its hearty and filling dishes, often featuring meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Ireland is globally famous for its Guinness beer and Irish whiskey. In Dublin, the Temple Bar district is popular for its picturesque pubs.

🇮🇪 Ireland on a plate, in a glass, and in your email! Subscribe to my newsletter and get exclusive access to information about Irish cuisine for free. Discover lesser-known but still great Irish foods!

What to Eat in Ireland:

Irish Stew. A traditional Irish stew made with meat, potatoes, onions, and carrots. This dish is beloved across Ireland and is considered the national dish.
Boxty. Potato pancakes often served as a side dish. Boxty is a staple of Irish cuisine and is especially popular in western Ireland.
Soda Bread. Bread made from flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Soda Bread is a staple in Irish cuisine, often served with soups and stews. Its texture is very different from sourdough bread.
Colcannon. Mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that is very popular.
Coddle. Coddle is particularly associated with Ireland’s capital, Dublin. It is often made to use up leftovers. This hearty dish was popular among the working class in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Black Pudding. Blood sausage made from pork blood, fat, and oatmeal. Black Pudding is a staple of the Irish breakfast and is popular throughout Ireland.
Shepherd’s Pie. Baked minced meat topped with mashed potatoes. Shepherd’s Pie is popular throughout Ireland and is often served in pubs.
Bacon and Cabbage. Boiled ham with cabbage and potatoes. Bacon and Cabbage is a traditional Irish dish, often served on St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish Coffee. A coffee drink with Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. Irish Coffee was first created at Limerick Airport and has become a popular drink worldwide.
Guinness Beer. A dark beer with a distinctive taste and creamy foam. Guinness is Ireland’s most famous beer and an integral part of Irish culture.
Barmbrack. A sweet fruit bread with raisins and currants, often served at Halloween. Barmbrack is a traditional Irish dish associated with holiday celebrations.
Irish Cream. A liqueur made from Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate. Irish Cream, such as Baileys, is a popular type of alcohol, often used in desserts.
Potato Farls. Potato bread often served at breakfast. Potato Farls are particularly popular in Northern Ireland.
Seafood Chowder. A creamy soup made from seafood, vegetables, and cream. Ireland is known for its fresh seafood, and Seafood Chowder is a popular dish along the Irish coast.
Irish Whiskey. Known for its smooth and mellow taste. Ireland is one of the largest producers of whiskey in the world and has a long history of making this beverage.
Yellowman. An Irish confection made from brown sugar and butter. Yellowman is a traditional sweet originating from County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
Dulse. Edible seaweed often dried and sold as a snack. Dulse is popular especially in coastal areas of Ireland.
Drisheen. Drisheen is a local specialty from County Cork and is considered an acquired taste. The main ingredient is cow, pig, or sheep’s blood.
Champ. Mashed potatoes with scallions and butter. Champ is a traditional side dish that originates from the Ulster region in Northern Ireland.
Irish Apple Tart. An apple pie with a creamy filling and crumb topping. Apples are commonly grown in Ireland, and apple tarts are a favorite dessert across the country.