Here’s What You Should Eat When You’re In Ireland

When people think or Irish food, especially in America, they tend to think of corned beef and cabbage. To be clear, while that’s a delicious dish, it’s not a traditionally Irish one. While you’ve probably sampled Guinness beer, there are so many incredible local Irish dishes that you have to try when you’re visiting. Of course, potatoes are a big part of Irish food but there is just so much more to explore in Irish cuisine.

Boxty

Boxty is an Irish potato pancake that’s fried on a griddle pan. It’s a part of a traditional Irish breakfast and has been a staple since it is filling and affordable. Its name originates from “arán bocht tí” which is Irish for “poor house bread.”

Colcannon

Colcannon is another potato dish that is a combination or mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage that’s seasoned with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. It is usually served alongside boiled ham or bacon. There’s even a 19th century folk song about this dish — that’s how popular it is.

Barmbrack

Barmbrack is Irish bread that’s sweet and made with regular and golden raisins. It is very popular to be served around Halloween. Traditionally, coins and rings were added to the dough and whoever got the piece with the prize was said to have good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.

These days, you can find the bread in supermarkets, and it even comes wit a toy ring in it to keep the tradition alive. It is also known as “tea brack” and goes well with a warm cup of tea.

Coddle

Coddle is a popular dish found in Dublin and is essentially made up of leftovers. It combines sausage, potatoes, bacon, and onion all steamed together. It truly is the definition of comfort food that you’re bound to love.

Irish Breakfast

Rivaling the English breakfast, the Irish breakfast is also a hearty and delicious way to start the day. It typically includes eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hash browns, black and white pudding, baked beans, and fried tomatoes. It comes with a side of toast and of course, tea.