Irish cuisine may not be all that easy to identify, but trust us when we say you’re in for a warming, hearty and nourishing meal, every time. With melt-in-the-mouth beef and lamb dishes, and making use of the abundance of fresh seafood, Irish cooking is comfort food at its very best. Scroll through for a mixture of traditional Irish recipes, and modern takes on much-loved classics.
Looking for more British recipes?
01
Beef and guinness pie
[Beef and guinness pie]
This golden beef pie is classic comfort food; perfect for a cosy night in by the fire.
02
Shepherd’s pie
This is a proper, traditional shepherd’s pie recipe, made with chopped, cooked lamb rather than mince. One of the original waste-not-want-not meals.
03
Boxty
Delicious and simple! Boxty is a traditional Irish pancake, made of mashed and grated potato.
04
Irish stew
Don’t wait for St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate this classic. The lamb should be so tender it falls off the bone and the gravy lightly thickened by the potatoes. Being Irish, there is always at least as many potatoes as meat!
05
Irish soda bread rolls
When you need bread in a hurry, Irish soda bread is the answer. Don’t be tempted to replace the buttermilk with regular milk, as the lactic acid combined with the bi-carb will ensure the bread rises sufficiently.
06
Potato and leek soup
07
Smoked cod and cheddar pie
08
Slow-cooked lamb shank pie
Make the tender lamb filling a day early for an easier cook. The combination of juicy lamb and a buttery pastry makes for a meal so memorable, it’ll be worth all the effort you put in.
09
Slow-cooker beef, mushroom and red wine stew
Slow-cooker beef, mushroom and red wine stew
Warm, hearty and packed with mushrooms and bacon, this beef stew is slow-cooked in a fragrant red wine sauce to tender perfection.
10
Colcannon
Made from buttery mashed potatoes with either shredded cabbage or kale, colcannon is a classic Irish dish.
11
Irish fruit cake
This fruit cake is a traditional Irish favourite. Although the inclusion of Irish whiskey makes it authentic, scotch, dark rum or brandy are fine substitutes.
12
Irish cream and dark chocolate mousse cake
13
Chocolate & Irish cream croissant pudding
Chocolate & Irish cream croissant pudding
This rich, custardy bread and butter pudding is both light, thanks to the flaky croissants, and rich with chocolate and Irish cream. Serve with a dollop of cream or ice-cream.
14
Irish coffee
Sweet and spiked with liqueur, you can offer Irish coffee in place of traditional dessert.