If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’re in for a real treat – literally! Irish culture is built around warmth, hospitality, and some of the best traditional food in the world.
From hearty breakfasts to comforting stews, Ireland’s traditional dishes are bursting with rich flavors and centuries of history.
Some of the following traditional Irish foods might leave you scratching your head or raising an eyebrow, but don’t judge them too quickly – give them a try, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.
We’re very passionate about our food in Ireland, and we’re sure you’ll love our traditional dishes just as much. In fact, we can bet, by the time you leave, you’ll have your suitcase packed with bags of Taytos and Irish pudding!
A Taste of Ireland: The Best Traditional Irish Food You NEED to Try
This Irish food guide will walk you through some of Ireland’s most beloved traditional Irish foods, dishes that will make your mouth water just by reading about them. Trust us, tasting them will be a whole new level of indulgence.
Read our Dos and Donts when visiting Ireland to best prepare for your Irish adventure.
Traditional Irish Food: The Full Irish Breakfast
No trip to Ireland is complete without a full Irish breakfast – also known as a fry-up in Ireland. This is the quintessential Irish way to start your day, and it’s a meal that perfectly embodies the essence of traditional Irish food.
Head to a local café and order this hefty breakfast, which often includes fried eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and the star of the show: Clonakilty black pudding. If you’re not familiar with black pudding, don’t be deterred – it’s a rich, flavorful blood sausage that adds a unique and satisfying depth to your breakfast and a must-try food when visiting Ireland.
And don’t forget the famous HP sauce, a tangy brown sauce that pairs beautifully with the salty and savory ingredients.
Traditional Irish Food: Irish Breakfast Roll
If you’re busy on an Irish road trip and don’t have time to sit down for breakfast, no worries! Pop into any local shop like Spar or Centra, and head straight to the Deli.
*An Irish deli is basically heaven on earth where you can grab everything from a hearty sandwich to hot chips, though you might have to fight a few Irish builders out of the way to get your hands on the good stuff!
It is here you’ll find the ultimate “sandwich” the famous Irish Breakfast roll – which is basically everything in your traditional full Irish breakfast stuffed into a bread roll!
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Traditional Irish Food: Hot Chicken Fillet Roll
Alternatively, or for your next stop off at an Irish Deli, try the just-as-famous Irish hot chicken fillet roll.
The hot chicken fillet roll in Ireland is basically what it says on the tin – hot crumbed chicken strips (spicy or non-spicy) in a crispy warm roll.
Check out the hot chicken fillet roll in the video below, can you hear our excitement?!
There are plenty of ways to customize your hot chicken fillet roll – some folks add ketchup and cheese, but we recommend going all in with traditional Irish stuffing, onions, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce.
Really, anything goes when building your perfect Irish hot chicken fillet roll – just take a look at the deli (kind of like a Subway) and get creative!
Traditional Irish Food: Curry Cheese Chips
If you’re craving something quick and comforting, you can’t go wrong with curry cheese chips from a local chipper (Irish takeaway). Picture this: crispy, golden chips piled high and smothered in a gooey layer of melted cheese, all generously covered in a rich, flavorful curry sauce that’s just the right balance of spicy and savory.
The cheese melts into the warm chips, creating a creamy, indulgent base, while the curry sauce adds a kick of warmth and depth. Trust us, once you try this Irish classic, you’ll be hooked and craving it long after you leave!
Now, you might be wondering – what makes Irish curry so special? After traveling the world, including spending six months in India, we’ve yet to taste curry as delicious as McDonnell’s Irish curry. It’s rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced.
Top Irish travel tip: Stock up on McDonnell’s curry packets from any supermarket such as SuperValu, Dunnes, or Tesco before you head home. We are not ashamed to admit that we used to have them shipped from Ireland to Australia during our seven years there, and we can guarantee you’ll be craving it once you leave.
“Traditional” Irish Food: Spice Bag
Another iconic takeaway dish you need to try is the Irish spice bag. A true Irish comfort food, this dish is a mix of crispy chicken, chips, peppers, onions, and a spicy seasoning that gives it a punch of flavor. It’s the perfect late-night snack after a few to many pints of Guinness or quick meal on the go.
These dishes may not sound like the classic “traditional Irish food,” but trust us, they’ve become staples in Irish culture and Ireland’s food scene, and you won’t want to miss them!
Traditional Irish Pub Grub: Wholesome, Hearty, and Delicious
If you’re heading out for dinner, we’ve got the perfect menu lined up for you to experience traditional Irish food, served the classic Irish pub grub way. Irish food doesn’t get any better than this – hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Just be sure to bring a big appetite because when it comes to Irish pub grub, the portions are more than generous! After all, we love our food in Ireland, and we want you to enjoy every bite.
Let’s begin with your Irish starters.
Traditional Irish Food: Vegetable Soup with Soda Bread
When you’re in the mood for something cozy, start with a bowl of vegetable soup, a comforting classic found in almost every Irish pub. Packed with hearty vegetables, this soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day – which let’s face it, is highly likely when visiting Ireland!
It’s best served with a slice of traditional Irish soda bread, made with buttermilk for that slightly tangy, rich flavor. Don’t forget to slather it with a generous amount of creamy Irish Kerrygold butter – it’s the perfect combination to make you feel right at home.
Traditional Irish Food: Potato and Leek Soup
For an extra comforting choice, try the classic potato and leek soup, a true staple in Irish kitchens. This rich and velvety soup is made with tender Irish potatoes and fresh leeks, creating a smooth and flavorful base.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for any season, and is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, wholesome comfort food. Of course, pair with the Irish soda bread and Irish butter as above!
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Traditional Irish Food: Seafood Chowder
If you’re a seafood lover, you simply can’t visit Ireland without trying its iconic seafood chowder. Ireland’s coastline, surrounded by the bountiful Atlantic Ocean, is home to some of the freshest seafood in the world, and this dish is the perfect way to experience it. Made with locally caught salmon, cod, and other fresh fish, along with creamy potatoes and a hint of seasoning, it’s a true taste of Ireland’s wild shores.
Whether you’re traveling along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way or enjoying a cozy pub meal, seafood chowder lets you dive right into the heart of Ireland’s rich seafood culture—trust us, it’s a comforting, flavorful experience you won’t want to miss.
Now that you’ve enjoyed your starter, let’s move on to the main event! When it comes to traditional Irish food, the real heart of Irish comfort food lies in those hearty, savory main dishes that have been passed down through generations.
These main meals not only reflect the richness of Irish culture but also showcase the country’s love for hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meals.
Whether you’re enjoying them at a local pub or in the comfort of an Irish home, these meals are sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied, with a true taste of Ireland in every bite.
Traditional Irish Food: Shepherd’s Pie
A true Irish classic, Shepherd’s Pie is the epitome of Irish comfort food.
This savory dish is made with tender lamb, vegetables, and a rich gravy, all tucked beneath a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. When baked, the top gets golden and crispy, offering the perfect contrast to the soft, savory filling.
Traditional Irish Food: Guinness Pie
For something a little different and uniquely Irish, try a Guinness Pie – a rich, flaky pastry filled with tender beef cooked in a thick, flavorful Guinness gravy.
This hearty pie is the perfect blend of Irish ingredients, with the Guinness adding a unique depth to the filling. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or just craving a delicious, savory pie, Guinness Pie is a comforting meal that captures the essence of Irish cooking.
If you are looking for a true taste of Ireland – A Guinness pie will do it!
What’s the difference between an Irish Sheperd’s Pie and a Guiness Pie?
The Guinness Pie is a savory dish made with beef (or lamb) cooked in a rich Guinness gravy and wrapped in a flaky pastry, while Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb (or beef), vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes instead of pastry.
Traditional Irish Food: Traditional Irish Stew
No trip to Ireland is complete without trying Traditional Irish Stew, a dish that’s been enjoyed by Irish families for generations. This hearty stew is typically made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, simmered to perfection in a rich broth.
Many Irish cooks add a splash of Guinness to enhance the depth of flavor, making it even more comforting and delicious. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy Irish pub or at a family dinner table, Irish Stew will surely give you a true taste of Irish hospitality.
Traditional Irish Food: Coddle
For something uniquely Irish, you need to try an Irish Coddle.
Coddle is a traditional Irish stew that is simple yet hearty and comforting. It typically consists of sausages, bacon (or pork), onions, and beans, all slowly simmered together in a pot. The ingredients are combined with water or broth to create a savory, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
This dish has been a staple of Irish home cooking for generations, particularly in Dublin, and it’s often considered a “one-pot wonder.” Coddle can be enjoyed on its own or served with bread (like soda bread) to soak up the rich, savory broth.
Coddle is a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for those chilly Irish evenings, offering a comforting, flavorful meal that will make you feel like part of the family. It’s the kind of dish you can’t help but love.
Traditional Irish Food: Sunday Roast
While it’s called a Sunday Roast, there’s absolutely no rule that says it has to be enjoyed only on Sundays. In Ireland, we love our roasts so much, you could easily find yourself tucking into one on a Tuesday, Wednesday…or even a Friday night.
Why wait for the weekend when you can dive into tender roasted meat, creamy mashed Irish potatoes, stuffing, and all the veggies drenched in rich, glorious gravy any day of the week? It’s Irish comfort food that doesn’t care what day it is – just as long as you’re hungry!
Basically it’s Christmas dinner whenever you want!
*You’ll see this as the “Roast of the Day” in any Irish food establishment.
Traditional Irish Food: Bacon and Cabbage
An undeniably traditional Irish dish is Bacon and Cabbage. This Irish classic may not sound too inviting, but it is delicious! The tender bacon is boiled alongside cabbage, creating a savory combination that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Bacon and cabbage is to be served alongside Irish potatoes of any kind and the famous Irish white sauce.
*Irish White Sauce (often referred to as Parsley Sauce) is a traditional accompaniment to many Irish dishes, particularly seafood and boiled meats like bacon and cabbage. It’s a simple, creamy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and a generous amount of fresh parsley.
Bacon and cabbage is a staple of Irish home cooking and a must-try for anyone wanting to taste a piece of truly authentic Irish cuisine.
A Sweet Finish to Your Traditional Irish Dish
What better way to end your Irish meal than with a warm and indulgent Baileys Irish coffee?
This creamy, coffee-based drink made with the famous Baileys Irish Cream is a perfect way to enjoy the evening.
And, of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without a pint of Guinness.
Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, this rich and smooth stout is the epitome of Irish culture and a fantastic way to wash down all the traditional Irish food you’ve just devoured – if you can find room!
Be sure to check out our top Irish pub etiquette tips before you visit Ireland!
Traditional Irish Foods: What about Supermac’s?
Introducing Supermac’s – now you’re really experiencing Ireland!
For a totally different but equally essential Irish experience, make sure to stop by Supermac’s – it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Ireland!
While traditional pub grub is of course a beloved part of the Irish culture, Supermac’s offers the perfect fast-food twist on Irish favorites. From their legendary Spicy Wedges to the iconic Supermac burger, it’s the go-to spot for quick, comforting food with a distinctly Irish flavor.
Whether you’re stumbling home after an Irish night out, or need a satisfying meal on the go, Supermac’s is the Irish fast-food experience you just have to experience!
Traditional Irish Foods: The Famous Irish Tayto Sandwich
When you’re in the mood for a snack, nothing beats the Irish Tayto sandwich.
This simple yet mouth-watering treat must be made with the essential Irish ingredients: Brennans bread, Kerrygold butter, and, of course, no other flavor but the iconic cheese and onion Tayto crisps. If it doesn’t have these Irish best, it’s not the real deal!
See your Tayto sandwich instructions below:
You read that correct, it’s a potato crisp sandwich, and yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. Don’t knock it until you try it – it’s an Irish snack staple that will leave you hooked.
And yes, MANY packets of Taytos will be another classic Irish food item you’ll be sneaking into your suitcase for the journey home!
*A packet of these Taytos can accompany your Irish breakfast roll or Irish hot chicken fillet roll (and a bottle of Lucozade!)
Traditional Irish Foods: The Humble Irish Potato
We couldn’t finish this Irish food guide with giving the famous Irish potato a paragraph of its own! You may have noticed that the potato is an essential part of nearly every traditional Irish dish we’ve mentioned. It may be mentioned as a bit of an Irish joke, but really, the Irish love their spuds!
And for good reason – honestly, Ireland has the best potatoes in the world! Whether they’re mashed, boiled, roasted, or baked, Irish potatoes are an essential part of almost every meal.
They’re fluffy, creamy, and a delicious complement to almost any dish you’ll try. And if you truly embrace the Irish food culture or have been in Ireland too long, you’ll find yourself enjoying multiple varieties of Irish potatoes at the same meal – now we’re talking traditional Irish dishes!
Why Traditional Irish Food is a Must-Try
“Traditional Irish food is an unforgettable part of your visit, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the heart of Ireland’s culture.”
Ireland’s traditional dishes aren’t just about taste – they’re a reflection of the Irish history, culture, and hospitality. Each meal tells a story of generations past, of family kitchens, and of the rugged landscapes that have shaped the island’s cuisine. Traditional Irish food is not only filling and comforting, but it’s also a fantastic way to experience the true spirit of Ireland.
Whether you’re enjoying a hearty Irish stew at a local pub, snacking on a Tayto sandwich in the middle of a road trip, or sipping on a Baileys Irish coffee, you’re embracing an essential part of Ireland’s culture.
So, next time you’re in Ireland, make sure you try as many of these mouth-watering traditional Irish foods as possible!
Enjoy Your Visit to Ireland!
We’re proud of our home and even prouder to be Irish.
We genuinely hope you fall in love with Ireland – the warmth of the Irish people, the richness of our traditional Irish food, and the beauty of our Irish culture. When you experience all three, there’s truly no place in the world quite like it.
Let us know which traditional Irish dishes you’ve tried, and tell us your favorites!
We’d love to hear all about your visit to Ireland.
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Slán go fóil
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