When learning English in Ireland, food will be a big part of your daily routine, and the good news is that the Irish offer you a full menu filled with tasty treats. The Emerald Isle is known for its rich culinary heritage that sets them apart from neighbouring countries. The famous traditional dishes in Ireland are the result of the social and political changes that have happened in the country over the centuries. In 795 AD, when Vikings invaded the Emerald Isle, they brought smoked fish and a taste for pickling. Normans were the ones who introduced Ireland to new spices and meats, and it was the English who brought their passion for afternoon tea. 

Despite these foreign influences, the Irish remained true to their roots. Although they adapted modern cooking styles and even made room for new ingredients in their traditional dishes, they still found a way to preserve their history through food. So, make the most of your time abroad and add Irish flavours to your palate. Join us at English Path as we explore some of the most famous Irish foods, their origins and what makes them so special. Let's go! 

Almost every restaurant or pub you will visit in Ireland will have Guinness beef stew on their menu. It is very different from the traditional Irish stew, which is made with mutton. Guinness is a dark, rich stout which began its production in Ireland in 1759 and is one of the main ingredients apart from beef when cooking the stew. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a rich flavoured sauce made with Guinness stout, carrots, and onions. It is one of the famous traditional dishes in Ireland and its flavour continues to improve the next day. This hearty bowl of broth will keep you warm during the long, cold winter nights in Ireland when the temperature can drop to –19.1 °C. 

Dating back to the 17th century when Irish cuisine relied heavily on locally available ingredients, parsnip and apple soup is a comforting dish that showcases the unique flavours of these two native vegetables. This creamy soup is a testament to the Irish people in transforming simple ingredients like parsnip and apples into a delicious meal. The soup is typically thickened with potatoes and combined with herbs like thyme to give it that sweet flavour. You can find it on menus across Ireland, especially in cosy pubs and traditional restaurants. It's the perfect Irish dish to enjoy during your study breaks all year round. 

Bacon and cabbage is a traditional Irish dish with a long history. It became quite popular after the Great Famine of the 1840s when people relied heavily on simple and filling foods. Loved by locals and visitors alike, you can actually taste the Irish flavours in this hearty meal. To make bacon and cabbage, you simply boil bacon and cabbage together until they are soft. The salty bacon goes perfectly with the sweet cabbage. It's a common home-cooked meal in Ireland but can also easily be found on the menu of local pubs and restaurants. You can have this delicious and satisfying dish for lunch or dinner. 

A Sunday tradition since the Victorian times, the Irish roast dinner is a feast for the senses and has been enjoyed by generations on the Emerald Isle. A staple of Irish family life, it brings people together around the table. Roast beef is usually the meat of choice and it is served with roast potatoes and vegetables such as carrots and cabbage. You can also find a Yorkshire pudding, a bit like a savoury pancake and is delicious when covered with lots of gravy, which is a sauce made from the beef juices. Some people also like to have a fiery horseradish sauce with their beef.Enjoy this traditional Irish treat with new friends on special occasions or to celebrate small wins. 

The perfect snack to go with Irish afternoon tea since the 18th century, Irish scones are simple yet tasty baked goods to be enjoyed with butter, jam or clotted cream. In the old days they were made with butter, flour and buttermilk, but now they also include additional ingredients like raisins, cheese or herbs. Irish scones were traditionally served with a pot of tea, but you can also have them as a comfort food any time of the day, whether as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack or dessert. 

No discussion of traditional dishes in Ireland would be complete without mentioning black and white pudding. These traditional blood sausages are part of the full Irish breakfast. Black pudding is made with pork blood, fat, oatmeal and spices, white pudding is similar but without the blood. Both are sliced and fried until crispy on the outside, then served with eggs, bacon, sausages and tomatoes. You can enjoy the unique and rich flavour of black and white puddings with your friends and classmates. 

Discovering the traditional dishes of Ireland will help you learn about its rich history and culture. Whether you are a fan of savoury or sweet food, the Irish offer something for every palate. Use your study break to explore the city of Dublin and enjoy the hearty stews, delicious cakes, and Irish vegetables. You can also enjoy other famous Irish food with EP Dublin. By enrolling in our English language courses in Dublin, you will also have access to our vibrant Social Programme, where we host excursions to various landmarks in the city. It is an incredible opportunity for you to explore Dublin and try the most popular Irish dishes!