Traditional Irish recipes from Irish stew, colcannon, and soda bread to rustic apple cake and homemade Irish Cream!

Irish cuisine is known for simple, rustic dishes that reflect the countryโs agricultural heritage and coastal bounty. Here’s what you can expect from classic Irish recipes…
- Minimal spicing: traditional Irish dishes rely heavily onย herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves, with minimal use of exotic spices, letting theย natural flavors of vegetables, meats, and dairyย come through. It has a reputation for being bland, but I would call it subtle and comforting!
- Hearty dishes: meals likeย Irish stewย orย Dublin coddleย were designed forย sustenance, using inexpensive, accessible ingredientsโsuch as lamb, potatoes, and sausagesโthat could cook slowly over the day to feed large families.
- Bread without yeast: the Irish developedย soda breadย as a quick, reliable alternative to yeast-leavened bread. Buttermilk provides both acidity and moisture, giving soda bread its signature tangโ.
- Focus on dairy: dairy farming has been central to the Irish economy for centuries, and butter, cream, and cheeses are heavily represented in Irish recipes.
- Fresh and seasonal: the coastal geography providesย seafood like salmon, mussels, and oysters, whileย potatoes, root vegetables, and cabbageย dominate Irish dishes.
- Preservation techniques: historically,ย salting and smoking meatsโsuch as baconโwere vital preservation methods. These techniques live on in dishes likeย bacon and cabbage, a classic Irish meal.
- Cultural importance of the potato: theย potato became centralย to Irish cuisine, shaping dishes likeย boxty,ย colcannon, andย champย (mashed potatoes with green onions). Its significance also reflects the lasting scars of theย Great Famine, which profoundly shaped Irish food habits.
- Simple desserts: likeย farmhouse apple cake using basic ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and local fruits.
Here are some of my favorite Irish recipes you can try at home…
IRISH APPLE CAKE
This is an authentic Irish recipe for an old fashioned apple cake, the kind that would be made throughout the apple harvest season all over the country, where every farmhouse has its own prized version of the recipe (no doubt made with their own heirloom apples.) Itโs delicious with or without the traditional custard sauce.
IRISH OATMEAL SODA BREAD
Rustic Irish soda bread made with oatmeal is delicious. It’s a miracle how this easy no-yeast, one bowl recipe bakes up into an authentic, crusty, artisan loaf. Serve for breakfast with butter and jam, or alongside any soup or stew.
INSTANT POT IRISH STEW
The real deal, a classic rich stew made with lamb, potatoes, root veggies, cabbage, and, of course, a good dose of Guinness. If you don’t know where to start with Irish recipes, start here ๐
CLASSIC FISH PIE
Delicious fish pie topped with mashed potatoes ~ I’m crazy for a great creamy fish pie. You can use all sorts of fish or shellfish in this uber comforting meal.
COTTAGE PIE
Cottage Pie and its cousin Shepherd’s Pie is as traditional as it gets. Cottage pie is usually made with ground beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb. Today, both shepherdโs pie and cottage pie are commonly found on menus across Ireland and are considered part of the comfort food tradition.
This versatile Irish recipe is perfect for a family meal ~ serve with peas, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad.
DUBLIN CODDLEย
One of my favorite of all Irish recipes! Onions, potatoes, sausages, and bacon (basically all the best things) get slow cooked together in this wonderful dish. The name comes from the fact that the ingredients were traditionally coddled or slowly cooked over a long period of time.
TRADITIONAL IRISH LEEK AND POTATO SOUP
Leek and potato soup is a traditional Irish recipe that has been popular in Ireland for many years. Its origins can be traced back to the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, when potatoes and leeks were two of the few ingredients that were readily available.
IRISH SODA SCONESย
For an authentic Irish country breakfast, it doesn’t get more perfect than these scones, some Irish butter, and a dollop of homemade jam. This recipe comes from Darina Allen’s Forgotten Skills of Irish Cooking.
COLCANNONย
Colcannon is a traditional Irish recipe made from mashed potatoes, butter, milk, and seasonal vegetables like cabbage and kale. In some regions, spring onions and bacon might also be added. Colcannon has been a staple in Irish kitchens since the 17th century.
CORNED BEEF
Classic cured beef brisket is perfect for corned beef and cabbage, and deli sandwiches! This Irish recipe does take some time, but it’s so worth it!
CLOTTED CREAM SHORTBREAD
Crisp, buttery shortbread proves that dessert doesn’t have to be decadent to be fabulous. While Ireland can’t lay claim to the invention of shortbread, it’s a hugely popular snack. Irish variations include brown sugar shortbread, and oatmeal shortbread.
HOW TO MAKE IRISH COFFEE
Itโs believed that the first Irish coffee was created in the 1940s by a bartender named Joe Sheridan who worked at the Foynes Airbase in County Limerick, Ireland.
GUINNESS BREAD
Have you got a couple of minutes? Why not make this almost too good to be true Guinness bread? Just whisk a few ingredients together in a bowl, pour in a bottle of Guinness, and stir it up. Thatโs all you need to do! It sounds crazy but the results speak for themselves. (Youโll have just enough time to fix yourself a cup of tea!)
IRISH BROWN BREAD
An ancient whole grain bread with a rustic texture and hearty flavor. This Irish recipe for brown bread has been passed down for generations. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Ireland when the Celts began baking flatbreads made with water and grains.
HOMEMADE IRISH CREAM
Because no Irish recipe round up would be complete without a little tipple ~ cheers!
NO CHURN BAILEY’S ICE CREAM
A dangerously easy no churn ice cream made with Bailey’s Irish Cream! Not sure if this is a traditional Irish recipe, but it should be! The history of Bailey’s Irish Cream dates back to 1974, when it was first introduced by a man named Tom Jago. He was inspired to create this unique cream liqueur after trying a concoction of whiskey, cream, and coffee made in a bar in Ireland.
SPOTTED DOG
My Irish recipe for Spotted Dog Soda Bread with plump raisins and currants is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a quick warm slice of bread.
GUINNESS CAKE WITH IRISH CREAM FROSTING
If you thought Guinness cake was just a cute idea for St. Patrickโs Day, think again. Long story short, Guinness makes a better chocolate cake!
IRISH FISH CAKES WITH 30 SECOND TARTAR SAUCE
These fish cakes are made extra light and fluffy with mashed potatoes. And of course the creamy homemade tartar sauce takes them over the top. This kind of crispy fish cake is often served as a snack in pubs.
FARMHOUSE SHEPHERD’S PIE
Farmhouse Shepherdโs Pie is a rustic Irish casserole with ground lamb, gravy, and veggies topped with a cheddar mash โ itโs the ultimate comfort food.
BOXTY
A traditional Northern Irish potato cake made quick and easy in your cast iron skillet. Irish Boxty can be served with butter, bacon, sausage, or eggs and can be eaten as an accompaniment to a main meal or as a light snack.
GUINNESS BEEF AND ONION POT PIE
This beef and onion pot pie with potato topping looks like it would be right at home on an Irish farmhouse table. Cooking with Guinness beer can add a rich and complex flavor to so many different kinds of dishes ~ I always keep a few bottles in my pantry.
IRISH BREAD PUDDING WITH WHISKEY CARAMEL SAUCE
Transform a plain loaf of bread into a sumptuous dessert by making classic bread pudding. I think I need to start putting whiskey caramel sauce on everything!
OVERNIGHT STEEL CUT OATS WITH WHISKEY BUTTER
This Irish style porridge is a fantastic way to treat house guests โ or your own family โ to a cozy, bed & breakfast style morning with little effort. Healthy porridge or oatmeal has been a staple of the Irish diet for centuries.
CHEDDAR AND BACON IRISH SODA BREAD
A colorful ‘bacony’ twist on a simple Irish recipe for no-yeast soda bread. The habit of adding a little bit of bacon is a frugal way to enrich recipes and is classically Irish.
Irish recipe resources
Want to put more authentic Irish food on your table? Check out these books for more gorgeous, traditional Irish recipes
- The Irish Cookbook by JP McMahon
- A comprehensive collection with 480 recipes that showcase Irelandโs culinary heritage and ingredients. This book offers a mix of traditional dishes and modern takes.
View on Amazon
- A comprehensive collection with 480 recipes that showcase Irelandโs culinary heritage and ingredients. This book offers a mix of traditional dishes and modern takes.
- Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Irelandโs Heritage by Darina Allen
- A classic guide featuring traditional Irish recipes, complemented by cultural insights and cooking techniques.
View on Amazon
- A classic guide featuring traditional Irish recipes, complemented by cultural insights and cooking techniques.
- The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook by Parragon Books
- This cookbook captures the essence of pub fare, with a variety of recipes ranging from hearty stews to savory pies and Irish desserts.
View on Amazon
- This cookbook captures the essence of pub fare, with a variety of recipes ranging from hearty stews to savory pies and Irish desserts.
- My Irish Table: Recipes from the Homeland and Restaurant Eve by Cathal Armstrong
- This book blends modern Irish cooking with stories from the authorโs culinary journey from Dublin to Washington, DC.
View on Amazon
- This book blends modern Irish cooking with stories from the authorโs culinary journey from Dublin to Washington, DC.
- The Farmette Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures from My Life on an Irish Farm by Imen McDonnell
- Combining traditional Irish recipes with stories from farm life, this book offers a unique glimpse into rural Ireland.
View on Amazon
- Combining traditional Irish recipes with stories from farm life, this book offers a unique glimpse into rural Ireland.
- The Country Cooking of Ireland by Colman Andrews
- This award-winning cookbook explores Irish culinary traditions with over 250 authentic recipes, celebrating the heart and soul of rural Irish cooking.
View on Amazon
- This award-winning cookbook explores Irish culinary traditions with over 250 authentic recipes, celebrating the heart and soul of rural Irish cooking.
These cookbooks provide a blend of authentic Irish recipes and modern culinary twists, making them ideal for anyone looking to explore the full range of Irish cuisine, from traditional fare to contemporary innovations.
My step daughter and family were just in Ireland. They will come to dinner week next. I have have planned corned beef and concannon. Found your recipe and site. Your recipes look great! My maternal grandparents were from Ireland. Mom made typical corned beef and cabbage ( boiled dinner). But nothing else โIrishโ. My grandpa had a farm, but I never heard anything about Irish recipes. Anyhow, thanks for your site. As a frame of reverence for you. I am 75 years old. Only knew grandpa, grandma( I am her namesake) had died.
In your โpotato. And leek soupโ you mention that โonly potatoes were plentiful.โ
Honey, it was a FAMINE and thereโs werenโt any.
Sue,,Your.farmhouse.recipes.are.awesome..Thanx.for.sharing.all.of.these.precious.recipes..Have.a.great.rest.of.the…………day…
2-15-2022
Tried the Coddle. Loved it! The stews look great too, although not too much different from the stews I’m used to cooking. And I’m not even Irish!
Love your recipes. Grew up in North Hampton!!
Oh my! I’ll definitely be cooking up some of these Irish dishes for my family. Last name Kelley here with strong Irish background. Hoping some day to make the trip over to visit, who knows possibly relocate!
I was born in Wisconsin but my heart is in Ireland. Both sides of my family were mostly Irish. My grandmother came from Ireland and still spoke Gallic. My Maiden name as Gallagher and my Mom was McCarthy. I want to learn as much as I can about family and the Irish. I donโt care if they are Catholic or Lutheran. It does not have me. I love them all.
I started my love affair with Ireland with Ireland 47 year ago….love that wonder “little bit of heaven” and its history but most of all I love the people and love the food …. so wholesome, so down to earth.