Traditional Irish Foods to Try This St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about wearing green and raising a pint of Guinness—it’s also the perfect opportunity to enjoy some authentic Irish cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating at home, hosting a party, or looking for the best Irish dishes to try at a pub, this guide will introduce you to some classic Irish foods that are perfect for the holiday.

1. Corned Beef & Cabbage (A St. Patrick’s Day Classic)

While corned beef and cabbage is often associated with Ireland, it actually became popular among Irish immigrants in America. In Ireland, pork and bacon were more traditional, but in the U.S., corned beef was a more affordable substitute.

Why You Should Try It:

• Tender, salty beef paired with boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots makes for a hearty and comforting meal.
• It’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
• Pairs perfectly with a pint of Guinness!

Where to Find It:

• Many Irish pubs and restaurants serve this dish on St. Patrick’s Day.
• You can also make it at home with pre-packaged corned beef, cabbage, and root vegetables.

2. Irish Soda Bread (A Quick & Easy Irish Staple)

Irish soda bread is a simple, rustic bread made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Unlike yeast-based bread, soda bread relies on baking soda for leavening, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Why You Should Try It:

• It’s a delicious and dense bread with a crispy crust and slightly tangy flavor.
• Often includes raisins, caraway seeds, or honey for added sweetness.
• Perfect for dipping in soups or slathering with butter.

Where to Find It:

• Bakeries and grocery stores often sell it leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
• You can easily bake it at home with just a few ingredients.

3. Shepherd’s Pie (Comfort Food at Its Best)

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish dish made with ground lamb (or beef), sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping.

Why You Should Try It:

• It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for a chilly March evening.
• Can be made with ground beef (Cottage Pie) or lamb for a more traditional version.
• A great one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and customize.

Where to Find It:

• Served at many Irish pubs and restaurants.
• A great make-ahead dish for St. Patrick’s Day parties.

4. Bangers and Mash (An Irish Pub Classic)

This dish consists of Irish-style sausages (“bangers”) served with creamy mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

Why You Should Try It:

• Rich, savory flavors make this a pub favorite.
• The sausages are typically made with pork, spices, and herbs, giving them a unique taste.
• Best served with Guinness or Irish whiskey.

Where to Find It:

• Available at most Irish pubs.
• You can make it at home with traditional Irish sausages or bratwurst.

5. Boxty (The Irish Potato Pancake)

Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made from grated raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. It’s often pan-fried and served with butter, sour cream, or even smoked salmon.

Why You Should Try It:

• It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• A great breakfast or brunch dish.
• Can be served as a side or a main dish.

Where to Find It:

• Found in some Irish pubs and restaurants.
• Simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.

6. Irish Stew (A True Taste of Ireland)

Irish stew is one of Ireland’s most famous traditional dishes, typically made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs.

Why You Should Try It:

• It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a cozy meal.
• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Great for meal prepping—it tastes even better the next day!

Where to Find It:

• Served at many Irish pubs and authentic restaurants.
• Easy to make at home in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

7. Colcannon (A Delicious Potato Side Dish)

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with butter, cream, cabbage, or kale.

Why You Should Try It:

• A creamy, flavorful twist on regular mashed potatoes.
• Traditionally served with melted butter in the center.
• Can be paired with sausages, corned beef, or stew.

Where to Find It:

• Served at some Irish pubs and restaurants.
• A super easy side dish to make at home.

8. Black & White Pudding (For the Adventurous Eater)

Black and white pudding is a type of traditional Irish sausage made with oats, pork, and seasonings. Black pudding contains blood, giving it a distinct flavor, while white pudding is milder.

Why You Should Try It:

• A must-try for true Irish food lovers.
• Often served as part of a traditional Irish breakfast.
• Has a unique, savory flavor that pairs well with eggs and toast.

Where to Find It:

• Some Irish pubs and specialty shops carry it.
• Can be ordered online from Irish food suppliers.

Final Thoughts

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to explore Irish cuisine beyond just beer and whiskey. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty Irish stew, crispy boxty, or a warm slice of soda bread, these traditional foods bring the spirit of Ireland to your table.

Looking for a great St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl? Visit Bar Crawl Live to find events near you! Sláinte! 🍀🥘