From lamb in spring to fish in summer, stews and soups in winter and, of course, potatoes at almost any time of the year, Irish food involves simple, hearty, family cooking that follows the seasons.
Irish stew is a stew native to Ireland that is traditionally made with mutton, onions and potatoes.
Potatoes transformed the Irish diet when they were introduced from the New World in the late 16th century. Potatoes are still a staple at most mealtimes, with traditional dishes remaining popular. Colcannon is a classic, comforting mash of potatoes, cabbage (or kale) and butter (or cream), flavoured with spring onions.
Champ is a similar, mashed potato favourite, flavoured with spring onions, milk and butter.
“Smoked salmon is another must-try – the oak-smoked salmon from the Burren Smokehouse, the beechwood-smoked salmon from the Connemara Smokehouse, and the unusual turf-smoked salmon from The Haven Smokehouse are all worth looking out for” – advises Andrzej Waszkewicz, Irish sports promoter.
