Celebrate the best of Ireland with our round-up of delicious Irish foods

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, and the welcome return of international business events this year, we're giving you a taste of why Ireland is the perfect choice for your future event.

From our famous soda bread to our wholesome stew, here are three of our favourite Irish foods to help fuel your imagination when planning your next business tourism event in Ireland.

Soda bread

Soda bread is a traditional cornerstone of Irish food, and while there are many variations of it around the world, nothing quite beats a loaf of Irish soda bread. The first loaf was made in Ireland in the 1800s (thanks to the arrival of baking soda which helped our soft wheat to rise), and we’ve been perfecting it ever since.

While it’s often said that every family in Ireland has its own soda bread recipe, the basic ingredients remain the same ⁠– flour, baking soda, buttermilk and salt.

Check out our favourite recipe below and follow our #PaddysBakeOff campaign on Twitter for inspiration from the Meet in Ireland and Convention Bureaux teams, as well as planners around the globe, who have been busy baking in the run up to St. Patrick’s Day with thanks to McCambridge Bread.

Bake your own soda bread 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C or 400°F (180°C/350°F fan oven).
2. Mix 170g wholemeal flour, 170g plain white flour, ½ teaspoon of bread soda and ½ teaspoon of salt together in a bowl.
3. Make a well in the centre and pour 290ml of buttermilk into the bowl, mixing quickly to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface. Form into a round and flatten the dough slightly before placing on a lightly floured baking sheet.
5. Make a cross in the top and sprinkle with a little flour.
6. Bake for approx. 30 minutes and admire your creation as it grows.
7. Leave to cool on a wire rack and cover with a towel.
8. When cooled, cut into slices and enjoy.

Boxty

Boxty is a traditional Irish potato cake best served as part of a delicious fry-up – although it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whatever way you choose to eat it, boxty can be teamed with just about anything.

Made using a mixture of mashed potatoes and grated raw potato, it has been a staple food in Irish households since the 1700s when potatoes were relied upon to survive. The name “boxty” is even said to come from the Irish phrase “arán bocht tí” meaning “bread of the poorhouse.” While this may or may not be true, there’s nothing poor about the taste of this classic Irish dish.

Try it alongside sausages and eggs or a slice of smoked salmon this St. Patrick’s Day, but make sure it’s top of your list of things to try on your next trip to Ireland for that authentic boxty taste.

Irish stew

A traditional Irish stew will keep you fueled for a day full of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or business events – and it’s even better with a slice of Irish soda bread on the side.

This rich and hearty main is traditionally served with mutton or lamb, but these days it’s often found in restaurants and pubs in Ireland and abroad using Irish beef, alongside carrots, onions, and potatoes (a national favourite).

Wherever you plan on enjoying the traditional tastes of Irish food, let these mouthwatering Irish dishes add some flavour to your celebrations and give you a taste of your next event in Ireland. Contact the Meet in Ireland team today to find out how you can incorporate Ireland’s world-class cuisine into your MICE itinerary.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!