Irish food Archives - Hidden Ireland

Think of eating and drinking in Ireland, and you will doubtless conjure up images of Guinness for St Patrick’s Day, as well as potatoes, fruit scones and hearty Irish stews.

However, there is a lot more to the cuisine of Ireland, especially as we come into late spring and early summer.

While Ireland isn’t exactly famed for gloriously hot summers, the sun can still come out from time to time and give residents and visitors alike nice weather to enjoy.

Whether you are staying at a fully catered Hidden Ireland property, or have opted for a self-catering stay, there are many ways to try some Irish summer classics. Check out some online recipes, visit a local supermarket or market and cook your own back at your holiday accommodation.

Potato salad

Ireland’s history is intrinsically linked with the potato, which is evident when it comes to this delicious, fresh summer tradition – Irish potato salad. New potatoes are boiled until soft and then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Butter is added and mixed with the potatoes until it has melted, then mayonnaise, salt and pepper is stirred in.

Garnish with chives and serve with cold meats for a wonderful summer’s picnic food or light dinner option. You can also add ingredients such as onions, mint leaves, radishes peas or mustard to add to the taste.

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs

The ultimate in sophisticated breakfast food. Ireland is rich in wild Atlantic salmon, thanks to its geographical location and island status.

Wild salmon live in many rivers in Ireland and is a popular choice among fish lovers.

Pep up your scrambled eggs in the morning by adding flakes of smoked salmon and chives. Or wow your summer dinner guests by serving small portions as a starter, or a larger serving with a side salad on a warm summer’s day.

Summer pudding

One popular dessert in Ireland is called summer pudding. This is a fruity, moist pudding that was originally made to use up leftover bread, but has become a popular option for summer desserts in Ireland and the UK.

Fruits such as blackberries, redcurrants, strawberries and blueberries are cooked and strained to make them soft.

White or soda bread soaked in fruit juices lines a pudding bowl or loaf tin with the fruit added in the centre. The pudding is then chilled and served with delicious ice cream and fresh fruit.

Bread and butter pudding

Another bread-based dessert that rounds off an Irish salad or summer lunch beautifully is bread and butter pudding.

Again, you can use white bread or the traditional Irish soda bread to make this dish. Slices of bread are buttered and soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs and sugar.

Add fruit such as raisins or currants to taste, as well as other ingredients such as chocolate chips or honey if you wish. Bake until the dish is crispy and golden on the top.

Irish lemonade

Lemonade is a wonderfully cooling drink on a hot, summer’s day.

Adding whiskey to it adds a touch of sophistication for a summer drinks party.

To a tall, chilled glass, mix fresh lemonade with a good Irish whiskey, some ginger beer or club soda, a dash of bitters and fresh mint leaves. Garnish, add ice and serve.

You can also make up jugs of it for a larger group of people. This is a lighter alternative to hot whiskey drinks that are more suitable for the autumn or winter months.

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We believe that great summer holidays are made even better by making sure that they involve lots of delicious food and drink – the more locally sourced, the better!

Foodies will find much to enjoy in Ireland, home to wonderful main courses, tasty side dishes, decadent desserts and boozy beverages to enjoy at one’s leisure in the company of cherished friends and family members.

Several Hidden Ireland properties serve amazing, home-cooked meals on site. Others are situated within easy reach of some of Ireland’s best restaurants, pubs, cafes and eateries.

Whatever you like to eat and drink, you can be sure that there will be plenty to keep you satisfied during your visit to the Emerald Isle this summer.

Famous foods

Ireland is well-known around the globe for a number of fabulous food and beverages that must be sampled and enjoyed.

Some favourites include Guinness stew, seafood chowder, treacle soda bread and, for those brave enough, black pudding.

For dessert, there is a slice or three of whiskey-laced cake or a brilliantly boozy sherry trifle.

Summer eating

In the summer, staying cool is the order of the day and this is made possible thanks to treats like brown-bread ice cream, Wexford strawberries & clotted cream or just a Baileys on ice for when the sun shines on the glorious countryside and vibrant towns of Ireland.

If your accommodation does not serve home-cooked meals, look out for cafes and restaurants on your travels, or check out reviews online for ideas of where to go to enjoy Ireland’s best-known dishes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, find a local food market and whip up some delicious Irish treats of your own.

Local fare

A key reason why so many guests enjoy home-cooked food served at Hidden Ireland accommodation is the fact that so many ingredients are sourced within just a few miles of the property.

Local butchers provide grass-fed lamb and beef and locally reared free-range chicken and pork. Vegetables are grown in local soil and berries plucked out of nearby country lanes.

Local artisans supply essential extras such as cheeses, jams, chutneys, yoghurts and porridge oats.

Coastal properties benefit from proximity to local fishing sites, where, during some seasons, sea food can be prepared and eaten on the same day that it is caught.

August alcohol

Ireland is just as lauded for its alcoholic beverages as it is for its delicious food.

Everyone has heard of the world-famous Guinness, plus the country is famous for its rich, earthy whiskeys, just waiting to be sipped gently with or without a cube of ice.

Irish alcohol is a crucial ingredient for many other well-known drinks.

These include the comforting post-dinner drink, the Irish coffee.

The perfect Irish coffee contains just the right mix of black coffee, cream, whiskey and sugar.

Then, there is the equally smooth Irish cream liquor, which combines whiskey with cream, chocolate and vanilla flavourings. Irish cream can be enjoyed as it comes, or added to a cocktail for an intense, unforgettable base note.