Ditch the Corned Beef! 10 Fun & Tasty Irish Foods to Try This St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and while corned beef and cabbage may be the go-to dish in the U.S., let’s be real—it’s not even that common in Ireland! 🇮🇪 This year, why not switch things up and celebrate with some real Irish eats? From crispy potato pancakes to rich, meaty stews, these delicious dishes will make your St. Paddy’s Day feast way more fun (and way more Irish). ☘️ 

1. Irish Stew – The OG Comfort Food 

If you want real Irish food, this is it! Traditional Irish stew is slow-cooked with tender lamb (or beef), potatoes, onions, and carrots for the ultimate cozy dish. Think of it as Ireland’s answer to a warm hug in a bowl. 

2. Colcannon – Mashed Potatoes with a Twist 

Sure, mashed potatoes are great—but have you tried them mixed with buttery cabbage or kale? Colcannon is a classic Irish side dish that’s creamy, dreamy, and the perfect excuse to eat more butter. 😍 

How to make traditional Irish colcannon 

3. Boxty – Irish Potato Pancakes (Because Why Not?) 

Boxty is like a cross between a pancake and a hash brown, and it’s every potato lover’s dream. Fry it up golden and crispy, then serve with sour cream or even bacon for extra deliciousness. 

4. Dublin Coddle – The Ultimate Lazy-Day Stew 

Ever wondered what happens when you throw sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions into a pot and let them simmer? You get Dublin Coddle, a ridiculously good one-pot meal that was basically made for chilly nights and cold pints. 

5. Blaa – The Irish Bread Roll You Need to Try 

No, it’s not a typo—Blaa is a fluffy white bread roll from Waterford that’s perfect for sandwiches (or just slathered in butter). Fun fact: it’s so special, it even has protected status in the EU. Fancy, huh? 

6. Skirts and Kidneys – A Traditional Irish Surprise 

Okay, don’t let the name scare you! This lesser-known dish from Cork is a savory stew made with pork and kidneys, slow-cooked until everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Give it a shot—you might just love it! 

7. Shepherd’s Pie – The Ultimate Comfort Classic 

You know Shepherd’s Pie is good. Ground lamb (or beef) in a rich, flavorful gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection? Absolute comfort food goals. 

8. Beef & Guinness Stew – Bold, Rich, and Oh-So-Irish 

Take tender chunks of beef, slow-cook them in Guinness stout, and you’ve got a rich, hearty stew that tastes like a pub in Ireland. Bonus points if you serve it with a pint! 🍺 

9. Irish Soda Bread – No Yeast, No Problem! 

If you love quick and easy baking, you need to try Irish Soda Bread. This dense, slightly tangy bread is made with baking soda instead of yeast, which means no waiting around for it to rise! Just mix, bake, and slather with butter. 

10. Fish & Chips – Because Crispy Fried Food is Always a Win 

Sure, the Brits get credit for Fish & Chips, but Ireland knows how to fry up some seriously good seafood too! Pair crispy battered fish with chunky fries and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got the perfect pub-style treat. 

🎉 This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s give corned beef a break! Try one (or all) of these tasty Irish dishes instead, and celebrate like the Irish do—with good food, good drinks, and good company. ☘️ Cheers! 🍻 

Which one are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️