Are you organizing a trip to Ireland wondering what kind of food they have over there and if it's good? Perhaps you'll be surprised to know that Ireland is known not only for its spectacular landscapes, charming castles and picturesque villages but also for its amazing traditional food!

Being surrounded by the sea with vast grass-covered rural areas,  Ireland lets you experience both the best fish and meat. In fact, the leading traditional Irish dishes are based on a wide variety of fresh fish and crustaceans, fished from the local rivers and coasts. They also have great lamb, beef and pork meat farmed on the enormous pastures all over the country. The signature Irish dishes are in the quality and freshness of the ingredients which all produced in Ireland!

Here is a list of the 5 dishes you shouldn't miss on your trip to Ireland:

Irish Stew

Irish stew is probably the most common dish in the country. Traditionally made with mutton meat, onions, potatoes and, in some cases, carrots, nowadays Ireland's signature dish is prepared more often with lamb as it is easier to find. The distinctive traits of an excellent Irish stew can be found in the tenderness of the meat, the richness of the gravy; both the result of the long and slow cooking! 

Soda bread

Another must-try when in Ireland is Soda bread. Once you taste it, you will immediately fall in love with it. Soda bread is made with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda (instead of yeast), buttermilk and flour. Local bakeries also provide some healthier options with seeds, bran or oats added… and some more calorific ones, with added treacle or Guinness! Whichever you choose, make sure you eat it the traditional way: a thick slice with a generous spread of butter!

Colcannon

If it is cold and rainy outside (which it can often be!), this is the ultimate comfort food in Ireland and, at the same time, its at least one of your 5-a-day! Colcannon is a mix of mashed potatoes, kale, scallions, milk and butter. It's a rather simple recipe, but not everyone can make it properly as it's not that easy to get the perfect creamy texture that makes a great Colcannon!

Irish Salmon

If you love fish, you must try smoked salmon while you are in Ireland. The smoked salmon that you find in Ireland is not just the typical pre-packed smoked salmon that you find in any supermarket. There are a whole variety of different types of salmon. Our top recommendations to try are a Beachwood-smoked variety from the Connemara Smokehouse, oat-smoked salmon from the Burren Smokehouse and turf-smoked salmon from The Haven Smokehouse.

Shellfish

If you are visiting Ireland during the summer, make sure you reserve at least one dinner to have some shellfish. Summer is the best time of year to enjoy the enormous variety of shellfish Ireland has to offer. Among the offerings are lobsters and crabs, large Dublin Bay Prawns or Langoustines, oysters and clams; you will be totally spoiled for choice. One note on oysters: although you can find them all year round, the best time to taste them is the end of summer which is when they come into season. Also, if you are there between 28th and 30th of September, be sure to visit the Galway Oyster Festival!

Ferries to Ireland

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve Ireland. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry to best suit your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries