St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with corned beef and cabbage in the United States. However, the food traditions in Ireland differ from what is commonly believed. While corned beef and cabbage are popular in the US, the traditional St. Patrick’s Day food in Ireland is quite different.
In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a day of obligation, often beginning with mass and followed by family-centered celebrations. Contrary to the popular belief of corned beef and cabbage, the most popular meals in Ireland on this day are slow-cooked beef stews or lamb stews served with colcannon, a dish of butter mashed potatoes with cabbage folded through. This traditional Irish soul food is favored by many, including chef and cookbook author Clodagh Mckenna.
According to Regina Sexton, a food and culinary historian, corned beef and cabbage is not a widely known dish in Ireland. The traditional Irish dinner for St. Patrick’s Day consists of bacon, potatoes, and cabbage. Other popular dishes enjoyed on this day include spring lamb roasts, pies such as fish pies and shepherd’s pie, and Guinness and Beef Pie.
When it comes to drinks, many Irish people enjoy a Guinness or two during the day. As for dessert, traditional Irish options are often enjoyed, adding to the festive culinary experience.
