Delicious Irish Dinner Dishes to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Updated On: April 22, 2024 by   Maha Yassin

Are you Struggling to pinpoint what exactly to whip up this St. Patrick’s Day? Don’t fret; you’re certainly not alone! Scores of food enthusiasts (ourselves included) from all corners of the globe grapple with the same culinary problem each year—how to assemble an irresistible Irish-themed banquet that hits just the right note.

Fret no more; we’ve plunged into traditional and modern cuisine, bringing you an eclectic collection of ten classic and original Irish dinner recipes. These dishes are spot-on for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Primed to cause a bit of a delicious ruckus in your kitchen? Let’s get cracking, then!

Key Takeaways

• Traditional Irish dishes like corn beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, and Irish Soda Bread are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
•  Other delicious Irish-inspired dinner recipes include Guinness Beef Stew, Lamb Stew, Slow-Cooked Corned Beef, Irish Spiced Beef, Irish Apple Cake, Bangers and Mash, and Beef and Guinness Pie.
•  These recipes showcase the rich flavours of Ireland and are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
•  Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a memorable and flavorful Irish dinner that will transport you to the Emerald Isle.

Traditional Irish Dishes to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, kitchens across the globe will fill with the warmth of Irish tradition. The aroma of savoury corned beef slow-cooking in broth, infused with spices like juniper and bay leaves, will mingle with the earthy scent of simmering cabbage and potatoes. Meanwhile, golden brown Irish soda bread, baked with raisins and caraway seeds, will rise from the oven, its crust crackling with a satisfying crunch.

These comforting dishes passed down through generations, are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of Irish heritage and a way to connect with loved ones over a bountiful feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of Ireland, put on your green apron, and whip up a pot of culinary magic.

Shepherd’s Pie: A Traditional Irish Staple

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without a hearty and comforting Shepherd’s Pie on the table. This classic dish, with its layers of savoury ground lamb, tender vegetables, and fluffy mashed potato topping, truly celebrates Irish cuisine. The rich and flavorful lamb filling, often enriched with onions, carrots, peas, and warming herbs like thyme and rosemary, delivers a satisfying depth of flavour. The creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned with butter and milk, create a luxurious contrast in texture and taste. The Shepherd’s Pie becomes a visual and astronomically culinary masterpiece when baked to golden perfection.

More than just a meal, Shepherd’s Pie is a symbol of Irish resilience and resourcefulness. Originating from humble beginnings, it became a dish loved by families and communities. Today, it continues to bring people together on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond, fostering a sense of shared tradition and joy.

Corned Beef & Cabbage: An Irish-American Meal

St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be the same without a heaping plate of corned beef and cabbage. This iconic dish, though not originally Irish, has become synonymous with the holiday in America. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, cured in a brine of salt and spices, delivers a symphony of savoury flavours. The accompanying cabbage, slow-cooked to perfection, offers a contrasting earthy sweetness. And the surrounding potatoes and carrots, bathed in the flavorful broth, complete this hearty and satisfying meal.

Each bite celebrates Irish-American heritage, a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of generations past. As you savour the richness of this dish, raise your glass and toast to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Soda Bread: A Simple Addition with Big Flavours

On St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Soda Bread is a must-have on the table. This quick and easy bread, traditionally studded with caraway seeds and currants, embodies the spirit of the occasion. The bread’s hearty texture and slightly sweet flavour perfectly complement the savoury corned beef and cabbage, another classic St. Patrick’s Day dish. Corn adds a touch of texture and sweetness, making it a unique and delicious twist on the traditional recipe.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the kitchen, this bread is easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a warm, comforting treat that will transport you straight to the Emerald Isle.

Irish Stew: A Warm Hug on a Cold Day

On St. Patrick’s Day, few dishes embody the spirit of Ireland better than Irish Stew. This hearty and flavorful dish is a true comfort food with its humble origins and satisfying taste. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, carrots, and herbs, Irish Stew is slow-cooked to perfection, melding the flavours into a rich and savoury symphony.

More than just a meal, Irish Stew is a symbol of Irish hospitality and community. It was often cooked in large pots over open fires shared among families and friends. Today, it brings people together, creating a sense of warmth and connection over a steaming bowl of deliciousness. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, gather your loved ones around the table and share a pot of Irish Stew.

Irish Coffee: A Warm Cup to Bring People Together

As the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day unfold, no celebration is complete without a steaming mug of Irish Coffee. This hot and comforting drink, a beautiful blend of Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and creamy whipped cream, embodies the warmth and spirit of the holiday.

The rich, smooth whiskey, infused with hints of vanilla and caramel, intertwines seamlessly with the robust coffee flavour. A touch of sugar adds a subtle sweetness, while a generous dollop of whipped cream creates a light and airy finish. As you raise the mug to your lips and inhale the aromatic steam, pure comfort and joy wash over you. Irish coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a tradition, a ritual that brings people together.

Colcannon Potatoes: A Fluffy Comfort Food

Colcannon potatoes are a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. It is a hearty, comforting side dish for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned with butter and milk, provide the perfect base for the earthy sweetness of the cooked cabbage. The bright green dots of chopped scallions add a touch of colour and a subtle oniony flavour that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Colcannon provides a delicious and satisfying counterpoint alongside hearty meats like corned beef or sausages.

Beyond its taste, Colcannon holds a special significance in Irish history. The word comes from the Gaelic “cal ceannann,” meaning “Irish families have enjoyed white-headed cabbage,” and the dish for generations. It represents a time-honoured tradition, a symbol of comfort and home cooking passed down through the years.

Guinness Beef Stew: A Taste of Ireland

As the Emerald Isle bursts with green on St. Patrick’s Day, a steaming pot of Guinness Beef Stew serves as a heartwarming tribute to Irish tradition. This savoury masterpiece combines the tender juiciness of stewing beef with the rich, dark depths of Guinness stout, creating a symphony of flavour that’s as comforting as it is complex.

Onions and carrots add a sweet and earthy undertone, while herbs like rosemary and thyme whisper of the Irish countryside. As the stew simmers, the Guinness infuses the meat with its unique bitterness, creating a depth of character.

Beyond its deliciousness, Guinness Beef Stew embodies the essence of Irish hospitality. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating a shared experience around the table. Whether enjoyed with friends and family or savoured in quiet solitude, it evokes a sense of warmth and belonging, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life.

Lamb Stew: A Feast for the Senses

As the emerald hues of St. Patrick’s Day wash over the land, a steaming pot of Lamb Stew beckons, offering a comforting embrace and a symphony of flavours. This classic Irish dish, with its melt-in-your-mouth lamb and medley of tender vegetables, is a true celebration of the spirit of the Emerald Isle.

Imagine the succulent lamb simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth that whispers of herbs and spices like thyme and rosemary. Each bite reveals a delightful marriage of textures, the tender meat playing against the crispness of carrots and the fluffy softness of potatoes. Adding peas, onions, and perhaps even a turnip or two adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness, creating a symphony of flavours that dances on your palate.

More than just a culinary experience, Lamb Stew is a symbol of Irish heritage and tradition. It speaks of families gathered around crackling fires, sharing stories and laughter over a warming meal.

Irish Seafood Chowder: A Taste of the Sea

As the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day fills the air, a steaming bowl of Irish Seafood Chowder offers a comforting and delicious way to celebrate. This creamy soup, brimming with the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean, is a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of Ireland.

Imagine tender flakes of cod, shrimp, and perhaps even mussels swimming in a rich and flavorful broth infused with herbs and spices like thyme and bay leaf. The creamy base, often thickened with potatoes or flour, provides a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the firm bite of the seafood. Each spoonful bursts with the taste of the ocean, a symphony of salty, savoury, and slightly sweet flavours that dance on your palate.

So, raise a spoon to Irish Seafood Chowder this St. Patrick’s Day. Let the warmth of this coastal dish fill your heart and soul, and allow yourself to be transported to the rugged shores of Ireland, where the spirit of the sea and the joy of community collide in every delicious bite.

Irish Apple Cake

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations wouldn’t be complete without dessert, which means a slice of the iconic Irish Apple Cake. This simple yet delicious dessert embodies the holiday spirit with its warm spices and tender crumbs.

Made with fresh, seasonal apples, this cake is a tribute to the bounty of the Irish countryside. The apples, often Bramley or Granny Smith, are chopped and tossed in a cinnamon-infused batter, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavours. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add a touch of sweetness and warmth, while the buttery crust provides a satisfying crunch.

Traditionally, it was baked in a bastibleb, a cast iron pot suspended over an open fire, bringing families together around the hearth. Today, it continues to be a cherished tradition enjoyed by generations, young and old.

The Best Restaurants for a Hearty St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

For most people, St. Patrick’s Day is all about cooking for your family and friends. But what if you don’t want to cook but still want to enjoy those signature meals? That is what restaurants and pubs are for! All through Ireland, you can find the most delicious St. Patrick’s Day dinners, whatever your budget is! Here are some recommendations of where to go to taste the Emerald Isle.

Fine Dining

• Bastible (Dublin): Michelin-starred restaurant known for its modern Irish cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
• Address: Leonard’s Corner, 111 S Circular Rd, Portobello, Dublin
•  Patrick Guilbaud (Dublin): Two Michelin-starred restaurants offering a refined dining experience with French influences.
• Address: 21 Merrion St Upper, Dublin
•  The House (Galway): Modern Irish cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.
• Address: Spanish Parade, Latin Quarter, Galway
•  Chapter One (Dublin): A Michelin-starred restaurant with tasting menus showcasing the best Irish food.
• Address: 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin

Mid-Range

• The Pig’s Ear (Dublin): Lively gastropub with a modern twist on classic Irish dishes.
• Address: 4 Nassau St, Dublin
•  The Exchequer (Dublin): The traditional pub has a great atmosphere and a wide selection of Irish whiskeys.
• Address: 19 Ranelagh, Ranelagh, Dublin
•  The Porterhouse (Dublin): Renowned for its craft beers and delicious pub grub, it has vegetarian and vegan options.
• Address: 16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin
•  The King’s Head (Galway): Traditional Irish pub with live music and a festive atmosphere on St. Patrick’s Day.
• Address: 15 High St, Galway

Budget-Friendly

• Boxty House (Dublin): Casual restaurant specialising in boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake filled with various savoury fillings.
• Address: 20-21, Temple Bar, Dublin
•  The Brazen Head (Dublin): The oldest pub in Ireland with a rich history and traditional Irish fare.
• Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin
•  O’Connell’s (Galway): Lively pub with a wide selection of Irish dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway
•  The Quay Street Kitchen (Galway): Casual restaurant serving fresh, seasonal Irish dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
• Address: 1 Quay St, Galway

No matter where you have your St. Patrick’s Day Irish dinner, be it at home or in a restaurant. We can assure you that the dishes you’ll taste will stay with you for the rest of your life! Irish people know how to cook, and these dishes took generations to fully master and perfect and deliver to us in the way we have them today. So, next time you have a heart Irish dinner, remember all the love it took to get those dishes to your table.

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