5 Foods to Try in Ireland

From sweets to stews to potatoes, Ireland has so many different foods try. Here are 5 of my favorite foods I’ve tried during my time in Ireland:

1. Full Irish Breakfast

A full Irish breakfast is an absolute must-try when visiting Ireland. A full Irish typically consists of bacon, sausage, potatoes, eggs, black and/or white pudding, toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, and beans. It’s a lot of food so make sure you’re hungry when you decide to try it! I had my full Irish breakfast at Finnegan’s which is in Galway City close to the city center. It was delicious and so great to try so many different foods in one meal.

2. Traybakes

Traybakes are sweets that can be found in just about any bakery or café around Ireland! Traybakes are a traditionally Northern Irish bakery item that is simply a cake or biscuit that is baked in a tray. However, some are no-bake! There are so many different types, but a personal favorite of mine is the rocky road traybakes. These are no-bake and consist of milk chocolate, marshmallows, and crushed digestive biscuits. While you can find these treats at just about any place you stop, some of my favorites were from Goyas Bakery and Bridie Murphy’s Home Bakery, both located in Galway City.

3. Barmbrack

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish bread with added sultanas and raisins. It is typically served on Halloween, which is also known as Samhain in Ireland. The bread itself is so delicious, but it also involves a fun game to be played on the holiday. Inside the bread there can be several different items baked in that symbolize something that the person who finds them will receive. For example, traditional things baked in include cloth that indicates hard times, a ring that indicated the next to be married, or a stick which means an unhappy marriage is in your future. My brack was bought at Hickey’s Bakery in the English Market in Cork City and only had a ring inside but it was so much fun to race with my roommates to see who would get it!

4. Spice Bag

Spice bags are a Chinese-inspired dish that can be found at just about any Chinese takeaway in Ireland. They consist of salt and chili chicken strips and French fries with a variety of spices on it, and depending on the place some will have fried peppers and onions in the bag as well. I have had delicious spice bags from Papa Rich’s and Nut Hot, both located in Galway City.

5. Taytos

Last but not least everyone has to try Taytos, the best Irish crisps you’ll have! You can find these in any grocery store or convenience store. There are so many different flavors but a personal favorite is the classic cheese and onion!