Our Staff’s Favourite Irish Foods (And Why You Should Try Them!)
Trying local food is one of the best parts of living in a new country. Ireland has lots of comforting, traditional dishes, perfect for rainy days and cosy evenings.
In the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, We asked some of the CEC team to share their favourite Irish foods and why students should try them. Here are their recommendations!
Giulia Tresinari – Tayto Sandwich
“My favourite Irish food is a Tayto sandwich, it’s simply unique! You won’t find it anywhere else.”
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: crisps inside a buttered sandwich. It might sound unusual, but it’s a fun Irish snack that many students discover during their stay.
Where to try it:
You can easily make a Tayto sandwich yourself at home. All you need is Brennans bread, Kerrygold butter and a packet of Tayto Cheese & Onion crisps. Butter the bread, add the crisps, close the sandwich and enjoy, a simple but very Irish snack!
Niamh – Bacon/Bodice and Cabbage
“Bodice and Cabbage! Served with mashed potatoes with butter, salt and pepper.It’s a proper comfort food and full of flavour!”
This is a traditional Irish home-cooked meal that has been popular for generations.
Where to try it in Cork:
You can try something similar at Market Lane, where they serve bacon collar and cabbage, a modern take on this traditional Irish dish. If you’d like to cook it yourself, you can also buy bodice from the English Market and prepare it at home with cabbage and buttery mashed potatoes for a classic Irish comfort meal.
Olga – Seafood Chowder
“As a homemade food loverrrrr: Seafood Chowder Girl! Not too heavy, not too unhealthy, but filling! Good for these rainy or cold days.”
Seafood chowder is a creamy soup full of fresh fish and shellfish, usually served with brown bread or soda bread. You’ll find it in many pubs and restaurants around Ireland.
Where to try it in Cork: Gallagher’s Gastro Pub
Gallagher’s serves traditional Irish meals in a relaxed setting and is a great place to try classic comfort dishes.
Micheline – Champ or Colcannon
“My favourite Irish food is Champ or Colcannon. Champ is mashed potato with scallions and butter (Kerrygold, of course!). Colcannon is mashed potato with shredded cabbage and butter. What’s not to love? It’s such a comforting dish and can be served with meat, chicken, fish or just on its own.”
Potatoes are a big part of Irish cuisine, and these classic dishes are simple, warm and delicious.
Where to try it in Cork:
You can try a delicious side of colcannon at Goldie, a fantastic restaurant in Cork known for its focus on Irish ingredients and traditional cooking. It’s a great place to experience modern Irish food while still enjoying classic flavours.
Giulia Rucci – Guinness Stew
“My favourite Irish dish is Guinness stew. It’s warm and comforting, with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat and vegetables served on a bed of velvety mashed potatoes. The stout gives the stew a rich, deep flavour.”
This classic Irish stew is perfect on a cold day and is often found on pub menus across the country.
Where to try it in Cork: The Oliver Plunkett
The Oliver Plunkett serves modern Irish comfort food and often has rich, slow-cooked meat dishes like stout stew.
Aoibh – Soda Bread
“My favourite Irish food is soda bread. It’s simple but delicious, especially with butter and jam, and it’s something many students might not have tried before.”
Soda bread is one of Ireland’s most famous breads and is often served with soups, chowder or breakfast.
Where to try it in Cork:
You can find delicious fresh soda bread at the bakery in Dunnes Stores. It’s a great place to pick up a loaf and try it the Irish way, sliced with plenty of butter, or with butter and jam.
Emmanuelle – Full Irish Breakfast
“My favourite Irish food is a full Irish breakfast, with extra, extra, extra hash browns, because there’s no problem a full Irish breakfast can’t solve!”
A full Irish breakfast is one of the most famous meals in Ireland. It usually includes sausages, rashers (Irish bacon), eggs, beans, black pudding, mushrooms, tomato and toast. It’s the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch and a must-try while living in Ireland.
Where to try it in Cork:
Many cafés around Cork serve a great full Irish breakfast. It’s a perfect weekend treat after a busy week of classes.
This St Patrick’s week, why not celebrate by trying one of these Irish dishes while you’re in Cork? You might even discover a new favourite!
Interested in improving your English while experiencing life in Cork?
At Cork English College, we offer high-quality courses for adults and young learners in a welcoming, accredited environment.
Get in touch today to find the perfect course for you:
📧 info@corkenglishcollege.ie
🌐 Contact us: https://www.corkenglishcollege.ie/contact/
Our team will be happy to help you plan your English learning journey