👋 Hi, I'm Amy, Co-Founder of Vagabond Tours of Ireland.
What's the one thing you associate with Christmas?
Aside from spending time with family, Christmas in Ireland is a time for eating, drinking and being merry.
'Tis the season to indulge as they say!
The array of Christmas foods in Ireland is a testament to this festive season.
Although some Irish Christmas dishes are borrowed and will be familiar to you, Ireland has some unique culinary Christmas traditions of its own.
Spending Christmas in Ireland? Here's more insights on what other Irish Christmas Traditions and Customs to expect.
But read on to find out exactly what Irish Christmas foods to expect ....
🦃 What's In A Traditional Irish Christmas Dinner?
The food scene revolves mostly around the Christmas dinner. Families in Ireland sit down together on Christmas Day to enjoy this festive feast.
Roast turkey is the most popular centrepiece of a traditional Irish Christmas dinner. Alternatives to turkey include roast or boiled ham, both traditional and still popular.
Historically, Goose or duck would have been eaten in Ireland at Christmas time but are less popular these days.
If you're lucky enough to have visited Cork's English Market on a Vagabond or Driftwood tour, you'll notice spiced beef for sale.
What is spiced beef? It's a joint of beef, rolled in a mixture of pepper, allspice, cinnamon and cloves.
Though traditionally a Cork recipe, it has had a modern renaissance across Ireland. The aroma of spiced beef cooking is very evocative of an Irish Christmas.
These meats are accompanied by traditional condiments such as:
- Gravy - Thick, meat-based sauce
- Bread Sauce - A thick sauce to accompany turkey made from breadcrumbs, cream and onions studded with cloves
- Cranberry Sauce - Another accompaniment to turkey, which should need no introduction!
Other traditional side dishes you'll meet in Ireland at Christmas include:
- Potatoes - Roast, baked, mashed, gratin or in a myriad of other forms
- Root Vegetables - Boiled or mashed carrots and turnips are popular
- Brussels Sprouts - Mini-cabbages which are boiled or roast and often served with bacon
💪 How Long Does The Christmas Celebration Last In Ireland?
You should probably forget about quick visits to Irish homes over Christmas. And definitely loosen your belt! The sheer volume of Christmas food in Ireland requires a lot of stamina!
Normally, Christmas dinner in Ireland is a lavish affair with multiple courses.
It can happen anywhere from lunchtime up to the evening.
Typically, Christmas dinner begins close to lunchtime and lasts up until the evening.
As I already said, stamina is required!
In between all the eating, Irish people pull Christmas crackers, play parlour games like charades or tell stories and jokes.
🥂 What Do Irish People Drink at Christmas?
Christmas in Ireland is all about socialising. And, for better or worse, socialising in Ireland usually means at least some alcohol.
Family and friends celebrate Christmas together. Sometimes this happens in the pub.
Mostly though, Christmas celebrations happen in cosy Irish homes.
Brunchtime bellinis on Christmas morning are popular.
You may also be offered mulled wine, hot whiskey, Irish coffees or hot spiced port. These winter warmers will be especially welcome after a chilly walk.
And after dinner, expect at least one round of Irish coffees.
Pints of stout, craft beers, cider or lager are ever-present. If you fancy trying Irish stout over the holiday season, then you must ensure you know how to pour the perfect pint!
🍰 Leave Some Room For Christmas Pudding...
For dessert, Irish people have lots of choice at Christmas...
Irish Christmas pudding, traditionally known as 'plum pudding', is a rich, moist fruitcake. The recipe calls for soaking in brandy. As a result, Christmas pudding is flammable and traditionally set alight when serving.
If you have Christmas pudding left over on St Stephen's Day/December 26, try adding some to a traditional Irish breakfast. The dried fruit complements pork wonderfully.
Christmas cake is a similarly moist fruit concoction, smothered in marzipan.
Mince pies are delicious miniature pastries filled with a spiced nut and dried fruit. Expect to be offered mince pies at all times of the day and night, not just after dinner. Mince pies are often served warm, with lashings of cream and brandy butter.
Another common dessert is sherry trifle, made with cream, sponge and fruit jelly (translation: Jello).
🎅 What Food Do Irish People Leave For Santa Claus?
Just like in the USA and Canada, it's traditional in Ireland to leave out a little something for Father Christmas.
Mince pies. Biscuits (cookies). Even a slice of cheese with crackers.
The surprising thing is that many Irish people also like to leave a drop of Guinness for Santy (as we call him). Down south, proud Cork families leave a bottle of Murphy's Stout. After all, it's cold work delivering presents!
Don't forget to leave something for Rudolph...
Juicy carrots are the preferred reindeer snack in Ireland.
Questions? We'd love to hear from you!
Why not get in contact, The best way to contact us is by email: enquiries@vagabond.ie.
