Ireland has a special kind of fairytale-like charm at any time of the year with its rolling green hills, majestic lakes, friendly people, and cozy, quaint pubs. At Christmas time, Ireland transforms into a wintery, festive destination full of holiday spirit, twinkling lights, and of course—delicious Christmas food!
In this guide, I will dive into the best Christmas food in Ireland that you must try, as well as the best destinations to visit to enjoy the festive holidays in Ireland.
While I was living and studying abroad in Dublin, my family came out to visit me during December in Ireland. We spent Christmas at Kilronan Castle (an incredible, unique experience!) where we had a Christmas Day feast full of some of the best food I’ve ever had. Plus, we road tripped around the country exploring many of the Christmas markets and holiday events all over Ireland.
Let’s dive in to Ireland’s traditional Christmas foods!
Traditional Christmas Food in Ireland
In Ireland, Christmas is a big holiday and feasting with family is part of celebrating. There are a handful of excellent Christmas foods that are traditional in Ireland such as:
- Roast Turkey: The star of the show, often stuffed with a savory mix of herbs, breadcrumbs, and sometimes even chestnuts.
- Ham: Glazed with a combo of brown sugar, mustard, and cloves.
- Stuffing: A flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, onions, and sometimes sausage.
- Christmas Pudding: A rich, fruity dessert, usually drenched in a generous serving of brandy or whiskey and set on fire before serving. It’s a fiery finale to the feast!
- Mince Pies: These bite-sized treats are filled with a mixture of minced dried fruit, beef suet, spices, and brandy. Perfect for a sweet holiday nibble while browsing the stalls at a Christmas market.
- Brandy Butter: A juicy spread made with butter, sugar, and a generous splash of brandy, adding an extra touch to desserts.
- Buttered Carrots and Parsnips: A staple of Irish Christmas dinners, the vegetables are roasted or sautéed until tender, then tossed in butter.
- Lemon Sole: A light and delicate fish, lemon sole is often on Christmas dinner menus. Pan-fried or baked, it’s served with a lemon and herb butter sauce.
- Cabbage and Bacon: A classic Irish side dish, the cabbage is typically sautéed or braised with bacon.
Irish Christmas Dinner
In Ireland, the pairing of turkey and ham is traditional for the main dish during festive occasions like Christmas. The turkey, typically roasted, serves as the main centerpiece. The ham is usually boiled and glazed with a mixture or combination of honey, brown sugar, orange juice, and whole-grain mustard.
Adding to the festive spread, you will also find plenty of delicious side dishes. Irish mashed potatoes, locally known as colcannon, are a favorite and made with a perfect blend of half and half and butter and possibly some cabbage or kale added as well.
Boiled potatoes and gratin (yes, usually there are multiple potato dishes) are often found in the spread. For vegetables, brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and turnips add a variety of colors, textures, and taste.
Ireland’s Christmas Desserts
Of course, the best part of the holidays are the endless selections of sweet treats! These are some of the best Irish Christmas desserts:
- Fruitcake: Made with candied fruits, nuts, and sometimes soaked in whiskey, it’s a dense and flavorful cake that matures in taste over time.
- Trifle: A layered dessert featuring sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and whipped cream. Sherry trifle is one of the most popular versions of this Irish dessert.
- Baileys Cheesecake: Incorporating the popular Irish cream liqueur, Baileys cheesecake is a creamy and decadent dessert that adds a modern twist to the traditional options.
- Yule Log (Buche de Noel): While of French origin, the Yule Log has become a popular Christmas dessert in Ireland. It’s a rolled sponge cake filled with cream, often decorated to resemble a festive log.
- Shortbread Cookies: Sometimes shaped like Christmas trees or stars, these buttery cookies make for a simple yet delicious treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Guinness Cake: This moist and flavorful cake is a true Irish gem, infused with the distinct taste of Guinness stout. Often topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, the dark and rich beer adds depth to the chocolatey goodness.
- Cranberry and Orange Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert, pavlova is a popular choice during the holidays. The crisp exterior and marshmallow-like interior create an interesting contrast of textures.
- Irish Christmas Pudding Ice Cream: A unique spin on the traditional dessert. The rich flavors of Christmas pudding are found in a creamy ice cream.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A warm and spicy flavor of ginger topped with icing.
Christmas Breakfast in Ireland
In Ireland, Christmas morning often starts with a full Irish breakfast or filling brunch. Similar to the usual fry-up, some Christmas breakfasts include pan-fried potatoes, rashers (bacon), sausages, black and white pudding, and eggs. Add a touch of holiday flair by including a side of smoked salmon with cream cheese on Irish soda bread.
Christmas brunch is best with these iconic holiday beverages: spiked eggnog and Irish coffee. Make your drinks with an Irish whiskey for the ultimate Christmas cocktail!
Food Guide for Irish Christmas Markets
Irish Christmas markets are a festive and lively event that typically take place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These markets are filled with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and delicious Christmas foods.
Vendors set up stalls offering a wide array of goods, including traditional and artisanal products. Expect to find an assortment of holiday treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, and spiced cider as well as seasonal foods, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, perfect for all your holiday shopping needs.
Many Christmas markets in Ireland also have live performances, carol singers, Santa Claus meetings, festival rides, and other entertainment.
Keep an eye out for these favorite Irish Christmas foods in the markets:
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake, often served hot and filled with savory ingredients like bacon or served as a sweet option with powdered sugar.
- Seafood Chowder: Warm and hearty with seafood from the Irish coast.
- Irish Stew: A comforting stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions—a quintessential Irish winter dish.
- Barmbrack: A sweet, spiced bread filled with dried fruits and often enjoyed with a butter spread on top.
- Boxing Day Pie: A Christmas leftovers dish made with turkey, ham, and stuffing baked in a flaky pastry.
- Cheeses: Artisanal Irish and international cheeses are often showcased at Christmas markets.
- Fudge and Toffee: Deluxe fudges and toffees offered in a variety of flavors.
- Cranberry Scones: Typically served warm and paired with clotted cream and jam.
- Irish Christmas Cake: A rich and moist fruitcake soaked with whiskey or brandy, topped with marzipan and royal icing, and decorated with festive designs.
Best Cities for Foodies to Visit During Christmas in Ireland
While you will find delicious Irish foods throughout the country, there a few cities that stand out for having the best Christmas markets, holiday events, and delicious treats.
Dublin
Of course, the capital city of Dublin has multiple large Christmas markets and plenty of excellent restaurants to dine at during the Christmas season.
The main Christmas market in Dublin is hosted at Dublin Castle. The castle grounds are lined with 100+ Christmas trees, covered in lights, and feature a carousel among the many market stalls. Or, head over to the decorated Grafton Street and O’Connell Street, the best places for holiday shoppers.
Cozy up in an Irish pub and listen to lively trad music sessions, or listen to the carol singers at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Couples in Dublin will find romantic things to do from ice skating to sipping mulled wine along the festively adorned streets. Families will find holiday events and performances at the Gaiety Theatre or the Wild Lights at the Dublin Zoo.
Festive afternoon teas are popular during the Christmas season in Ireland. The menus feature holiday-themed pastries, sandwiches, and premium teas in a luxurious setting. Checkout popular hotels like The Shelbourne or The Westbury for holiday tea.
To find a stellar Christmas dinner, check out these restaurants:
- The Ivy Dublin
- Fire Steakhouse and Bar
- Café en Seine
- Fade Street Social
- The Bull and Castle
Galway
Arguably, I think Galway is the best city to be in for Christmas in Ireland, mostly because the city goes all out with the festive events. Light Up Galway transforms the cityscape into a dazzling display of festive lights, illuminating the iconic Shop Street and creating a magical ambiance for holiday shoppers. Families enjoy the whimsical world of Elf Town, with interactive displays, workshops, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Truly the heart of Galway’s festive celebrations is the Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square. This is where you will find artisan crafts, seasonal decorations, and all the delicious holiday treats you could ever want.
For Christmas meals in Galway, its best to look for hotel dinners:
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel
- The Harbour Hotel
- Salthill Hotel
- The Connacht Hotel
Cork
Christmas in Cork looks like strolling through the bustling streets decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The annual Glow – A Cork Christmas Celebration lights up the city with dazzling light displays, markets, and seasonal performances.
For foodies, make sure to visit Cork’s historic English Market, a must-visit at any time of the year but especially during the holiday season. From pubs hosting traditional Irish music sessions to festive events like the Cork Opera House’s winter performances, this city will be one of your favorites while in Ireland for Christmas.
Find your Christmas dinner at:
- Hayfield Manor
- The Imperial Hotel
- Greenes Restaurant
Belfast
In northern Ireland, Belfast is an excellent city to stay in for some holiday cheer. The annual Belfast Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the impressive City Hall, has a selection of international cuisines, handcrafted gifts, and Irish Christmas treats. The city’s iconic landmarks, including the SSE Arena and Titanic Belfast, often host special Christmas events and performances.
Christmas dinners in Belfast:
- Clayton Hotel Belfast
- Home Restaurant
- The Europa Hotel Belfast
Ireland’s Christmas Traditions
In Ireland, the Christmas season has many cherished traditions, many centered around food. On Christmas Eve, families across the country attend Midnight Mass. Following the service, it’s customary to light a candle and place it in the window, symbolizing a warm welcome for Mary and Joseph. Many families also enjoy a mince pie after mass while waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus.
Christmas Day starts with a filling brunch along with gift giving and family time. Christmas dinner centers around roast turkey, ham, all the fixings and sides as well as traditional sweets.
St. Stephen’s Day (or Boxing Day), observed on December 26th, is a public holiday centered around charity. It has evolved into a time for visiting friends, family, or participating in community events. On this day, it’s typical to eat a stew made from the Christmas leftovers and a plum pudding for dessert.
The Christmas Day swim takes place throughout Ireland, with the Forty Foot Rock near Dublin one of the most popular spots to participate. Additionally, boxes of assorted biscuits, filled with favorites like pink wafers and bourbon creams, are a staple in Irish homes during the holiday season.
Just like in the USA and Canada, in Ireland, it’s a tradition to leave a little treat for Santa. They leave mince pies, cookies (biscuits), and sometimes a slice of cheese with crackers. Many Irish parents also leave a bit of Guinness or Murphy’s Stout. And don’t forget Rudolph—he gets some juicy carrots.
Conclusion: A Guide to Christmas Foods in Ireland
From the bustling Christmas markets covered in twinkling lights to the cozy kitchens where Irish families create beloved recipes, Ireland’s Christmas foods reflect both rich traditions and contemporary delights. Embrace the warmth of a traditional Irish Christmas dinner with succulent turkey and ham, savor the sweetness of mince pies and Christmas cake, and raise a glass of mulled wine or Irish coffee to toast the season (sláinte!).
While enjoying Christmas in Ireland, venture around the country to try regional specialties, explore local Christmas markets, and find events to celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely Christmas brunch or indulging in a 5-star Christmas dinner feast, this guide will give you a reference for the many treats and dishes to try during this holiday season in Ireland.
For more articles about Ireland, check out my recommendations below:
- What to Eat in Cork
- Everything You Need To Know About Eating In Dublin
- How to spend one day in Belfast
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