Cuisine

The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate. The introduction of the potato in the second half of the 16th century heavily influenced Ireland's cuisine and, as a result, is often closely associated with Ireland. Popular Irish dishes include Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, boxty, coddle, and colcannon. Food is daily life in relation to the Irish diet is similar to that of other Northern European nations. There is an emphasis on the consumption of meat, cereals, brwad, and potatoes at most meals, Vegetables such as cabbage, turnips, carrots, and broccoli are also popular as accompaniments to the meat and potatoes.

The Irish have always prided themselves on their hospitality, and their cusine is no different. Their diet is dependent on 'comfort food' and the insistence that you have a cup of tea, a drink or a piece of cake once you cross the threshold of their house is a throwback to earlier days. The Irish value their heritage and Christian values. Their hospitality and diet "comes back to the idea that any person who comes to the door could be Jesus and they would be looked after" (Iomaire).