Food

Cuisine from all nationalities are reflected in Ireland and restaurants pride themselves on satisfying special religious or dietary requirements.

Whether eating out or in, food is still a premier way of socialising in this country and many friendships have been forged over a coffee and a slice of cake!

In recent years, there has been a huge revival of the traditional favourites with a renewed interest and appreciation in everything Irish. 

Although cooking has evolved, most people still follow the tried and tested - and often family - recipes such as Irish stew, bacon and cabbage and coddle.

Money is always tight for students and the good news is that you can eat healthy, fresh and non-processed food at very affordable prices. However, there are also fabulously devilish deserts and dishes to opt for on those 'special occasions.'

Opening hours vary for coffee shops and restaurants but many service stations now offer an array of hot food from as early as 7am until late.  Snack food shops also open until 11pm or midnight.

National specialities

• Dublin Bay prawns.
• Oysters (served with Guinness and wholemeal bread).
• Irish stew (traditionally made with mutton or old sheep, now mostly made with lamb or juicy beef, this dish is usually served with potatoes, stock, onions, carrots and garlic).
• Colcannon (a mixture of potatoes and cabbage cooked together).
• Bacon & Cabbage.
• Soda bread.
• Irish Breakfast, a fried or grilled meal generally comprising bacon, egg, sausage, black and white pudding and fried tomatoes.