Irish Recipes for a St. Patrick's Day Céilí

An ode to the patron Saint Patrick and his Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is commemorated on March 17th every year in many countries around the world, of course the most notable - Ireland. Today, although most recognizable through shades of green and shamrocks, at the heart of the holiday is a celebration of the Irish people and the pride they lovingly have for their roots. To celebrate the day many host a ‘Céilí,’  which brings together friends and family for dancing, drinking and of course, copious amounts of food. 

This year, we encourage you to bring the luck of the Irish into your home by hosting your own gathering full of those you love with a feast fit for an Irishman. We’ve curated a menu full of traditional Irish foods and unique twists on the classics to inspire you to host an Irish Céilí. Sláinte.

Drink

Guinness

The Irish are famously known worldwide for their incredible stout beer and the dark, rich colour of Guinness. Have a few of these on hand for your guests who are looking for the authentic Irish experience. But don’t forget - it’s all in how you pour it. We’ve found some tips to pour the perfect pint of Guinness for you, check it out here.

Irish Coffee

After you’ve had your feast, warm up one of our Coffee Cups with an Irish Coffee to provide the perfect evening nightcap for your guests. Here is a simple and delicious recipe from Delish to make the perfect Irish Coffee.

Appetizers

Soda Bread

Ireland's famous Soda Bread is a daily staple, and should definitely be included in your St. Patrick's Day feast. Use it to soak up a stew, or spread a thin layer of butter on to indulge. Enjoy a few authentic recipes for Irish Soda Bread that you can experiment with to create the perfect warm loaf for your guests.

Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls

Corned Beef & Cabbage is another popular meal in Ireland, and we love this unique spin that combines them into egg rolls to make a tasty appetizer. If you want an empty Party Plate at the end of hors d'oeuvres hour, this recipe from Created by Diane is for you.

Soup

Irish Lamb Stew

In March, Ireland is deep in the throes of the return of spring, and the lush green is welcomed as it begins to cover the hills. As spring creeps in, the air still holds a chill, which makes this Irish Lamb Stew from The Spruce Eats a perfect hearty soup to serve as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Entree

Dublin Coddle

A entree named after the capital of Ireland seems to be an appropriate choice for the main of a Céilí for St. Patrick’s Day. We love this authentic Dublin Coddle recipe from Irish Central which seems to embody Ireland in its bold and rich flavours.  

Side

Potatoes are notoriously famous in Ireland, and there are a plethora of ways they are incorporated into each meal. We’ve found a few recipes you can use to make some delicious sides with this splendid spud.

Colcannon

Potatoes - check. Greens & Scallions - check. Butter & Cream - check. Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes) checks all the boxes of a rich delicious side that exudes comfort food in its finest form. Try this Colcannon recipe from Simply Recipes. And yes, that well of butter in the middle is meant for dipping the potatoes in…yum.

Boxty

Fried Potato Pancakes, known as Boxty, are incredibly yummy and so easy to make, you can whip up a batch in minutes! Try this tantalizing Boxty recipe from Daring Gourmet for your own feast.

Dessert

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream

It seems sacrilegious to celebrate St. Patricks Day without a pint of Guinness in hand does it not? If you’re not feeling like a stout but still want to capture that unique flavour of Ireland's most famous ale, bake your beer! Our sweet tooth is positively tingling over this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream recipe from Handle the Heat.  While not a traditional dessert in Ireland (if you’re looking for customary - try Soda Bread Pudding), we couldn’t resist adding this delicious confection to the list. 

The recipes above can inspire and shape your Irish Céilí, but of course don’t forget the other ingredients - drink, dance and most importantly - friends and family. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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