IRELAND
Part of British Isles
Geography
The geography of Ireland makes it easy for them to grow a variety of crops such as; potatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots, plus many more. There are other parts of Ireland that are mountainous, this ground if not used for farming, it is where the sheep roam. In Ireland they also have the advantage of living next to the sea. This makes it possible for them to have an abundant of sea food.
Common Foods
Potatoes
They cook potatoes with salted water and butter. Potatoes are not only served plain but they are also used in, soup, stews, breads, rolls and cakes.
Lamb
Lamb is a common food because of it's traditional use and it is also a common live stock in Ireland.
Brown/Soda Bread
This is one of the most common foods. Irish bread is considered some of the best in the world. It is made with wholemeal or white flower.
Spices and Herbs
- Most of the meals the Irish eat are seasoned with fat and onions.
- Caraway is used in many cakes and breads.
- Rosemary is used in Irish stews.
Thyme, Parsley and Bay Leaves is also put in stews and used for garnishes on other courses.
Religion
The main religion in Ireland is Christianity. The biggest church in Ireland is Roman Catholic Church. 84.2% of people in Ireland are Roman Catholic.
Sample menus
Corned Beef & cabbage
This is made with a beef brisket. This is a sample of a course that is common in Ireland because of all the vegetables grown and the population of cattle.
Irish Stew
Irish Stew is made with lamb, potatoes and hearty gravy. This course can be seen around the Easter holiday because of the left over lamb parts from the tradition of serving the first lamb on Easter Sunday.
WoodLand Terrine
Layer of pigeon, rabbit and wild mushroom, served with pickled shallots, blackberry compote, artichoke puree, shards of ciabatta. This is a course I found at a restaurant in Ireland.
Meal Patterns
Breakfast is usually known to be big in Ireland. Their breakfast usually consist of porridge, eggs, bread, butter and tea. The Irish serve dinner in the middle of the day. The main meal is made for many people. They serve tea around six o'clock in the evening.
Holidays & Traditions
- Easter Sunday- On Easter Sunday it is common for people to serve the first lamb of the year. This symbolizes the the beginning of spring.
- Hallow's Eve ( Oct 31) - The family baker will add a wedding ring wrapped in paper to the batter before cooking and legend says who ever receives the slice with the ring in it will get married before the end of the year.
Sports/ People
Niall Horan is from Ireland and now he is famous all over the world for being in the boy band known as One Direction. Hockey is one of the biggest sports played in Ireland, along with rowing, cricket and rugby. Football is still the biggest sport played in Ireland.