Christmas holds significant importance in Ireland, just like in other parts of the British Isles. However, being one of the major religious festivals along with Easter, it is likely to be more deeply ingrained with spiritual meaning in Ireland as the country is known for its strong religious tradition.
A survey conducted revealed that a large majority of the population in Ireland, 78%, identify as Catholic, and a significant portion of them, 40%, frequent church services on a weekly basis. However, over time, there has been a decline in church attendance. Despite this trend, it is still common to see churches in Ireland filled to capacity during Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, prior to the pandemic which led to virtual services.
Despite any dissension that may be present, it is clear that Christmas is widely celebrated throughout Ireland with great enthusiasm. From caroling to gift-giving, Irish people come together to revel in the joyous spirit of this festive season.
Irish households typically begin to prepare for the Christmas season well in advance, stocking up on all of the necessary supplies and goods required to make the festive period a special one. When it comes to the traditional Irish Christmas dinner table, there is usually an abundance of delicious food to be enjoyed. So what can you anticipate being served on a traditional Irish Christmas dinner table?
Starter
Prawn Cocktail
The first course of the meal, known as the starter, is a common tradition in Irish households during Christmas. Being an island nation with a strong seafood industry, the starter is often fish-based. One popular choice is a prawn cocktail. While this dish may not be as trendy as it once was, it remains a traditional and well-liked option for many Irish families as a starter during Christmas dinner.
Main dish
Irish Spiced Beef
Like the rest of the British Isles, turkey is a traditional favorite for the main course of Christmas dinner in Ireland. However, it is a relatively recent tradition as before turkey, the main dish would typically be spiced beef. This traditional dish is now making a comeback among many Irish families as it is considered delicious and flavorful. The process of preparing spiced beef includes rubbing three kilograms of topside with brown sugar and resting it in the fridge for two days. Then, it is rubbed with a mixture of black peppercorns, juniper and allspice berries, crushed cloves, salt, and saltpeter. After another week of rest in the fridge, the meat is cooked slowly in the oven for about 5 hours and then left to rest for another 3 hours. The result is tender and juicy beef that is infused with a rich blend of spices.
Glazed Ham with Cloves
However, turkey is not the only main dish served on Christmas dinner tables in Ireland. The traditional turkey is now accompanied by a honey-glazed ham that is clove-studded to ensure that there is enough food for the entire family. The turkey is roasted, and it is usually stuffed with a combination of potatoes, bread, or sausage. Gravy, made with the juices of the turkey, is poured over it. A unique twist to this tradition is that some Irish families cook their turkey in Guinness, which gives the gravy a rich and delicious flavor.
The Christmas Sides
Potato Gratin
The theme of stuffing is evident in the side dishes served during Irish Christmas dinner as well, particularly with the inclusion of potatoes. The traditional roast turkey and ham are typically accompanied by at least two potato side dishes, such as mashed and roast potatoes. However, some families choose to serve as many as four different potato dishes.
Potatoes are a staple in Irish cuisine and their versatility makes them a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the main course. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as mashed, roasted, or fried, to suit different tastes and preferences. The creamy and cheesy potato gratin is a perfect example of how potatoes can be elevated to a gourmet dish. Potato gratin is a popular dish that is made with layers of sliced potatoes, grated cheese, onion, and cream, then baked until golden brown. It has a crunchy top and a soft inside.
Veggie Side Dish
In addition to the main courses, a selection of vegetables is often served as accompaniments during Christmas dinner in Ireland. These include Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, celery, and broccoli, which are all popular choices. Some families may opt for a selection of these vegetables or include all of them in their meals. These vegetables are typically prepared in a simple way, such as steaming or boiling, to retain their natural flavors and complement the main dishes. The vegetables can be seasoned with butter, herbs and spices, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. They are often served as a side dish to the main course, such as turkey or ham. Some families also like to add a touch of tradition to their side dishes by preparing them with a traditional recipe such as glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
The vegetables can be presented in a variety of ways, such as on a platter, on individual plates, or in a vegetable dish. They are often served family-style, which allows everyone to take as much or as little as they like.
Irish Christmas Desserts
Plum Pudding
Irish Christmas Plum Pudding is a festive favorite. Traditionally served with either a brandy butter or sherry sauce, it delights guests year after year as a special holiday treat. However, for those who prefer a less dense and rich dessert, a sherry trifle is a popular alternative. It is usually made with dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, spices, and sometimes a small amount of flour. It is often boiled or steamed for several hours to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and the pudding is cooked through.
The pudding is usually served warm, and it is often flambéed with brandy before serving, which adds a rich and warm flavor. It is typically served with brandy butter or sherry sauce, which adds a sweet and creamy contrast to the rich fruit pudding. Some people also serve it with custard or cream.
It is also a traditional Christmas dessert that is often prepared in advance and kept for a few weeks before being served to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Sherry Trifle
Sherry Trifle is a traditional dessert that is served during Christmas in Ireland for several reasons. Firstly, the use of Sherry in the trifle adds a unique and festive flavor to the dessert. Additionally, the combination of trifle sponges, jelly, fruit, and cream in the trifle, makes it a refreshing and lighter alternative to the other rich and heavy desserts typically served during the holiday season. The use of sherry in the trifle also adds a touch of cultural significance, as it is a popular drink in Ireland. Furthermore, the layers of the trifle provide a visual appeal to the dessert, making it a fitting end to a festive meal.
It is a refreshing alternative to the more traditional and rich plum pudding. After the main meal, it is common to serve Christmas cake or mince pies as a dessert, which can be heavy and rich too, making a refreshing dessert like a sherry trifle a perfect choice to end the meal on a lighter note.
After Christmas cake
After the main course of the Irish Christmas dinner, the celebration continues with the serving of traditional desserts such as Christmas cake and mince pies. The Christmas cake is typically moist and packed with fruit, and the mince pies are rich and crumbly. These sweet treats are often enjoyed with a glass of Baileys Cream, Guinness, or whiskey to complete the festive dining experience. The meal is a time to indulge in delicious food, engage in lively conversation, and revel with loved ones, making it a cherished tradition that brings people together.
Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish Cream Liqueur, such as Baileys, is often consumed as a dessert during Christmas in Ireland as it is a traditional and popular choice. It is known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich, indulgent flavor that pairs well with the sweet and rich desserts that are typically served during the holiday season. Additionally, its Irish origin adds a touch of cultural significance to the celebrations. Furthermore, the warm and relaxing sensation that it provides makes it an ideal choice to end a meal on a cozy note, and to keep the conversation and celebration going.
