The high cost of living in the country means that Irish food can be quite expensive. The Irish stew of boiled bacon and cabbage is very tasty. Soda bread (made with buttermilk and leavened with soda bicarbonate rather than yeast) can be quite filling. Make sure you try it with the fine Irish cheese.

Ireland’s national drinks are stout (a dark, dry beer) and Guinness. Other favourite beverages usually take the form of whiskies and alcoholic servings.