Celebrating St Patrick’s Day with Suitable Food and Drink

St Patrick’s Day, held each year on 17 March, is a celebration of Irish heritage, culture and community. 

Whether you have Irish roots or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, put on something green and enjoy hearty food with a good drink in hand.

Here’s how to mark the occasion properly,  with flavour, warmth and a touch of Irish charm.

Traditional Irish Dishes to Serve

1. Irish Stew

A proper Irish stew is simple, comforting and deeply satisfying. Traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots, it’s slow-cooked until tender and rich.

For a modern twist, you could:

Add pearl barley for extra texture

Use beef if lamb isn’t your preference

Finish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper

Serve with warm soda bread to mop up every last drop.

2. Soda Bread

Quick to make and wonderfully rustic, soda bread doesn’t require yeast. The distinctive cross cut into the top is said to “let the fairies out” — or more practically, help it bake evenly.

Serve it:

With salted butter

Alongside soups and stews

Toasted the next morning with marmalade

3. Colcannon

Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and spring onions, finished with a generous knob of butter. It’s simple comfort food at its best.

Colcannon works beautifully as a side dish with:

Sausages

Roast chicken

Corned beef

4. Irish Boxty

Boxty are Irish potato pancakes, crisp outside, soft inside. They can be served as:

A breakfast item

A side dish

A base for smoked salmon or creamy mushrooms

Drinks to Match the Celebration

Guinness

No St Patrick’s Day feels complete without a pint of Guinness. The dark stout with its creamy head is iconic and pairs beautifully with rich dishes like stew or pie.

If stout isn’t your thing, try:

An Irish red ale

A smooth Irish lager

A half-and-half (with care!)

Irish Whiskey

A measure of Irish whiskey, neat or over ice, is another classic choice. You might try a dram from Jameson or explore small-batch distilleries if you prefer something more distinctive.

For a sweeter option, serve Irish coffee, hot coffee, sugar, whiskey and lightly whipped cream.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Not everyone wants alcohol, and that’s perfectly fine.

Consider:

Alcohol-free stout alternatives

Sparkling elderflower

Fresh apple juice (Ireland has a strong cider tradition)

Shamrock-themed mocktails made with lime and soda

Don’t Forget Something Sweet

To round off your celebration:

Irish cream cheesecake

Chocolate stout cake

Baileys-flavoured truffles

Shortbread dyed green for fun

A simple traybake with a splash of Irish cream liqueur can be an easy crowd-pleaser.

Creating the Atmosphere

Food and drink are only part of the experience. Add:

Irish folk music

Green table settings

Shamrock decorations

A themed quiz on Irish history

If you’re heading to your local pub, check whether they’re hosting live music or themed menus, many embrace the day wholeheartedly.

A Final Toast

St Patrick’s Day is ultimately about togetherness. Whether you’re cooking a full Irish feast at home or simply raising a glass with friends, it’s a day to enjoy good company, hearty food and a touch of Irish spirit. Sláinte!