“Eat Up…” The Ten Things That Make An Irish Dinner

The Irish are a complex crew, we're fond of tradition and we're fans of routine. This is evident throughout our daily lives, right down to the evening meal... 

Where we eat it, how we eat it, the responsibilities everybody in the house has (or the lack thereof) to prepare it... these are the little things that make the meal "Irish". 

1. The Roar

The meal is initiated with a roar throughout the house, “DINNER!”. Who needs service bells?

2. The Soundtrack

The dinner is generally eaten to the backdrop of the Angelus and the soothing tones of Brian Dobson’s familiar voice on the Six One News.

3. The Need For Tea

The minute the last fork is put down is the signal for somebody to stand up and put the kettle on.

4. The Apple Pie

Shop-bought or homemade, if the meal is any sort of occasion at all (birthday, anniversary, good results, Friday, Granny’s here, last dinner before you head off on holidays), there will be apple pie for dessert.

5. The Gravy Maker

It goes without saying that the gravy-making is allocated to the house’s best gravy maker. “No lumps now…” Likewise with the custard and the whipped cream too.

6. The Potatoes

They’ve been an Irish food staple since the beginning of time. The versatile veggie will generally couple up with stews, meat, salads, lunch, dinner, snacks or, amazingly enough, can also be enjoyed solo. No prize for the first guess… 

7. The Hierarchy

Generally, if it’s the Irish mammy that’s cooking, she has her set hierarchy plan as to who is served first, middle and last. Dad and brothers are generally first, Mammy herself will always be last.

8. The Jobs

Setting the table is the biggest job ever. The only consolation when you’re given this task is that you know you won’t have to do the wash-up.

9. The Menu

A lot of Irish homes have a weekly menu planned with military precision. Monday will be chicken casserole, Tuesday will be pork and vegetables, Wednesday will be beef stew… God forbid one should stray from or forget the menu.

10. The Need To Finish It 

Do you always feel like you need to finish your plate, even if your top button (and more) has been opened? Blame your mammy. It definitely wasn't just our house that you weren't allowed to leave the table until every morsel of food wass gone from your plate, was it?