Sundays are synonymous with family, comfort, and hearty meals that bring everyone together.
When it comes to traditional and comforting cuisine, Irish recipes stand out for their rich flavors, simple ingredients, and time-honored cooking methods.
From slow-cooked stews and tender roasts to crispy potato cakes and warming soups, Irish food perfectly suits the relaxed pace and convivial spirit of a Sunday meal.
In this collection of 28+ Sunday Irish recipes, you’ll find a diverse range of dishes that honor Ireland’s culinary heritage while offering satisfying and flavorful options for your weekend table.
Whether you’re craving a classic Irish stew, a flaky soda bread, or a sweet apple cake, these recipes deliver the perfect balance of rustic charm and delicious taste to make your Sundays truly special.
28+ Traditional Sunday Irish Recipes to Warm Your Heart
Exploring these 28+ Sunday Irish recipes is an invitation to celebrate tradition, comfort, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
The hearty stews, fresh breads, and simple yet flavorful sides featured here embody the warmth and generosity that Irish cooking is known for.
By embracing these recipes, you bring a piece of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage into your home, creating meaningful moments around the Sunday table that everyone will cherish.
Irish Stew
Irish Stew is a classic, hearty dish perfect for a Sunday meal. Traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, it’s slow-cooked to tender perfection, creating a warming, flavorful stew that celebrates the rustic simplicity of Irish cooking.
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Onions, chopped
- Fresh thyme
- Beef or lamb stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the lamb in a heavy pot, then remove. Sauté onions until translucent. Add lamb back, pour in stock to cover, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, and thyme. Simmer gently until meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Season to taste.
Irish Stew offers a deeply comforting and robust flavor profile that fills your home with warmth. Its slow-cooked nature makes it ideal for a relaxing Sunday, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and providing a nourishing meal for family and friends.
Boxty
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake, combining grated raw potatoes with mashed potatoes, flour, and buttermilk to create a crispy yet tender pancake. It’s a versatile dish perfect for a hearty Sunday breakfast or side dish.
Ingredients
- Raw potatoes, peeled and grated
- Mashed potatoes
- Flour
- Buttermilk
- Baking powder
- Salt
Instructions
Mix grated potatoes with mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and enough buttermilk to form a batter. Heat a skillet and fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden on both sides. Serve warm with butter or as a side to meats.
Boxty embodies the comfort of traditional Irish cooking. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a satisfying addition to any Sunday meal, showcasing the humble potato in a delicious and nostalgic way.
Colcannon
Colcannon is a classic Irish mashed potato dish blended with kale or cabbage, butter, and cream. It’s creamy, flavorful, and a staple side dish that perfectly complements many Sunday mains.
Ingredients
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Kale or cabbage, chopped
- Butter
- Cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and cream. Meanwhile, sauté kale or cabbage until wilted. Fold the greens into the mashed potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Colcannon is a comforting, creamy side that brings earthy flavors and a touch of tradition to your Sunday meal. It pairs wonderfully with roasts or stews, making your meal wholesome and deeply satisfying.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved Irish comfort food dish featuring a savory filling of ground lamb and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal ideal for a leisurely Sunday dinner with family.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb
- Onion, finely chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Peas
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef or lamb broth
- Mashed potatoes
- Butter
Instructions
Sauté onions and carrots until softened, then add ground lamb and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and broth; simmer until thickened. Spread mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and dot with butter. Bake until the potato topping is golden and bubbly.
Shepherd’s Pie combines rich, savory flavors with creamy potatoes for a warming, satisfying dish. Its rustic charm and comforting texture make it a perfect choice for relaxed Sunday meals that feel like a hug on a plate.
Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional quick bread made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. Its dense, tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to any Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk
Instructions
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, then stir in buttermilk until a sticky dough forms. Shape into a round loaf, score the top with a cross, and bake until golden and cooked through. Cool before slicing.
Irish Soda Bread is a wonderfully rustic and straightforward bread that brings warmth and tradition to your table. Perfect fresh from the oven, it complements hearty stews or can be enjoyed simply with butter.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic Irish-American Sunday dinner featuring tender corned beef brisket slow-cooked with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. The flavors meld beautifully to create a meal that’s both filling and nostalgic.
Ingredients
- Corned beef brisket
- Cabbage, quartered
- Potatoes, peeled and halved
- Carrots, cut into chunks
- Bay leaves
- Peppercorns
Instructions
Simmer corned beef brisket with bay leaves and peppercorns until tender. Add potatoes and carrots partway through cooking. In the last 15 minutes, add cabbage wedges and cook until just tender. Slice beef and serve with vegetables.
This dish embodies comfort and tradition, offering a simple but flavorful meal that’s perfect for a leisurely Sunday feast with loved ones. The tender meat and vegetables create a balanced and satisfying plate.
Beef and Guinness Stew
Beef and Guinness Stew is a rich and hearty Irish classic, slow-cooked to tender perfection with chunks of beef, root vegetables, and the deep malty flavor of Guinness stout. This stew is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, cut into cubes
- Onions, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Potatoes, diced
- Guinness stout
- Beef broth
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme and bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the beef in a heavy pot, then set aside. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Return beef to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in Guinness and beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook low and slow until beef is tender and flavors meld.
This stew’s rich flavors and tender meat make it a comforting centerpiece for a Sunday meal, evoking the warmth and tradition of Irish cooking.
Irish Champ
Irish Champ is a creamy mashed potato dish mixed with scallions (green onions) and plenty of butter, creating a simple yet flavorful side that complements many Irish Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Scallions, finely chopped
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk or cream until smooth. Stir in chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Champ’s buttery richness combined with the fresh bite of scallions makes it a beloved comfort food. It pairs perfectly with stews and roasts for a classic Sunday Irish feast.
Irish Brown Bread
Irish Brown Bread is a rustic, hearty bread made with whole wheat and sometimes oats or barley, offering a dense texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s an excellent accompaniment to any Irish Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk
Instructions
Combine dry ingredients, then stir in buttermilk to form a dough. Shape into a round loaf, place on a baking sheet, and score the top. Bake until golden and cooked through. Let cool before slicing.
This wholesome bread adds depth and authenticity to your Sunday dinner table, perfect for soaking up stews or enjoying simply with butter and jam.
Dublin Coddle
Dublin Coddle is a traditional Irish comfort dish made by slow-cooking sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions in a flavorful broth. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for a relaxing Sunday, offering a hearty and satisfying taste of Dublin’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- Irish sausages
- Rashers (Irish bacon) or thick-cut bacon
- Potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown sausages and bacon in a pot, then layer with potatoes, onions, garlic, and thyme. Pour broth over the layers and simmer gently until potatoes are tender and flavors meld together, about 1 to 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Dublin Coddle’s rich flavors and tender ingredients make it an ideal Sunday meal that warms the heart and soul, showcasing simple ingredients turned into a comforting classic.
Irish Potato Cakes
Irish Potato Cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with flour and butter, then fried until golden. They’re a beloved side dish or snack, perfect for Sunday breakfasts or alongside a main meal.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Mix mashed potatoes with flour, melted butter, salt, and pepper to form a dough. Shape into small patties and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These potato cakes are nostalgic and comforting, adding a deliciously crispy element to any Sunday meal while celebrating the humble potato in Irish cooking.
Cabbage and Bacon
Cabbage and Bacon is a simple yet flavorful Irish side dish that pairs perfectly with roasts and stews. The tender cabbage cooked with smoky bacon creates a delicious balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage, chopped
- Bacon slices, chopped
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook bacon in a pan until crispy, remove and set aside. In the bacon fat, sauté onions until soft. Add cabbage and cook until tender. Return bacon to the pan, mix well, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
This dish’s smoky, savory notes make it a comforting and classic accompaniment, rounding out any Sunday Irish meal with simplicity and flavor.
Irish Lamb Roast
Irish Lamb Roast is a succulent and tender dish, slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and thyme to bring out the rich flavors of the meat. Perfect for a Sunday dinner, this roast pairs beautifully with root vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- Leg of lamb
- Garlic cloves, sliced
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make small incisions in the lamb and insert garlic slices. Rub the meat with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at moderate heat until the lamb is tender and cooked to your liking. Let rest before carving.
This Irish Lamb Roast delivers tender, flavorful meat that makes any Sunday meal feel special and festive, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.
Coddle with Soda Bread
Coddle with Soda Bread combines a traditional Irish stew of sausages, potatoes, and onions slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, served alongside freshly baked Irish soda bread. This duo offers a perfect balance of hearty and wholesome flavors for a Sunday feast.
Ingredients
- Irish sausages
- Potatoes, sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Chicken broth
- Irish soda bread (flour, baking soda, buttermilk)
Instructions
Layer sausages, potatoes, and onions in a pot, cover with broth, and simmer gently until cooked through and tender. Prepare Irish soda bread by mixing dry ingredients and buttermilk, then bake until golden. Serve coddle hot with slices of soda bread.
Together, these dishes create a comforting and satisfying Sunday meal that celebrates Irish tradition and simplicity.
Beef and Guinness Pie
Beef and Guinness Pie features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich Guinness stout gravy, topped with flaky pastry. It’s a hearty and indulgent dish perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner that fills the home with enticing aromas.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, cubed
- Onions, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Guinness stout
- Beef broth
- Flour
- Puff pastry
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Brown beef and sauté onions and carrots. Add flour, Guinness, and broth to create a thick gravy. Simmer until beef is tender. Pour mixture into a pie dish, cover with puff pastry, and bake until pastry is golden brown.
This pie combines deep, comforting flavors with a flaky crust, making it a perfect centerpiece for a Sunday meal that feels both special and homey.
Irish Seafood Chowder
Irish Seafood Chowder is a creamy and hearty soup loaded with fresh fish, shellfish, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the fresh flavors of Ireland’s coast to your Sunday table.
Ingredients
- Assorted fresh fish and shellfish (salmon, cod, shrimp, mussels)
- Potatoes, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Heavy cream
- Fish stock or water
- Butter
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in butter until soft. Add diced potatoes and fish stock, simmer until potatoes are tender. Add fish and shellfish and cook gently until seafood is done. Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
This chowder’s rich, creamy texture and fresh seafood flavors make it a wonderful choice for a leisurely Sunday meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Colcannon Cakes
Colcannon Cakes are golden, crispy patties made from traditional Irish colcannon—a mixture of mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. They’re perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack for a relaxed Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked cabbage or kale, finely chopped
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Mix mashed potatoes with chopped cabbage or kale, flour, salt, and pepper to form a dough. Shape into small patties and fry in hot oil with butter until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These cakes add a crispy, savory element to your Sunday meal while celebrating a beloved Irish comfort food in a fun, bite-sized form.
Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit bread, lightly sweet and studded with dried fruits soaked in tea. It’s often enjoyed toasted with butter and makes a perfect treat for a Sunday afternoon tea or dessert.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- Strong brewed tea
- Brown sugar
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
- Butter
- Eggs
Instructions
Soak dried fruit in brewed tea overnight. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and spices. Stir in soaked fruit and eggs to form a batter. Bake until a skewer comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Barmbrack’s moist texture and rich fruity flavor make it a comforting and traditional way to end a Sunday meal or enjoy alongside a cup of tea.
Irish Boxty
Irish Boxty is a traditional potato pancake that combines grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes to create a crispy yet tender dish. Perfect for a hearty Sunday breakfast or as a side for lunch or dinner, boxty showcases the humble potato in a delicious way.
Ingredients
- Raw potatoes, peeled and grated
- Mashed potatoes
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Buttermilk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Mix grated raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and enough buttermilk to make a batter. Heat a skillet with oil, spoon batter into pancakes, and fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm with butter or sour cream.
Boxty is a comforting and versatile dish, ideal for a relaxed Sunday meal. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a satisfying treat that honors Irish culinary tradition.
Cabbage and Bacon
Cabbage and Bacon is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with many Irish mains. The smoky saltiness of the bacon complements the tender, slightly sweet cabbage for a classic Sunday meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage, chopped
- Bacon strips, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the bacon fat, sauté onions until translucent. Add cabbage and cook until wilted and tender. Return bacon to the pan, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
This dish brings out the comforting flavors of Ireland’s traditional cooking, making it an easy and satisfying choice for any Sunday feast.
Irish Apple Cake
Irish Apple Cake is a moist, spiced cake filled with tender chunks of apple and often served with whipped cream or custard. It’s a wonderful dessert to finish a Sunday meal, evoking the cozy flavors of Irish countryside baking.
Ingredients
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs. Mix in flour, baking powder, and spices. Fold in chopped apples. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm with cream or custard.
Irish Apple Cake combines warmth and sweetness, making it a comforting way to end your Sunday meal with a taste of traditional Ireland.
Irish Lamb Stew
Irish Lamb Stew is a beloved comfort dish featuring tender chunks of lamb simmered slowly with root vegetables and herbs. This hearty stew is perfect for a Sunday meal, filling the home with rich aromas and delivering deep, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder or leg, cut into pieces
- Carrots, peeled and chopped
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Onions, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- Beef or lamb stock
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Brown the lamb pieces in a heavy pot, then remove. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Return lamb to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, herbs, and stock. Simmer gently for several hours until meat and vegetables are tender. Season to taste.
This stew’s slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and meld, making it a warm and nourishing centerpiece for any relaxed Sunday gathering.
Irish Potato Farls
Irish Potato Farls are traditional griddle-cooked potato breads made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re a perfect accompaniment to a full Irish breakfast or any Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt
Instructions
Combine mashed potatoes with flour and a pinch of salt to form a dough. Roll out and cut into quarters. Cook on a hot griddle or frying pan until golden and crisp on both sides. Serve warm with butter.
Potato Farls bring a comforting, rustic element to your Sunday table, celebrating the versatility and deliciousness of the humble Irish potato.
Dublin Bay Prawns in Garlic Butter
Dublin Bay Prawns sautéed in garlic butter make for an elegant yet simple Sunday appetizer or main dish. The fresh seafood, combined with aromatic garlic and rich butter, offers bright, indulgent flavors straight from Ireland’s coast.
Ingredients
- Dublin Bay prawns or large shrimp, peeled
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add prawns, cook until pink and just cooked through. Splash with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately.
This dish is quick to prepare but impresses with its fresh, vibrant flavors—perfect for a special Sunday treat or light meal.
Irish Beef and Vegetable Soup
Irish Beef and Vegetable Soup is a wholesome, nourishing dish that combines tender chunks of beef with fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for a Sunday lunch or dinner, offering comfort and warmth on cooler days.
Ingredients
- Stewing beef, cubed
- Carrots, diced
- Potatoes, cubed
- Onions, chopped
- Celery, sliced
- Beef broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Brown the beef in a pot, then add onions and celery to sauté until softened. Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer gently until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that fills your home with rich aromas and provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed Sunday with family.
Irish Colcannon Cakes
Irish Colcannon Cakes are crispy potato cakes made from traditional colcannon — a mix of mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. These cakes offer a delightful twist on a classic Irish side, great for a Sunday brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked cabbage or kale, finely chopped
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Combine mashed potatoes with cabbage, flour, salt, and pepper to form a dough. Shape into patties and fry in butter and oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These cakes add a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor to your meal, celebrating Irish comfort food in a fun and tasty way.
Irish Whiskey Glazed Carrots
Irish Whiskey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish, where tender carrots are cooked and glazed in a sauce made with Irish whiskey, butter, and brown sugar. This dish adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- Irish whiskey
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Boil or steam carrots until tender. In a pan, melt butter and add brown sugar and whiskey. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Toss carrots in the glaze until well coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
This glaze adds a rich depth and subtle sweetness, making the humble carrot a standout dish perfect for a Sunday feast.
Conclusion
With these 28+ Sunday Irish recipes at your fingertips, you can transform any Sunday into a cozy, delicious feast. Whether you’re preparing a slow-cooked lamb stew, baking fresh soda bread, or frying up crispy potato farls, these dishes offer comfort and satisfaction for cooks of all skill levels. Let these recipes inspire you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a homemade Irish meal that nourishes both body and soul.
