Ireland, famous for its lush, emerald landscapes is also a dream for foodies wishing to indulge in simple yet hearty home-style meals. From frothy Guinness stout and comfortable pub fare, to lucky clovers and fantastic folklore, this country has made it's mark internationally, as people take time out every St. Patrick's Day to celebrate all things that are green and Irish.
 
Featuring everything from stewed lamb and roast pork mains to Irish soda breads and smoked mackerel pate, the options for foodie delights are endless. Whether you're hosting a small get-together for friends and family or a grand Irish-style pub party, our list of Irish-inspired appetizers, mains, desserts and cocktails are sure to make you the host with the most.

We even have you covered with green-themed crafts and style tips that will make you the talk of the day!
 
So go ahead and indulge in everything that's emerald green, and may the luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick's Day and always!

Our best St. Patrick's Day recipes, craft ideas and style advice
Appetizers and side dishes
Oysters on the Half Shell
Raw oysters served on the bottom shell are called "on the half shell." The subtle flavours of the meat and juice are best appreciated raw (just slurp back the oyster and juices right from the shell), though minimal additions (a dab of horseradish, squeeze of lemon or dash of hot sauce) are also delicious.

Irish Brown Bread
This soda-leavened bread makes a dense, slightly crumbly loaf with a rich nutty flavour. Slather with Smoked Mackerel Pate (link below) or serve with butter, smoked salmon and a sprinkle of chives.

Smoked Mackerel Pate
Mackerel was once regarded as a poor man's trout, but these days it's more appreciated for its gutsy robust flavour, plus it's been deemed an ocean-friendly option for fish lovers. If you like, garnish with more chopped fresh parsley or green onion.

Boxty Potato Cakes
Also known as boxty pancakes, this is one of Ireland's best-known potato dishes. Said to have originated during the Irish famine, boxty even has its own poem but no known author: “Boxty on the griddle,/boxty in the pan./If you don't eat your boxty,/you'll never get a man.”

Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Baking bread has never been so simple and delicious than with our Test Kitchen's Irish Soda Bread recipe. Try it today. Recipe used in this video: Traditional Irish Soda Bread

9 healthy leafy green vegetables plus recipes
Can you tell Savoy cabbage from Swiss chard? Learn to identify 9 leafy green veggies available in your local grocery store (also known as 'Asian greens') , and how to use them in everyday meals.

Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Onions
Savoy cabbage, which is more delicate and mellow than its green cousin, makes a fabulous side dish.

Irish Mashed Potatoes
The simple yet sublime twist of adding green onions to mashed potatoes makes this traditional Irish dish known as champ. Use a vegetable mill or potato ricer for a light, airy and refined texture, just like you'd find in a restaurant.

Delicious, crowd-pleasing mains
Irish Root Soup with Cashel Blue Cheese
Rich with vegetables, this pur? soup has highlights of Cashel Blue, one of Ireland's most well-known creamy blue-veined cheeses (though Gorgonzola or creamy Danish blue make worthy substitutes). For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable.

Roast Pork with Cider Cream Sauce
A golden crust and apple-flavoured sauce add to this dish's appeal for entertaining. Choose a long, slender roast (rather than short and thick) because even though they cook in the same time, the slender one will be easier to slice and look more attractive on plates.

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew
Traditional Irish stew is a hearty dish that's perfect for any cold night. Adding your favourite stout gives it a wonderful dark colour and rich flavour. If you don't have stout on hand, substitute the same amount of your favourite beer.

Photo gallery: Irish food and drink
Irish food is more than just potatoes! Discover our Irish recipe repertoire with seafood, chicken, fresh breads, cocktails and a sinfully good pudding with Irish Whisky Toffee Sauce.

Decadent desserts
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by feasting on fish and chips, drinking a pint of beer and baking some boozy cupcakes for your friends and colleagues.

Sticky Date Pudding with Irish Whiskey Toffee Sauce
You won't have any trouble getting rid of the extra servings of this toothsome cake and whisky-laced caramel sauce.

Irish Cream Brownie Bites
These little treats are topped with a decadent Irish cream–flavoured ganache. For a kid-friendly version, substitute 1-1/2 tsp vanilla for the liqueur. Sprinkle the tops with silver or gold sprinkles, if desired.

Irish Cream Chocolate Truffles
Make chocolate truffles with a twist by adding liqueur.

Irish-inspired drinks and cocktails
Nutty Irishman Coffee
Adding hazelnut liqueur makes this coffee adult only.

St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail recipes
A collection of 10 Irish cocktail recipes for your St. Patrick's Day celebration, plus real-life tips on how to become Irish for a day.

6 ways to eat your whiskey
From appetizers to desserts, here are some creative ways to squeeze the last drops from your whiskey bottle.

Irish Mint Hot Chocolate
Irish Cream Liqueur spices up an already great tasting drink.

Nutty Irishman Cocktail
This cocktail is the close relative of the Nutty Irishman Coffee.

Green fashion
Go green for St. Patrick’s Day
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a green beer in hand and a matching ensemble or simply a fan of Pantone’s latest colour of the year, there’s something emerald for everyone this season.

Spring’s “it” colour: 9 mint green fashion picks
Freshen up your spring wardrobe by picking up one or two of these cool mint green pieces.

5 minty pieces to keep me motivated
Senior Beauty & Health editor Katherine Flemming gives her top five “wants” from Lululemon.

7 great ways to get emerald in your look
Green is spring's it colour, with emerald Pantone's 2013 colour of the year. Here's how to get emerald in your look.

Fun St. Patrick's Day crafts
How to make a lucky charm bracelet
Knot an armful of colourful lucky charm bracelets and top them off with a cute shamrock.

How to make beer can patio string lights
No matter what the season, you’ve probably got a set of outdoor lights that could benefit from some upcycled beer can couture. Try out this beer can craft to dress up your patio.

Travel to the Emerald Isle
Travel deals to Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is (almost) here and Canadian (of Irish decent or not) love a good party, especially if it’s with the Irish. If you’d like a taste of the real thing, may the luck of the Irish be with you as you check out the latest batch of travel bargains to Ireland.