About Irish Dinner

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By Lori Soard
eHow Contributing Writer

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When you think of Irish dinners, you probably think of corned beef and cabbage and green beer. While a good Irish dinner can certainly consist of these things, there are many other ethnic favorites that Irish families enjoy.
Corned beef and cabbage is actually an Irish-American favorite. Irish families don't typically eat this dish, but it can still be tasty and perfect for a party with an Irish theme.

Identification

Serve a variety of types of beers at room temperature, and a meat dish, such as corned beef for more of an Irish-American theme. The Irish like meat with their meals, and historically, pork has always been a favorite. Although corned beef and cabbage is said to be a favorite, many Irish people will tell you that they prefer bacon with cabbage, which can be a nice twist for an early dinner or even a brunch.

Types

Serve Irish soda bread, Irish lamb stew and Irish cream for a traditional Irish dinner. Yahoo Food and Martha Stewart offer a wonderful recipe for Irish Soda bread at Yahoo recipes. You can also easily find notes on Irish Lamb Stew at different recipe sites around the Internet. If you'd like a good reference book, chock full of recipes your family will love, try Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Ireland's Heritage by Darina Allen.

Features

Give your dinner an Irish flair by adding some Celtic music, or having guests dress in traditional Irish clothing. Or, have fun with the theme and make everyone wear green or something with a shamrock on it. Simple touches, like an Irish flag theme can make the evening special. Or, serve green punch by combining green Hawaiian punch (variety of flavors, just choose a green one), a two-liter of ginger ale and lime sherbet.

Function

You might even have contests, where guests play traditional Irish games, such as hurling. Hurling is a Gaelic game with ancient roots. It is play with a stick (hurley) and a ball (sliotar). Get an official guide and rules at the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) website (gaa.ie), which explains in depth how to play the game.

Or play games matching Irish words to their meanings or coming up with names of Irish celebrities and sports figures.

Significance

Embrace your Irish heritage and pass on your Celtic roots to the next generation. Over time, customs and traditions can easily be lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, family and history are important and children should be taught about the customs of their forefathers. By spending at least one day a year, having an Irish dinner and celebrating your Irish heritage, you pass on important principles to your children.

Even if you are not Irish, your family may enjoy celebrating Saint Patrick's Day and other holidays with a few of these favorites. Combine with a study of Saint Patrick and teach your kids a little of Ireland's history, or invite an Irish friend over to join in the celebrations!