Dispelling these Irish stereotypes is easy; I just want you to imagine what you would eat if there were no grocery stores. Think about that for a minute while I whip up one of my favorite Irish drinks.

You see, for many Irish, especially in rural Ireland, the only food sources were what could be grown or raised on the land.

Traditional Irish foods also reflect the harsh reality associated with eating only what you can grow.

The actual question should be why potatoes? I mean, they are kind of starchy and bland, right?

Well, from a dietary standpoint, the potato is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains vital nutrients like B6, potassium, vitamin C, copper and maganese. Pack in a healthy punch of fiber and you’re not doing too badly. That’s probably why it’s the most grown crop in the entire world. Mind = Blown.

Secondly, the potato is easy to grow. Even in poor soil conditions, it will thrive. Why grow a fickle crop of vegetables when you can be assured of a complete meal from your potato harvest? And remember, with no grocery stores, you can only eat what you grow.

Likewise, poor Irish weather makes the ‘earlies’ (a potato planted early in the growing season, it can be dug up, washed and eaten right away) a fast, easy way to get your family fed before the rest of the crop comes up. Then, the Irish potatoes grown later in the season can be stored for wintertime food.

Finally, the beauty of a potato is that almost anyone can cook it. Small Irish dwellings weren’t designed for strenuous cooking sessions with lots of ingredients. A potato simply had to be roasted on the coals or boiled in a pot to be edible. Even a child could make this simple meal for the family.

Irish stereotypes clearly indicated what a hard life many Irish people had. However, there was no time as difficult for them than the Irish Potato Famine of the 1800s when all the potato crops died.

And, in short, as for dispelling these Irish stereotypes, to say that all the Irish love potatoes wouldn’t be fair or accurate. The truth is, simply, that they rely on them for sustenance throughout the year — especially the country dwelling population of Ireland.

Background Image

How We Travel

Learn More
  • Self Drive tour in Europe
    Self Drive

    Hit the road your way: itinerary, car, accommodations, sights, and tours. But let us do all the heavy lifting.

  • Chauffeur 1
    Chauffeur

    The freedom of your own private car, the luxury of your own personal guide. And the very best hidden secrets.

  • Train going over bridge next to waterfall
    Rail

    Convenient, comfortable, oozing with charm. With a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

  • Young people overlooking scenic area in Europe
    Private Group

    The trip of a lifetime, personalized just for your group of friends, family, or organization down to every last detail.

  • Honeymoon coupe drinking wine by ocean
    Honeymoon

    Every tour is different, perfectly matched for every couple. Crafted by a team who is as excited about your honeymoon as you are.

  • funny mural of school children in uniforms
    Scheduled Tour

    For travelers who prefer to join a small group tour, we offer scheduled tours.

Romance

Team Spotlight: This Is Venezia

Follow in the steps of Jane, our Product Operations Coordinator, as she falls in love with the bright, enchanting streets of Venice.

Travel Tips

5 of Ireland's Hidden Gems

Maybe you’re a second-time traveler to the country, or maybe you’d just like to add a few stops off-the-beaten path. Either way, we have a few ideas—check out five of Ireland’s hidden gems below. You might need your hiking boots! 

Arts & Pop Culture

The World of Hans Christian Andersen

“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” – Hans Christian Andersen

By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours