Christmas is a major event in Ireland, both as a holiday and as an occasion for frenzied shopping and overindulgence – much as it is everywhere else!
However many old traditions are still observed, and it’s very much a family occasion still.
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With its rich fruit and the plentiful addition of whiskey, this pudding has an important place at the table in any traditional Irish Christmas
It’s often called Plum Pudding, but it doesn’t actually contain any plums. Many pudding recipes use suet but I prefer this lighter butter-based version.
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Step through the wardrobe and travel the Narnia Trail to visit Green Santa in what is probably Ireland’s most magical Christmas adventure.
No tacky plastic toys either – kids go home with a tiny tree that Santa helped them to plant and a magic seed shaker that will attract fairies (or butterflies at least) to their garden.
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What life is like at Christmas in Ireland, from the days and weeks of preparation, to Christmas day and the lead in to a New Year.
From office parties to pantomime, last minute shopping to the races – it’s a family occasion and one to enjoy with friends.
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A look at some of the traditions of an Irish Christmas, from a lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve – and why it has been revived as a tradition – to the sometimes odd finding of religious symbols in the middle of shopping malls and the visit from the Wren Boys on St Stephen’s day.
Read MoreBecause Ireland kind of stops dead over the Christmas period, it may not be the best time to travel. Most tourist attractions are closed, as are most Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses.
However there are special Christmas programs in many hotels and if it’s a quiet get away break you want, it may be just the place to come.
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Of course the Irish eat too much at Christmas – that’s the point, isn’t it?
A feast of rich fruit cake, moist plum pudding and mince pies accompany the traditional roast turkey and in some parts of the country spiced beef, flavoured with juniper berries, is a favourite Christmas delicacy.
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Made with plenty of fruit, nuts and Irish Whiskey and topped with marzipan and white frosting, the Christmas cake is a central part of Christmas in Ireland.
This recipe is a tried and trusted one which I have made for many years and which is packed with fruit and booze.
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These delicious pastry pies filled with mincemeat – which despite its name contains no meat but is a rich spicy fruit mix – are a traditional dish at Christmas in Ireland.
Mince pies are originally an English tradition, but one that has been wholeheartedly adopted by the Irish and the spicy smell of them cooking is wonderful part of an Irish Christmas.
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