Feast this St Patrick’s Day – celebrating with mushrooms

St. Patrick’s Day is a time of celebrations, traditions, and all things Irish!

While classics like rich Irish stew, comforting colcannon, and warm soda bread take center stage, mushrooms also play a delicious role in Irish cooking. Whether stirred into a hearty stew, folded into a creamy mushroom boxty, or baked into a savoury pie, they bring depth and flavour to many beloved Irish dishes.

Read on to discover more about mushrooms in Ireland and some of the delicious recipes you can try for a tasty twist on tradition.

Mushrooms in Ireland

Although Ireland might be famous for its lush green landscape and pints of Guinness, the food industry is absolutely booming and Irish cuisine is one of the most exciting in Europe. According to Bord Bia, Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture worldwide exports exceed €17 billion for the first time in 2024. And although St Patrick’s Day is associated with everything green, mushrooms are in fact one of Ireland’s biggest agrifood exports.

Weekly farmers markets are common in most towns. Cities and towns across the country are packed with incredible restaurants that feature traditional Irish cuisine alongside the best of what the world has to offer. You can find the incredible exotic mushrooms grown by MPO member J McCann in the kitchens of some of the country’s best restaurants:

Courthouse Restaurant – Co.Monaghan
Scholars Townhouse Hotel – Co.Louth
As One – Co.Dublin
Dax Restaurant – Co.Dublin
Forest Avenue – Co.Dublin

Sustainability

Although mushrooms aren’t green in colour, they have very strong green credentials. They’re grown indoors, all year round and provide an affordable, healthy food source with a low carbon footprint.

Mushrooms in Irish Folklore

Mushrooms have deep roots in Irish folklore and mythology – they were often associated with the magical world of fairies. It was believed that fairy rings—those naturally occurring circles of mushrooms—were portals to the fairy realm. Superstition warned that stepping into a fairy ring could lead to mischief or even transport an unsuspecting traveler into another world!

A St. Patrick’s Day Feast with Mushrooms

Irish Stew

Irish stew is a staple in most Irish households. A rich, hearty dish made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and carrots can be elevated with the umami goodness of mushrooms. Swap out some (or all, if you’re vegetarian) of the meat for a mix of mushrooms to create a deeply savory, comforting version. Try adding smoked salt and a splash of Guinness for extra depth of flavor.

Try this recipe from Donal Skehan

Mushroom & Guinness Pie

A vegetarian take on a traditional meat pie, packed with deep, earthy flavors from mushrooms and a rich, stout-infused gravy.

Try this recipe from vegan chefs, Bosh

Boxty with Mushroom Filling

Traditional Irish potato pancakes get an upgrade when stuffed with chicken and a creamy, garlic-infused mushroom filling, making them the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat.

This recipe from Irish American Mum sounds delicious here