The potato has been a staple crop in Ireland since the late 16th century, when it was introduced to the country by English explorers. At that time, Ireland was a poor country, with a population that was largely dependent on agriculture for their survival. The potato was an ideal crop for the Irish people, as it was easy to grow and maintain, even in poor soil and harsh weather conditions.

Over time, the potato became more and more important to the Irish diet. It was cheap, filling, and versatile, and it could be prepared in a variety of ways, from mashed potatoes to potato cakes to Irish stew. As the population of Ireland grew, the potato became the primary source of sustenance for millions of people, particularly in the rural areas of the country.

But the reliance on the potato also made Ireland vulnerable to crop failures and famine. In the mid-19th century, Ireland was a country defined by its agriculture. The potato had become the staple crop, providing sustenance for millions of people who relied on it for their daily bread. But in 1845, disaster struck. A fungus, known as Phytophthora infestans, began to spread throughout the country, devastating the potato crop and causing widespread famine.

For years, the people of Ireland struggled to survive. They watched as their beloved potato crops withered and died, leaving them with little to eat and no means of support. They turned to other crops, like turnips and cabbage, but these were often meager substitutes for the starchy, filling potato. Many families were forced to sell their belongings or borrow money just to buy food.

As the years went on, the situation grew more dire. The government of Ireland, controlled by the British, was slow to act and often unsympathetic to the plight of the Irish people. Many were forced to leave their homes and families behind in search of work or food, emigrating to America, Canada, and beyond in search of a better life.

But through it all, the Irish people showed remarkable resilience and determination. They banded together to support one another, sharing what little they had and offering comfort and solace to those in need. They fought to survive, to hold onto their culture and their identity, and to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Today, the memory of the potato famine lives on as a testament to the strength and endurance of the Irish people. It’s a reminder of the challenges they’ve faced, the sacrifices they’ve made, and the unbreakable spirit that has carried them through even the darkest of times.

Some of our favorite potato based dishes are as follows:

CHEESE POTATOES AND MUSHROOMS
BOXTY (Potato Cakes)
IRISH POTATO STUFFING
IRISH POTATO FARLS
COLCANNON
APPLE MASH