Ireland is a land of contrasts, striving for economic and industrial growth, yet still a profoundly traditional rural and agricultural country.

The interplay between these two forces gives Ireland much of its charm, and in this book Darina Allen draws on the many different aspects of Irish life in which food plays an important part.

The book presents more than 300 traditional recipes from all over Ireland, both country and town, served at all kinds of occasions, including country fairs, markets and dances, Hallowe’en, Easter and Christmas celebrations, and religious ceremonies, weddings, christenings and wakes.