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The Full Irish: Where Heritage and Hearty Food Combine

History and Heritage:

The history of the full Irish breakfast is one where culture and heritage combine in a delicious way. This hearty and traditional morning meal can be traced back to a time when farming was the primary way of life.

As an agrarian society during the 18th and 19th centuries, the full Irish fuelled labour-intensive days of farm work. Consisting of locally sourced ingredients, it was a true reflection of Ireland’s agricultural abundance

With bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, and fried soda bread or brown bread, this morning meal follows the mantra ‘eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’.

The Great Debate:

Nowadays, the popularity of the full Irish can be enjoyed throughout the day, and is considered a key component of the richness of Irish cuisine for locals and visitors alike.

Meanwhile, the great debate rumbles on as to the key differences between the full Irish, full English and full Scottish breakfasts.

For many, the inclusion of black and white pudding demarcates the full Irish from its counterparts. In addition, delectable Irish soda bread, potato farls or boxty can also be included in the full Irish.

The concept of the full English dates back to the 13th century and the country houses of the gentry. Here, the tradition of hospitality included hearty breakfasts for visiting friends, relatives and neighbours.

The popularity of a fried breakfast soared during the Victorian era for all, and modern variations of the full English can include oatcakes, and bubble and squeak.  While in Scotland, you may find the addition of haggis.     

The Big Breakfast at Galway’s Shake Dog: 

Here in Galway, Shake Dog on Eyre Square, located opposite TK Maxx, has the best value full Irish breakfast in town. 

Not only that, but they are home to Ireland’s largest breakfast roll on a full size 12-inch baguette loaded with toppings.

They also have a host of options to choose from, including a kids’ breakfast and delicious Belgian breakfast waffles. 

Shake Dog Eyre Square have partnered with your locally owned whatsfordinner.ie to bring you the best of casual American cuisine. For the full menu log on to Shake Dog Eyre Square | whatsfordinner.ie.

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