Potatoes came to Ireland as a cash crop in the 17th century. Irish folk have spent far more time slaving over potato fields owned by English nobles than they have eating potatoes.
Now, if you have a particular affinity for oatmeal and ham, we’ll talk.
I’ve been studying historical Irish food for a little over a year now, and most of it is bland, hearty fare made from grains and dairy products. Only the very wealthy could afford to eat beef except at festival days, poultry was rare. The most commonly eaten meat was pork.
And, So. Much. Butter.