What are some Irish cheeses?

Ireland has a wonderful array of cheeses, both traditional and modern. Here are some of the most popular and renowned:

Traditional Irish Cheeses:

* Caerphilly: A mild, creamy cheese with a slightly crumbly texture. It's often enjoyed with crackers or bread.

* Cheddar: While not uniquely Irish, Irish cheddar is known for its mild, buttery flavor and smooth texture.

* Dubliner: A semi-hard cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It's often used in sandwiches and salads.

* Coolea: A traditional, unpasteurized cheese made in County Cork. It has a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor and a firm texture.

* Knockalara: A creamy, soft-ripened cheese made in County Tipperary. It has a delicate flavor and a buttery texture.

* Croghan: A hard, salty cheese made in County Roscommon. It has a strong flavor and a crumbly texture.

* Cashel Blue: A blue cheese made in County Tipperary. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, pungent flavor.

Modern Irish Cheeses:

* Ardrahan: A soft, creamy cheese made in County Galway. It has a mild, buttery flavor and a slightly tangy finish.

* St. Tola: A creamy, soft-ripened cheese made in County Clare. It has a delicate flavor and a buttery texture.

* Durrus: A sheep's milk cheese made in County Cork. It has a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor and a firm texture.

* Gougane Barra: A soft, creamy cheese made in County Cork. It has a mild, buttery flavor and a slightly tangy finish.

* Gubbeen: A creamy, soft-ripened cheese made in County Cork. It has a delicate flavor and a buttery texture.

* Ballyhoura: A semi-hard cheese made in County Limerick. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

Other Notable Cheeses:

* Irish Farmhouse Cheddar: A category of cheese made by small, independent producers who follow traditional methods.

* Goat Cheese: Irish goat cheese is gaining popularity, with several producers offering a variety of styles.

Where to find Irish cheese:

* Local farmers' markets: A great place to find a variety of artisanal cheeses.

* Specialty cheese shops: These shops often carry a wide selection of Irish and imported cheeses.

* Grocery stores: Many grocery stores carry a selection of Irish cheeses, especially in the deli section.

No matter your taste preference, there's an Irish cheese out there for you!