Is shepherds pie an Irish dish?

While Shepherd's Pie is often associated with Ireland, it's actually not a traditional Irish dish.

Here's why:

* Origins in England: Shepherd's Pie has its roots in England, dating back to the 18th century. The original recipe featured a base of ground mutton, a common food source for shepherds.

* Irish Influence: The dish likely became popular in Ireland due to the close cultural ties between the two countries, but there's no evidence of it being a traditional Irish dish.

* Similar Dishes: Ireland does have its own traditional dishes with similar ingredients, like "Cottage Pie" (using ground beef instead of mutton) and "Bubble and Squeak" (leftover vegetables and potatoes fried together).

So, while Shepherd's Pie is enjoyed in Ireland and can be considered an Irish comfort food, it's not an original Irish creation.