In the Emerald Isle, the place to raise a pint or three, sing some sentimental lullabies, swap sporting news and local gossip, debate politics, and romance your fair colleen is the Irish pub, the hub of Irish life.

Short for “public house,” the pub is one of Ireland’s most beloved institutions. These licensed premises—part clubhouse, part town hall, part church—have served for years as venues for social events, music sessions, literary soirées, real estate deals, and “pub grub.” From Davy Byrnes in Dublin to Kehoe’s Pub and Parlour in Kilmore Quay, and from Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty to Grace Neill’s in Donaghadee, The Irish Pub Cookbook is a culinary celebration of “pub grub.”

In it, you’ll find stunning photos, interesting history, and delicious recipes from some of the best pubs around the country. Classics like Shepherd’s Pie, Bacon and Cabbage, and Seafood Chowder celebrate the days of auld, while contemporary dishes like Caramelized Duck Breast with Pineapple Chutney and Guinness-laced cheesecake prove Irish food has really come-of-age.