99 cones & penny wafers: Ireland's love affair with ice cream

You might have heard before that Ireland has a special relationship with ice cream and that we Irish can't seem to get enough of this frozen dessert.

Well, it's true. Turns out, our little country of just under 5 million people is the 8th highest consumer of ice cream in the world and the 5th highest in Europe. 

For a country that endures between 150-220 days of rain a year, it begs the question — why do we love this summery treat so much?

Irish people were first introduced to affordable ice cream when HB Ice Cream set up shop in 1926. It was founded by Hughes brothers James, George, and William at Hazelbrook Farm in Churchtown, Dublin. Looking for a way to repurpose all of the extra milk they were producing, they built a small ice cream factory on their land.

Prior to their factory, ice cream was an expensive treat that only wealthy city dwellers could find or afford. HB changed all of that, and our country seems to be smitten with the dessert ever since. 

Here's a gloriously awful 1980s ad for the iconic 'Feast' as a reminder of how carried away we got 😄

Our love of ice cream is deeply rooted in childhood nostalgia. Whether it was a slice of Raspberry Ripple between two wafers or a soft-serve complete with Flake, ice cream symbolised warm weather, summer holidays, family gatherings, and getting to spend your pocket money. 

Who doesn't remember the corner shop where they bought their first '99 cone?

Not to mention, Ireland has developed a tradition of home-grown ice cream, with more and more farmers and creatives taking to the craft. Our favourite dessert is more local than ever. 

Support local this week and sample some ice cream from your town!