In Conversation: Ella Ryan on Ireland’s Food Culture and the Power of Connection
March - 27 - 2025
2 min to Read
At The Centre of Food Culture, we believe our food story is written by the people who grow, cook, share, and celebrate it every day. In this new series, we’re sitting down with voices from across the food world to hear what food culture means to them, what makes Ireland’s food identity unique, and how we can protect and grow it together.
First up is our very own Ella Ryan, Development Manager at The Centre of Food Culture. Ella has worked both in Ireland and abroad, and her perspective on food is all about connection — to place, to people, and to tradition.
So Ella — what does “food culture” mean to you?
“Food Culture to me means how we interact with food, our practices and traditions associated with food which reflect our heritage, and I believe it impacts our wider culture as a society at many touch points and helps tell our story.”
“Food Culture to me means how we interact with food, our practices and traditions associated with food which reflect our heritage, and I believe it impacts our wider culture as a society at many touch points and helps tell our story.”
How has your professional journey influenced your perspective on food culture?
“I have worked with different cultures at various stages throughout my career to date as well as working for a period of two years abroad. I think this has made me realise how food can connect people and helped me appreciate our own food culture here in Ireland through learning about other practices and traditions.”
“I have worked with different cultures at various stages throughout my career to date as well as working for a period of two years abroad. I think this has made me realise how food can connect people and helped me appreciate our own food culture here in Ireland through learning about other practices and traditions.”
How would you describe Irish food culture to someone unfamiliar with it?
“Irish food culture tells our nation’s food story.”
“Irish food culture tells our nation’s food story.”
What sets Irish food culture apart from other countries?
“Irish food culture celebrates our produce and landscape.”
“Irish food culture celebrates our produce and landscape.”
Is there a particular food, ingredient or tradition that feels iconic to Ireland’s culinary identity?
“Our produce that reminds us of our unique landscape – representing our coastal and agricultural environment.”
“Our produce that reminds us of our unique landscape – representing our coastal and agricultural environment.”
Can you share a memory or experience that captures the essence of Irish food culture?
“The resourcefulness and generosity surrounding food both day to day and at bigger occasions – there never being an issue if somebody unexpected turned up, as long as we could find a seat to sit them on!”
“The resourcefulness and generosity surrounding food both day to day and at bigger occasions – there never being an issue if somebody unexpected turned up, as long as we could find a seat to sit them on!”
How can the Centre of Food Culture support the growth and preservation of Irish food culture?
“By connecting the dots between stakeholders across the Irish food ecosystem and by preserving and celebrating our food heritage.”Ella’s reflections highlight how food culture isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about connection, memory, place, and identity.
Thank you to Ella for sharing her thoughts and stay tuned for more voices from across the Irish food landscape!
“By connecting the dots between stakeholders across the Irish food ecosystem and by preserving and celebrating our food heritage.”Ella’s reflections highlight how food culture isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about connection, memory, place, and identity.
Thank you to Ella for sharing her thoughts and stay tuned for more voices from across the Irish food landscape!