A guide to the best British and Irish cheeses — from cheddar and Stilton to crumbly territorials and modern artisan cheeses worth seeking out.
Britain and Ireland have a rich and underrated cheese tradition, home not only to the world-conquering cheddar but to a host of distinctive regional and artisan cheeses. From crumbly territorials to powerful blues, here are the British and Irish cheeses worth knowing.
A Proud Cheese Tradition
The British Isles have made cheese for centuries, and after a decline in the 20th century, the region has seen a remarkable artisan revival. British and Irish cheeses range from the famous to the obscure, with many traditional "territorial" cheeses named after their regions. They're often best enjoyed simply, with chutney, fruit, and a good drink.
Cheddar and Its Cousins
Cheddar, from Somerset, is the most famous British cheese and one of the most copied in the world; traditional clothbound West Country farmhouse cheddar shows how complex it can be. Related firm, often orange-tinted cheeses include Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, and Cheshire — England's oldest named cheese — each with its own character.
The Crumbly Territorials
Britain is known for its crumbly, fresh-tasting regional cheeses. Wensleydale (Yorkshire) is mild, crumbly, and famously paired with fruit cake; Lancashire comes in creamy, tasty, and crumbly styles and is prized for melting; Caerphilly is a fresh, lemony Welsh cheese; and Cornish Yarg is wrapped in nettle leaves. These cheeses are gentle, refreshing, and very British.
Blue Cheeses
Stilton is the king of British blues — rich, mellow, and a Christmas classic with port. Its orange-hued cousin Shropshire Blue and the Scottish-born blues round out the category. Irish blues like Cashel Blue are also well worth seeking. British blues tend to be creamy and balanced rather than fierce.
Irish Cheeses
Ireland's lush pastures produce excellent cheese, from creamy cheddars to acclaimed artisan cheeses. Notable names include Cashel Blue (a creamy blue), Durrus and Gubbeen (washed-rind and semi-soft farmhouse cheeses), and Coolea (a Gouda-style cheese). Irish farmhouse cheeses have earned international recognition for their quality.
Pungent and Modern Cheeses
Britain also makes bold washed-rind cheeses like Stinking Bishop, with its perry-washed rind, and a growing range of modern artisan cheeses — soft-ripened, washed-rind, and blue — from a new generation of cheesemakers. The artisan scene has revived old recipes and created exciting new ones.
How to Enjoy Them
A British and Irish cheese board might include a clothbound cheddar, a crumbly Wensleydale or Lancashire, a wedge of Stilton, and an Irish farmhouse cheese, served with oatcakes, chutney, apples, celery, and fruit cake. Pair with ale, cider, or port — the classic British accompaniments.
Pairings
British and Irish cheeses pair with ale, cider, and port, as well as with chutney, pickles, apples, celery, oatcakes, and fruit cake. Stilton with port and Wensleydale with fruit cake are beloved classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous British cheese?
Cheddar, from Somerset, is the most famous and most widely copied British cheese in the world.
What are "territorial" cheeses?
Traditional British regional cheeses named after their areas, such as Wensleydale, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Double Gloucester.
Are Irish cheeses worth trying?
Yes. Ireland's farmhouse cheeses, like Cashel Blue, Durrus, and Gubbeen, have earned international acclaim.