A Hasty, Tasty History of Scones

By Laura A. Edgerton We dream about the ultimate scone: still warm, lashed with golden butter, spoonfuls of cream and smeared with a juicy berry jam. You’ll find scones at almost every café, restaurant and petrol station in Ireland. And despite the fact that many people think scones are a definitively Irish food, they actually originated in Scotland in the 1500s as round griddle cakes. In the 1800s, baked scones, as we know them today, started making appearances at newly fashionable afternoon teas in England. Despite their UK origins, scones at their warm core, are considered uniquely Irish, with tourists seeking them out and locals fighting over where you can get the best one. A reason for their immense popularity, besides being delicious, is the speed in which they can be made; they are considered a quick bread and don’t need to rise. Scones can be made inexpensively and in less than a half hour, and are perfect accompaniment to your first, second or third cup of Barry’s. As for how scones got their name, there are two competing theories: 1 – the Scottish stone of destiny, where kings were crowded or 2 – the Dutch word ‘schoonbrot’ which means beautiful bread. Although we’ll likely never know the truth about the name origins both seem appropriate, exalting the humble scone to both beautiful and royal status. Get your scone fix in Cork, with these top picks: 

• Best Deal: Dwyer’s of Cork offers one of the best deals in the city. For €3.00 you can pick any coffee or tea and indulge in a freshly baked scone with butter and jam.
• Best Traditional Scone: Head to Tara’s Tea Room for the €2.50 perfectly baked, sky high scone that comes with cream, butter and jam. It is simple and perfect.
• Best Gourmet Scone: The Bookshelf serves up a €2.20 raspberry and white chocolate scone packed full of tart, ruby colored raspberries and balanced with creamy bursts of white chocolate.