Exploring the significance of polish shops within the irish foodscape

Since 2004, Polish food has become firmly embedded in the Irish foodscape as Polish shops opened up in cities and towns across Ireland. The aim of this article is to develop an understanding of the significance and meaning of these Polish shops within the Irish foodscape. In order to achieve this I will take a more-than- representational approach focusing on the practices, sensory reactions and material interactions Poles have within these stores and with their food products. The article will draw on ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with Polish migrants to explore their experiences. Attention to these details reveals how Polish shops become meaningful within the Irish foodscape for providing a sense of home to Polish migrants living in Ireland.