Mix together the flour, sugar, and bicarbonate soda or baking soda.

Add the softened and cubed butter, then sand the mixture, mixing with your hands.

Pour in the buttermilk and beaten egg. Then mix it with a wooden spatula to get a soft dough.

Add dry raisins to this Irish soda bread.

Shape the dough into a large circular loaf and score it with a large cross to allow the heat get into the center.

Place the dough in a skillet, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Leave the bread to rest. Once cooled, serve with a little bit of butter or jam.