Why is Irish soda bread called that?

It is leavened with baking soda, not yeast.

Yes, it is made with baking soda, hence the name. Oh man, reminds me of old Irish family friends we used to know before they died. The bloody mary breakfasts with soda bread and all sorts of great food were epic. haha
If you stayed over night and planned to leave the next day you had better up your departure another day , there was taking no for an answer. Good old Nan &Charlie. :-)

OIC. Thanks, jellies!