The reason for only four ingredients and typically no sugar , is that this bread was baked by the common people – Not a great kitchen filled with a pantry etc – but over a wood fire in a cast iron pot . If it was made with a bit of sugar or some currants , that was a special occasion like a wedding or something -Imagine a hut with a wood fire and your baking over that fire – A lot of times they would have the bread and cheese for a meal . The four ingredients are the real deal – It was only much later they started adding other ingredients …

This is authentic. This is how my mother and grandmother always made it. Both of these women were Irish born and raised,this is what they did at home.
Add ins are fine,but they are not authentic.
I was raised on this, it was always plain.
I think sometimes add ons were used on holidays,for a little something extra i.e. Raisins.
Never saw caraway seeds in an Irish version, that must be a “yank” addition!

Thanks for letting me know Jane! It sounds perfect with a beef stew!