Shannon Region —
Great Food & Drink
Photos: (clockwise, from left) Gallagher's Restaurant, Bunratty; the view of Galway Bay from Burren House at Whitethorn, Ballyvaughan; Ciaran's Bar, Ennis; and Gus O'Connor's Pub, Doolin.
The Shannon Region is the home of the "medieval banquet" — a use-your-hands feast of regal proportions, accompanied by pitchers of mead and wine, and continuous entertainment in the 15th century style. Banquets are held nightly, year-round at Bunratty, Castle, and from May-September at nearby Knappogue and Dun Guaire Castles.
For a change of pace, the Shannon Region also offers many 21st century food and drink options.
Restaurants
Brocka-on-the-Water, Kilgarvan Quay, Ballinderry, Co. Tipperary (tel. 067-22038) is a small country house with a huge reputation for great food, prepared and presented with enthusiasm by the Byrne-Gernon family. Ingredients include local seafoods, cheeses, meats, and produce including edible flowers from the garden. It is on the Lough Derg Drive, although it doesn't directly overlook the water. Dinner only.
Burren House at Whitethorn, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare (tel. 065-707-7044) is a stunning restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Galway Bay. Whether you come for tea and fresh-baked scones, or a snack lunch, or full-service dinner, everything tastes extra good with such glorious views. It's worth a trip to The Burren just to enjoy a meal here. And bring lots of film for your camera, too.
Cruises, Abbey St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-8963), is a homey pub-restaurant, housed in a restored 1658 building -- with an "old world" atmosphere of beamed ceilings, lantern lights, flagstone floors, open fireplaces, and local memorabilia. The menu offers steaks, sandwiches, stews, and more. Web site: www.queenshotelennis.com/cruise
Flanagan’s Prime Steak House, Ballina, Co. Tipperary (tel. 061-622790). Opened in 2007, this spacious restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Lough Derg and Killaloe harbor. As its name implies, it is a mecca for steaks of all sizes and cuts – Delmonico, sirloin strip, filet mignon, T-bones and more, plus gourmet burgers, stone baked pizzas, and seafood or shrimp platters for two. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Web site: www.flanagansprimesteakhouse.com
Gallagher's, Main Street, Bunratty, Co. Clare (tel. 061-363363). Step inside the cheery red half-door entrance of this restaurant and enjoy dining in a thatched-roof cottage atmosphere — with open fireplaces, white-washed walls, lanterns, nautical trappings, and local memorabilia. Although the setting is traditional, the menu is very up-to-date and delicious — sundried tomato bread, farm-raised chicken, char-grilled meats; and an array of fresh seafood from lobsters, oysters, and prawns to seared salmon and baked sole on the bone. Very popular with the locals; reservations are "a must." Open for dinner only nightly except Sunday. Web site: www.gallaghersofbunratty.com
Hamptons, Henry St., Limerick City (tel. 061-609325), is a trendy mid-city restaurant (next to the Marriott Hotel), set in a basement but accessible by stairs or elevator. It has a lively buzz amid a wine cellar atmosphere with classy leather furnishings and modern art. Best of all, it serves excellent food at moderate prices including rotisserie roasted chicken and char-grilled beef, lamb and pork, as well as fresh seafood, traditional Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and fisherman’s pie, not to mention wok-tossed dishes, barbecued ribs, pastas, curries, and veggie burgers. All meals include complimentary bottles of sparkling or still water, but side vegetables, extra sauces, and salads are extra. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations usually needed. Web site: www.hamptonsgrill.ie
Lantern House, Ogonnelloe, Co. Clare (tel. 061-923034) is our favorite restaurant on the River Shannon. Perched on a hillside at the bend of a road six miles north of Killaloe, it offers stunning wide-window views of Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside. To top it off, the excellent cooked-to-order cuisine is moderately priced, the lantern-lit atmosphere is romantic, and Phil & Liz — the hospitable host and chef — make you want to stay forever. Dinner only. Web site: www.lanternhouse.com
Milano, Harvey’s Quay, Limerick City (tel. 061-462030). If you crave a pizza while in this corner of Ireland, it is hard to top this chain restaurant, very popular with the locals (also in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Killarney, and Belfast). Choose from over 20 pizza toppings, topped with authentic Italian cheeses, herbs, seasonings, virgin oils, and meats, as well as pastas and wonderful fresh salads. Moderate prices. No reservations accepted. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Web site: www.milano.ie
Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick (tel. 069-68508), about 12 miles southeast of Adare, is ideal for a gourmet splurge. Housed in a Georgian country house, it offers two dining rooms furnished in bold blue and yellow colors, with modern art, antiques and fresh flowers. The creative menu blends exotic foods and flavors such as wood pigeon on braised lentils or spring lamb on curried pasta. Dinner only. Web site: www.mustardseed.ie/Dining.aspx
The Thatch, Crinkill, Birr, Co. Offaly (tel. 0509-20682), is a gourmet surprise situated on a country road about one mile south of Birr. Having started as a thatched pub known as "Mother Walsh's", this award-winning restaurant has been in the same family for over 200 years. But the menu is strictly up-to-date with choices such as monkfish picatta, filet of ostrich, veal with smoked chicken, lemon-and-honey roast duck, or rack of lamb. Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday (May-Sept.) and Wednesday-Saturday (Oct.-April) and for lunch on Sunday (year-round). It's very popular with the locals, so reservations are essential. Web site: www.thethatchcrinkill.com
Village Bistro, Main St., O'Brien's Bridge, near Killaloe, Co. Clare (tel. 061-377211). For traditional Irish cuisine, it's hard to beat this little restaurant set beside the Shannon. With a butcher shop adjacent, the Conlon family serves hearty meals using the best cuts of aged meats (including a “roast of the day”) and local vegetables. Food is served outside overlooking the river on warm summer days.
Zucchini Restaurant, 7 High St., Ennis, Co. Clare (tel. 065-686-6566), is a first-floor restaurant with a relaxing informal ambience in the heart of town. Chef/proprietor Colm Chawke, formerly of Dromoland Castle, specializes in steaks and seafood, using the freshest local ingredients. Open for dinner only, Monday – Saturday. Web site: www.zucchini.ie
Cafés
Dovecot, Main St., Adare, Co. Limerick (tel. 061-396449), is the hub of the Adare Heritage Centre. It offers snacks and full meals in a skylit setting indoors or outside under colorful umbrellas. The choice is international — from stuffed potato skins or Buffalo wings, to pizzas, burgers, and vegetarian dishes such as carrot and almond bake. Web site: www.adareheritagecentre.ie
Doolin Crafts Gallery Cafe, Church Rd., Doolin, Co. Clare (tel. 065-707-4309), a café at an off-the-beaten track craft shop, is an attraction in itself, with lovely gardens and indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features homemade soups, salads, and creative light dishes enhanced by herbs from the garden. Open daily, March – September, and Tuesday – Saturday during October – December.
River House, 1 Castle St., Cahir, Co. Tipperary (tel. 052-744-1951). Situated opposite Cahir Castle and adjacent to the River Suir, this townhouse restaurant/café offers seating downstairs, upstairs overlooking the castle, or outdoors beside the river. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, and dinner on Thursday-Sunday. The menu presents homemade soups, salads and baked goods, as well as fresh salmon, steaks and vegetarian dishes, and tempting desserts including apple puffs made with local apples. Web site: www.riverhouse.ie
Town Hall Café, O’Connell St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-8127). As its name implies, this eatery was once the town hall of Ennis, and imparts a bit of history to a snack, drink, or a meal.
Pubs
Biddy Early Brewery, Inagh, Ennis, Co. Clare (tel. 065-683-6742), claims to be Ireland’s first pub-brewery, and is known for its local brews -- Black Biddy, a Fruity Irish stout; Blonde Biddy, a European pilsner-style lager; Red Biddy, a sweet Irish ale; and Real Biddy, a cask-conditioned ale. Visitors can learn more about the beers by a tour/tasting or watching an A/V. Web site: www.beb.ie
Brogan's Bar, 24 O'Connell St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-9480), dating back to 1881, this family-run pub has lots of old world atmosphere and traditional music on most nights.
Castle Lane Tavern, Castle Lane, King's Island, Limerick City (tel. 061-360788), a traditional pub evocative of the 18th century. It sits overlooking the River Shannon beside King John's Castle.
Ciaran's Bar, 1 Francis St., Ennis (tel. 065-684-0180), is tucked away on a side street near the Friary, but known far and wide for the sounds of traditional Irish music.
Derg Inn, Main St., Terryglass, Co. Tipperary (tel. 067-22037) is an historic pub in a charming little riverside village. The décor is filled with local memorabilia, and the menu offers a creative selection of snacks and full meals. Web site: www.derginn.ie
Durty Nellys, Main St., Bunratty (tel. 061-364861) is the 400-year-old pub everyone talks about, nestled right next to Bunratty Castle. Originally a watering hole for the castle guards, now it is a favorite pub for the locals and also travelers from all over the world. Web site: www.durtynellys.ie
Fawl’s Bar, 69 O’Connell St., Ennis, Co. Clare (tel. 065-682-4463) is an award-winning traditional pub with music on many nights. It has a snug, beer garden, and off-license liquor store.
Goosers Bar & Eating House, Main St., Ballina, Co. Tipperary (tel. 061-376792). Although this eye-catching mustard-colored pub is technically in Tipperary, it sits on the other side of the river from Killaloe and offers the best views of Killaloe. It has an Old World setting and a great pub menu, from seafood chowders and a "house special" of thick beef soup, to Irish stew, burgers, and steaks. Seating indoors and outside under umbrellas. Web site: www.discoverkillaloe.com/goosers.htm
Gus O'Connor's, Pier Rd., Doolin, Co. Clare (tel. 061-74168), dating back to c. 1832, is the quintessential Irish traditional music pub in the old West Clare-style. It sits within a mile of the Atlantic and close to the Cliffs of Moher, so it's very popular, especially in the summer. Web site: www.gusoconnorsdoolin.com
Liam O'Riain, Main St., Ballina, Co. Tipperary (tel. 061-376456), is an old-fashioned pub-cum-grocery store. Locals gather here for spontaneous sessions of traditional music, song, or poetry readings. The piano in the corner also encourages guest participation.
P. McNamara & Son (Mac's), Main St., Bunratty (tel. 061-360788). This 19th century pub is right in the heart of Bunratty Folk Park, making it ideal if you are touring the castle or grounds. Visitors flock here for scrumptious pub grub and impromptu music sessions throughout the day.
Nancy Blake's, 19 Denmark St., Limerick City (tel. 061-416443), is a well established pub in the heart of the city. The locals gather for traditional music sessions in the evening.
Preacher’s, The Square, Ennis, Co. Clare (tel. 065-682-3300) is a fun pub within the Temple Gate Hotel. It is furnished with many items from former churches including benches and pews, stained glass windows, and “Old Ennis” memorabilia. Traditional music is usually on tap at weekends. Web site: www.templegatehotel.com/preachers-pub.html
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