The Northwest —
Great Food & Drink
Photos: (top row) Lemon Tree, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal; and Cox's Steak House, Dromod, Co. Leitrim; and (bottom row) Kealy's Seafood, Greencastle, Co. Donegal; and The Yellow Pepper, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Donegal mountain spring lamb, Glen Bay lobster and crab, Donegal Bay oysters and mussels, Lough Swilly wild salmon, freshly baked scones, crusty homemade brown bread, and Guinness cake are just some of the delicious local treats on menus in the Northwest of Ireland. Here is a sampling to whet your appetite:
Click here for your selection:
Coach Lane, 1-2 Lord Edward St., Sligo Town, tel. 071-917-1935. Nestled above Donaghy’s Bar, this restaurant blends a décor of soft colors, brick walls, vintage fireplace, and paintings with an open wine cellar. There is also a summer terrace with topiary, flowers, and lanterns. The modern Irish menu offers seafood, steaks, poultry, free range duck and lamb, and fillet of ostrich. Closed: 2nd week of Feb. Dinner only.
Cox’s Steak House, Main St., Dromod, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-963-8234). If you are looking for a moderately-priced restaurant in the vicinity of Lough Rynn Castle, head to this typical local Irish steakhouse, specializing in 100% Irish beef as well as popular poultry dishes (Chicken Maryland, Chicken Kiev, Chicken Curry) and salmon. It’s a great place to mingle with the locals.
Danny Minnies, Annagry, 5 miles west of Crolly, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-954-8201). Deep in the heart of the Gaeltacht "Rosses" area, this restaurant has a country inn atmosphere, with oak paneling, blazing turf fires, and antique furnishings. It has been run by the O’Donnell family since 1962. Local seafood is the specialty, including lobster, as well as vegetarian dishes and steaks. Open for dinner daily in summer and varying hours in off-season. Web site: www.dannyminnies.com
Grass Roof Café, R 281, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-985-4338) – a café within a trend-setting organic center. Using seasonal organic produce and herbs, the menu offers vegetarian meals, soups, salads and other dishes, as well as freshly baked breads and cakes. It is located NE of Sligo town near Glencar Lake. Web site: www.theorganiccentre.ie/grass_roof_cafe
Harry's, Bridgend, south of Fahan, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-936-8544). At the start or finish of an Inishowen Peninsula tour, this relaxing restaurant-pub is an ideal choice. It is laid out in a bi-level brasserie style with a décor of polished woods and brass. House specialties are steaks and fresh seafood. Open daily all year. Web site: www.harrys.ie
Kealy's Seafood Bar, The Harbour, Greencastle, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-938-1010). Perched on the Lough Foyle harborfront, this informal restaurant is known for fresh seafood, particularly Greencastle seafood chowder, local oysters and lobsters, and smoked salmon, as well as southern fried chicken, sandwiches, and burgers. Open for lunch and dinner (with varying days depending on the season) except closed Monday and part of Nov.
La Bella Donna, 2 Bridge St., Donegal Town, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-972-5790), brings the authentic tastes of Italy to the center of Donegal. The décor is bright and modern, with seating on two levels (upstairs tables provide a view of the lake behind the building). The menu includes pastas, pizzas, salads, and Italian classics. Open daily from June to September, and from Tuesday through Sunday at other times.
The Lemon Tree, 39 Lr. Main St., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, tel. 074-912-5788. With its lemon-colored canopy and façade, this restaurant is equally bright and cheery on the inside with a high beam ceiling, peach-toned walls, and terra cotta tiles. But, most of all, the top class food is the attraction, all produced in an open kitchen before your eyes. Fresh local seafood and steaks are specialties, but the menu also offers poultry, pizzas and pastas. The early bird menu offers great deals from 5 – 7 p.m. Reservations are a must. Open for dinner daily.
Lobster Pot, Burtonport, 5 miles west of Dungloe, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-954-2012). In this fishing port known for its big catches, this restaurant wisely specializes in lobster and other local seafood platters, as well as hearty soups and steaks. The atmosphere is cozy, with dark woods, open fireplaces, and lots of memorabilia. Open all day, year-round.
Osta Café, Garavogue Weir View, near Hyde Bridge, Stephen St., Sligo Town (tel. 071-014-4639). Overlooking the Garavogue River, this trendy café has a name that means inn in Irish, conveying hospitality. And the name fits, at any time of day. Award-winning owner Brid Torrades has devised a light-item menu, featuring charcuterie, patés, Irish farmhouse cheeses, fresh salads and local produce, as well as pastries and cakes, or perhaps just a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Web site: www.osta.ie
Riverbank, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-916-4934) – as its name implies, this restaurant is set on the banks of the River Bonet. The interior features country-style furnishings with a huge central fireplace and lots of wide windows for water views. The menu blends international recipes with locally sourced Irish ingredients such as King Prawns wrapped in Kataiffi pastry, Cajun chicken, Thornhill duckling, pan-flashed filet of hake, surf and turf, potato and herb blini, and crispy Rosti potatoes. Web site: www.riverbank-restaurant.com
Tobergal Lane Café, Tobergal Lane, off O’Connell St., Sligo Town (tel. 071-914-6599). Tucked away in an old building on a little lane, this bistro-style café is owned by Brid Torrades of Osta (above). This café does not have a river view like Osta, but it does offer a larger menu. It specializes in serving locally produced foods such as cockles, oysters and mussels from Lissadell; lamb, beef, venison and duck from Thornhill, Co. Cavan; freshly delivered fish from nearby ports, and local organic and free-range eggs and dairy products. Breads, pastries and desserts are freshly made on the premises. Brid aptly calls it “real Irish food.” Web site: www.osta.ie
Victoria Hall, (Quay Rd., Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-962-0320) – a contemporary restaurant housed in a parochial hall, dating back to 1884 and a one-block walk from the River Shannon. The menu blends Irish ingredients with Thai influences, with choices such as pan-fried teriyaki salmon, chicken sate with peanut sauce, honey-roasted pork boxty wrap, Thai beef salad, minced lamb curry, vegetable spring roll, tofu-stuffed vegetables, and vegetable tempura. Web site: www.victoriahall.ie
Yellow Pepper, 36 Lr. Main St., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, tel. 074-912-4133. Housed in a restored three-story shirt factory dating back to 1896, this restaurant retains its old floors, stone walls, and cast iron pillars. The family-friendly menu offers a wide variety of modern Irish cuisine, and the emphasis is on fresh Irish ingredients including home grown veggies. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Note: On June 6, 2009, fire damaged the Yellow Pepper and caused it to close temporarily. Check in advance of your visit if it is reopened. Web site: www.yellowpepperrestaurant.com
Many of the museums and heritage centers described in the "The Northwest's A-1
Attractions" sections have excellent coffee shops and self-service restaurants, so
you can enjoy good refreshment without interrupting your sightseeing. Here is a run-down of some of the best places for a snack or light meal:
Glenveagh National Park, Churchill, Letterkenny, (tel. 074-913-7090)
Ionad Cois Locha — The Lakeside Centre, Dunlewy (tel. 074-953-1699)
Magee of Donegal, The Diamond, Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-2660)
The Tea House at Fr. McDyer's Folk Village Museum, Glencolumbkille (tel. 074-973-0017)
Parke's Castle, Fivemile Bourne, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-916-4149)
Other good stops for a light snack or refreshment are:
The Atrium, Model Arts & Niland Gallery, The Mall, Sligo Town, tel. 071-914-1418. Surrounded by an art gallery, this modern café serves gourmet food all day - open sandwiches, soups, salads, freshly baked breads, croissants, cakes and more, as well as coffee, tea and cappuccino. Sunday brunch is a local favorite. Closed: Monday and 23 Dec. – 4 Jan. (Currently closed for redevelopment)
Blueberry Tearooms, Castle St., Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-2933), a charming little spot not only for all types of teas, but also for cappuccino, espresso, wines & light meals. It has an internet café upstairs.
Donegal’s Famous Chipper, Main St., Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-1428), for deep fried fish & chips.
Kate's Kitchen, 24 Market St., Sligo Town (tel. 071-914-3022) is a gourmet food shop that is a great source for picnic treats — from homemade pates to handmade Irish chocolates, Irish smoked salmon, and freshly made sandwiches, salads, quiches, and cakes.
Lyons Café, Wine & Quay Sts., Sligo Town, tel. 071-914-2616. A popular local rendezvous since 1923, this old world café offers soups, sandwiches, and special hot dishes such as lamb and pine nut burgers with feta cheese, plus quiches, tarts, scones, cakes, pastries, and brownies. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Closed Sunday.
The Oarsman, Bridge St., Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-962-1733). Located in the heart of town, this traditional bar has open fireplaces, stone walls and lots of energy. The pub gets its good vibes from two enthusiastic owners, brothers Conor and Ronan Maher, who have devised a menu of innovative and tasty bar food. Web site: www.theoarsman.com
Oven Door, The Diamond, Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-1511), for home-baked breads, scones and pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, shepherd's pie. Open daytime only.
The Quiet Moment Tea Rooms, Upr. Main St., at Speers Lane, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, tel. 074-912-8382. A favorite with the locals, in the center of town, this two-level café serves breakfast and lunch, with choices such as quiche, sandwiches, soups, pastas, wraps, baked potatoes, or indeed just a cup of coffee or tea.
The Weaver’s Loft, The Diamond, Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-2660) is a handy restaurant on the upper floor of the Magee Tweed Shop. With lovely paintings of Donegal on the walls and windows that overlook The Diamond, it features home-style food at reasonable prices. Open for lunch and snacks throughout the day. Closed: Sunday
Beach Bar, Aughris, Templeboy, Co Sligo, (tel. 071-917-6465). Situated off the N59 Ballina/Sligo road, this is a 17th century thatched-roof pub with lots of memorabilia and atmosphere. On summer days, there is seating outside with views of Aughris Head and the sea. Irish music sessions are held on summer weekends. Web site: www.thebeachbarsligo.com
Blue Stack Bar, Bridge St., Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-1028), local favorite with pool table and darts.
Dom Breslin’s Public Bar, Quay St., Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-2719). Located overlooking the water, this new “super pub” offers six different nautically-themed bars on three levels.
McGarrigles, O’Connell St., Sligo Town (tel. 071-917-1193), is an old-fashioned bar in the heart of town which conveys the atmosphere of pubs of yesteryear – a wood-burning stove, snugs, and a vintage collection of enamelware trays and beverage ads. Traditional music on Wed.-Thurs.
Nancy's, Main St. Ardara (tel. 074-954-1187). This cottage style inn, which has been in the same family for seven generations, is named after the great-grandmother of the current owner. The décor has open fireplaces, antiques, and memorabilia, while the menu offers homemade soups and chowders, plus oysters, smoked salmon platters, and a range of salads.
O’Donnell’s Bar, The Diamond, Donegal Town (tel. 074-972-2519), a favorite gathering spot for sports fans after local games or for watching national matches on big screen TV. Music sessions, sing-songs and pub quizzes are often on the agenda.
Strand Bar, Strandhill, Co. Sligo (tel. 071-916-8140), is an old-world pub beside the sea, with inviting alcoves and snugs, brick walls, vintage pictures, prints and knick-knacks, and an open fireplace. It is also a favorite with surfers, and there is live traditional music is on tap most nights. Web site: www.thestrandbar.com
Tábhairne Leo — Leo's Tavern, Meenaleck, Crolly, Co. Donegal (tel. 074-954-8143). Locals and visitors alike flock to this little pub for the music and the Gaelic hinterland atmosphere. The owners, Leo and Baba Brennan, are the parents of the members of the well-known Irish traditional music group Clannad and the singer Enya. Stop in for some music, a drink, a snack, or just for a good conversation.
Yeats Tavern, Drumcliffe Bridge (tel. 071-916-3117), 4 miles north of Sligo. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning poet and located across the street from his grave, this pub-restaurant is a popular stop on the "Yeats Country" circuit. The decor features Yeats memorabilia, while the menu offers snacks, sandwiches, soups, steaks, and more. Web site: www.yeatstavernrestaurant.com
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