The Oarsman

This new award introduces a topic very close to the Guide’s heart - we have published a little guide to hospitality along Ireland’s inland waterways for almost a decade, and it has had the support of Waterways Ireland since 2004.

Although it is aimed mainly at people who are enjoying this fantastic amenity by boat, many of the recommended restaurants and hostelries are also included in our main Ireland guide, and this award should help to introduce a lot of new visitors to a side of Ireland that is still unknown to many – what a wonderful surprise they have in store.

And a real treat awaits those who visit our inaugural winner, The Oarsman in Carrick-on-Shannon. Chosen, of course, as a benchmark to flag the very best hospitality to be found along the waterways, this outstanding pub has all the old-fashioned virtues – an atmospheric bar with open fires, warm hospitality from caring hands-on owners, brothers Conor and Ronan Maher and their well trained staff – and seriously good modern food showcasing local produce.

Simply the best.