West of the river, in the interesting old part of Athlone town near the Norman castle (which has a particularly good visitors’ centre for history and information on the area, including flora and fauna of the Shannon), this seriously historic bar ... more...
Just off Grafton Street, Davy Byrnes opened its doors in 1889 and is one of Dublin's most famous pubs - references in Joyce's Ulysses mean it is very much on the tourist circuit.
Despite all this fame it remains a genuine, well-run place and is ... more...
The Palace has had strong connections with writers and journalists for many a decade. Its unspoilt frosted glass and mahogany are impressive enough but the special feature is the famous sky-lighted snug, which is really more of a back room.
Many would ... more...
With its lush parklands, mature woodlands and a proper little narrow gauge steam railway winding through the grounds, Oakfield Park is a wonderful place to visit - and it's just a 15 minute drive from Letterkenny.
The 100-acre demesne is a beautiful s ... more...
Discerning visitors to this attractive seaside town have been making a beeline to the Waterworth family's great quayside pub for years - Denis and Margaret Waterworth opened their Donaghadee stalwart in 1999, and it seems to have been there for ever, e ... more...
Baking/Bakery / Café / Deli / Speciality Store / Wine Bar
Previously a butchers shop, with its original 1930s' tiled floor, high ceiling and facade, Noel Delaney and Patricia van der Velde's wonderful delicatessen, wine shop and continental style café is quietly situated on a side road, so the unexpect ... more...
In a prime location overlooking Dungarvan harbour, The Old Bank is an impressive 19th century building that has been restored by the current owners and smartly re-invented as a restaurant and cocktail bar.
It's now a multi-purpose venue for all-year s ... more...
The beautifully restored MV Cill Airne provides a uniquely atmospheric setting for this bar/bistro and restaurant on the fast developing north quays.
A 1960s liner tender which once carried trans-Atlantic passengers, including Laurel and Hardy and Pre ... more...
Established in 1758, this former coaching inn was owned by the Patterson family for several decades, until late 2023 when it was acquired by another of the sector's best-known families, the McGlones of Magherafelt.
Most of the pub is now quite co ... more...
Atmospheric is one of the things they do best in the Foley family and this younger sister restaurant to Nick’s (see entry), run by Clíodhna Foley, proves the point.
Located in a former Church of Ireland premises just up the hill a little ... more...