Avoca Handweavers, Kilmacanogue

This large shop and restaurant, off the N11 south of Dublin, is the flagship premises of Ireland’s most famous group of craft shops and, they have become equally well known for the quality of their food - people come here from miles around to shop, and to tuck into wholesome home-cooked food, which is based as much as possible on local and artisan produce.

The style at Avoca is eclectic and, although they are especially well-known for great baking and traditional dishes like beef and Guinness casserole, their salads and vegetables are also legendary.

In addition to the large self-service area (recently renovated and now with covered verandah seating), there is also a wide range of excellent delicatessen fare for sale in the shop.

The Fernhouse Café:

This delightful table service café is located in a large and spacious orangerie-style conservatory with a terrace, and is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks; like the self service area it is very popular, but you can reserve a table and enjoy a rather more extensive menu than the café including specials of the day, such as osso bucco and couscous, cheese plates, imaginative salads and delicious desserts, making this an even more attractive destination.

*Also at: Avoca, Powerscourt; Mount Usher Gardens; Rathcoole; Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; Moll's Gap, Kerry; and Belfast. (see entries).