On the Carlow side of the beautiful stone bridge linking counties Kilkenny and Carlow, Arnie and Georgina Poole’s smartly informal two-storey restaurant enjoys fine views of the River Barrow, Duiske Abbey and Graignuenamanagh village.
On both floors the decor is simple – painted in pale neutrals with nautical pictures and, upstairs, a mural of a ship’s bow on one wall – allowing the views from large windows overlooking the river to be the dominating feature.
Friendly, smartly dressed local waitresses wearing black monogrammed aprons promptly offer bread and iced water, and there’s dish of good olive oil on the table for dipping while you choose from Georgina’s tasty, reasonably priced, modern bistro menu - which will probably be a sensibly short à la carte, allowing absolute freshness, and may be themed.
On an Italian evening, for example, the menu might include starters like calamari with lemon and a tartlet of mozzarella with house salad, while main courses will work in popular ingredients (eg chicken saltimbocca and pistachio herb crusted salmon,) with a good Aberdeen Angus steak offered for traditionalists.
A concise, fairly priced wine list is offered (no half bottles but eight wines by the glass), and excellent Illy coffees.
This friendly and relaxed restaurant is ideal for casual dining when exploring the lovely river walk along the Barrow or Mount Brandon, or just relaxing after coming off the river – but it’s a stunningly beautiful place on a fine bright evening, and it would be worth the trip for the views from the upstairs bistro of the weir, bridge and village alone.
Seats 50 (outdoors, 10); Summer open Tue-Sun, L 12-4pm, D from 6pm. Sun 12-7pm; low season weekend opening only. Call to check opening times recommended all year. A la carte; house wine from €17.50; SC discretionary. Children welcome; wheelchair accessible (toilets & public areas). MasterCard, Visa, Laser. Closed Mon except summer bank hols (& midweek during winter), Good Fri, 24-25 Dec.
