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Fitzpatrick's Bar & Restaurant

Masses of well-maintained flowers and a neat frontage with fresh paintwork always draw attention to this attractive and well-run establishment.

It has plenty of parking and is well organised for the informal but comfortable consumption of food in a series of bar/dining rooms, all with character and much of local interest in pictures and artefacts.

Prompt reception, friendly service and traditional home-cooked food (sometimes with a modern twist) at reasonable prices, all add up to an appealing package - and its obvious popularity with locals and visitors alike is well deserved.

Well-balanced menus always include a good selection of fresh seafood – the evening à la carte might offer a tian of fresh crabmeat to start perhaps, with a chilled tomato & red pepper fondue and avocado & chilli brunoise, main courses like fillet of turbot with risotto milanaise, katalfui lamgoustine and parmesan wafer - and delicious informal meals from the Grill Menu including proper scampi, made with fresh Dublin Bay prawns (langoustine), coated in home-made breadcrumbs and served with a trio of dipping sauces, and a range of char-grilled steaks and organic burgers; a separate vegetarian menu is also offered.

This is not inexpensive food (some main courses may be over €30), but it is real food, and the quantities are generous. It’s also a pleasant place to drop into for a cup of tea or coffee.

Seats 90 (private room 40, outdoors 150); wheelchair friendly; children welcome before 9pm (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); air conditioning. Open daily in summer, otherwise Tue-Sun 12.30 -10pm (Tue-Wed to 9pm), Sun 12.30-3.30 & 5.30-9pm). D 6-10. A la carte menus, also vegetarian menu; house wine from €19.95. Closed Mon Oct-Apr (except bank hols), 24-27 Dec, Good Fri. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Just north of Dundalk town, take Carlingford road off main Dublin-Belfast road. About 8km (5 m) on left.