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The Glencairn Inn & Pastis Bistro

Husband-and-wife team Stéphane and Fiona Tricot pretty pub just outside Lismore has earned a well-deserved following for the restaurant - which they named Pastis French Bistro.

Three delightful old-world dining rooms ooze charm and cosiness and, just off the small bar, there is an alcove for intimate dining for four.

Fiona manages front-of-house while Stéphane produces wonderful food using plenty of local produce, and offering menus with about five choices on each course, plus a weekly special on the board.

Well-chosen starters may include a flavoursome salad like pear & roquefort cheese salad with roasted walnuts and balsamic & honey vinaigrette or a crispy confit of duck spring roll with a mint orange dip, while delicious speciality main courses include pan seared seabass provençale and ever popular slow roasted lamb shank.

A very nice dessert menu includes classics like tarte tatin and crêpes suzettes, offered with liqueur coffees, dessert wine or a digestif. A compact, carefully chosen wine list, offers a surprisingly wide range and includes some real treats, also half a dozen wines by the glass.

Service is excellent, with friendly and knowledgeable staff - a rare treat.

* A sun room dining area has recently been added and can accommodate small private parties; weddings and larger private parties can now be catered for in a marquee.

Seats 45 (private room, 30/15, outdoors, 24); not suitable for children under 5 after 8pm. L Sun only, 1-3pm, set Sun L €30 & D Wed-Sun high season 7-9pm (6.30-8.30 Sun), á la carte; house wine from €21; SC disc.

Accommodation:

Upstairs there are four delightful en-suite rooms, all no smoking (€60 pps, ss €20).

Rooms 4 (all en-suite, 1 shower only, all no smoking). Dogs may be permitted to stay in bedrooms by prior arrangement (free). Free broadband wi/fi; lawn bowls, walking; equestrian, fishing (fly & coarse), golf and garden visits all nearby. * weddings catered for in marquee (150). Closed Mon & Tues (& Wed Oct-Apr), Christmas period & 2 weeks Nov, 2 weeks Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

3.5km (2 m) from Lismore off N72 Lismore/Tallow Road