Dating back to 1611, Grace Neill’s lays a fair claim to be one of the oldest inns in all Ireland; Grace Neill herself was born when the pub was more than two hundred years old and died in 1916 at the age of 98.
Extensions and improvements in recent ownership have been completed with due sensitivity to the age and character of the original front bar, which has been left simple and unspoilt; this is one of Ireland’s best-loved pubs and, even without serving as much as soup and sandwiches, it would be on the must-visit list for visitors to Donaghadee.
However, there is also a stylish informal restaurant with nautically-inspired decor in a bright, high-ceilinged contemporary area at the back of the old pub, and it is popular for its easy-going food and relaxed atmosphere.
Sunday Brunch is a speciality, with live jazz.
Seats 80. L & D daily 12-3pm & 5.30-9pm, food served all day Fri-Sun 12-9.30pm (12.30-8 Sun); á la carte; house wine from £12.95; sc 10% on groups 8+; children welcome before 8pm. Live jazz Sundays 2-6pm. Closed 25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Switch.
