One of the well known ‘Itsa’ restaurants (Itsa4, Table) run by sisters Domini and Peaches Kemp, this self-service restaurant is located next to the bookshop in the basement of the north wing which makes up one side of the IMMA quadrangle, and is accessed by going through the main museum entrance and across the courtyard.

While it’s a pity that the café is not in a more obvious location on the ground floor, where tables and chairs could be set up outside - the courtyard would make for a great European style al fresco dining area – it’s a pleasing space once you get there.

There’s a small reception area with couches and small tables, which is ideal for those stopping in for just a coffee, and the café is a brightly decorated long narrow arched room with various art, not all modern in style, on display and for sale.

Pleasant staff offer warm and prompt service at the counter, and the range of food offered includes the full selection of ItsaBagel bagels and a good selection of pastries and cakes, plus a couple of hot dishes and the usual soups, quiches, sausage rolls and salads.

Good baking is a strength – the guide can vouch for an excellent Blackberry Bakewell Tart and all the pastries and cakes are particularly appealing.

Drinks offered include very good smoothies and a small but adequate selection of quarter bottles of wine (four different varietals from same Chilean producer).

While not a destination restaurant, this is a pleasant pitstop for visitors to IMMA in need of rest and refreshment.

 

Seats 50. Open Monday 10-3pm, Tue-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-5pm, Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-5pm. Children welcome (childrens menu). Closed 25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Lower ground floor Royal Hospital Kilmainham museum - beside bookshop.