The Moorings

You can walk along the quays to this attractive family-run bar and restaurant, which is right on the harbour front in Dungarvan town and easy to find - and there’s also plenty of parking for those arriving by car.

And what a location - outdoor tables on the quay enjoy a wonderful view of the harbour, whilst the beer garden at the rear adjoins the historic King John’s Castle.

Inside, the front bar offers harbour views and the theme is nautical; the lounge resembles the bow of a ship and interesting memorabilia provides plenty for the leisurely visitor to browse, including portholes salvaged from local wrecks.

As you would expect, seafood features heavily on both the bar and restaurant menus, as well as the daily specials – a smoked salmon salad with a cup of delicious seafood chowder and homemade brown bread, for example, combines two popular meals.

There are plenty of old favourites here - fresh crab claws, sautéed with garlic butter, mussels in white wine and lemon breaded sole and chips all feature. But the restaurant menu also has some unusual combinations - salt roast cod with green beans tossed in pistachio pesto and semi dried tomato ( about €24), for example, and hazel crust pork medallions with apple and Calvados sauce (about €22).

Crowd-pleasing desserts include the ever-popular tiramisu, apple pie and chocolate fudge cake.

The beer garden is a fairly new development and, while its most obvious appeal is for al fresco dining on sunny days, it is covered automatically (and heated when necessary) when the weather is less favourable and when matches are shown on flat screen television.

It’s a lively spot at weekends, with an outdoor bar, music and dancing – and also available as a venue for private parties.

Whether you arrive when it’s busy and the atmosphere is lively, or at a quiet time when there are just a few people relaxing in the bar, this friendly establishment is a welcoming and interesting place to have a drink or enjoy something to eat.