This attractive family-run bar in Doonbeg village has upped the ante over the last couple of years and it is now run by the energetic Hugh McNally.
While retaining some of the charm of the old bar, he has given this lively seafood bar and grill a refreshing new look, with an extension on to the River Cree and a lovely decking area overlooking the river, which has brought excellent views and light to the dining room.
The interior is all darkwood floors, cream walls and burgundy leather, a nice contrast to a collection of paintings and photographs, both new and old, of the village and local coastline.
Seafood is the speciality and everything is very fresh, with a good selection offered in season. Simply presented menus are just the right length with dishes such as seafood chowder, Carrigaholt crab claws and Atlantic jumbo prawns for starters along with main fish courses such as home-made scampi sauce or fresh fillet of salmon with warm baby potato salad. Main offerings from the grill include an Angus sirloin steak whilst. in winter, specialities include roasted monkfish and meat casseroles.
Homely desserts include crumbles (apple & blackberry in late summer and early autumn, perhaps) and sticky toffee pudding, served with a good (but not necessarily local) commercial ice cream
Cooking is good, and staff are friendly and willing although, on a recent visit by the Guide, they were young and not as well trained as in previous years.
An interesting and well presented wine list offers a good selection of bottles, well described; some half bottles offered.
Accommodation:
Seven bedrooms are bright and pristine, with good facilities - phone, ISDN, TV, iron/trouser press. The difficulty here is getting a booking, as the rooms are understandably in great demand.
Children welcome (under 3s free in parents room, cot available at no cost) Rooms 7 (all en-suite, 2 Executive, 1 Junior Suite, all no smoking); B&B about €50, SS €20.
Restaurant: No reservations accepted. Seats 70 (private room, 30; outdoor dining for 30); toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome before 10pm; L 12-2.30; D 6-9.30; House Wine about €19. Parking. Closed Mon and Nov, Jan, Feb. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
