Although the restaurant is quite modern, it is in a Victorian building and proprietors Cillian Murphy and Mary Redmond have retained period features to keep the authentic atmosphere of the existing pub.
Cillian is an ex-fishing skipper who ensures the freshest fish possible and the effort that goes into ensuring the best from suppliers shows, in succulent, well-flavoured food. He is in charge of front of house and Mary is the chef - a winning combination that has earned Murphy Blacks a reputation well beyond the immediate area.
Although menus have a leaning towards seafood - and specialities include crab tartlet and a superb main course of cannelloni of plaice - meat eaters are well catered for too. You'll find classics like rack of lamb and steaks, and there is always a vegetarian choice.
A board outside the restaurant lists specials such as scallops Mornay, pan fried turbot and crab claws, while the regular menu is likely to offer the likes of seafood pie, char grilled prawns with Thai green curry sauce, deep fried plaice with red onion and caper butter sauce along with wholesome dishes for meat-lovers such as steak,kidney & oyster pie and lamb shanks.
Desserts are home-made and the selection changes monthly.
A balanced, accessibly priced wine list includes a good choice of half bottles.
*Cillian and Mary have opened a coffee shop in Kilrush called The Buttermarket Café which is open Monday - Saturday.
Seats 42 (outdoors, 12); children welcome (high chair); D Mon-Sat, 6-9pm (open weekends only October - May); reservations advised; early bird €24.95 6-6.30pm. SC 10% on groups 6+. House wine €19.95. Closed Sun. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
