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Rathwood

This award-winning garden centre and shopping emporium near Tullow is a good place for a journey break (or even a day out) as, in addition to an exceptionally wide range of quality goods for garden and home (including classy gift items), there is good wholesome food available all day.

It has always gone well beyond what might be expected in a garden centre, and the popular café has recently been completely revamped to emerge as a 'country restaurant ' with attractive outside seating areas on a heated patio, a new smoothie and juice bar, and even a function room.

Menus based on seasonal fresh local Irish produce are quite extensive, but good home baking remains the strength and it would be a mistake to leave without a taste of their sinful Pavlova or Black Forest gateau - or perhaps a juicy apple tart or healthy carrot cake.

Vegetarians and coeliacs are catered for (try the gluten free lemon mousse), and they can supply cakes for special occasions too. A useful place to know about.

Seats 56 (+50 in conservatory); wheelchair friendly; children welcome (high chair, childrens' menu, baby changing facilities); country walks, outdoor play area, on site train. Open 7 days: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm (including bank hols); Sun 11-5; L daily 12-2.30 (to 3pm Sun); set 3 course L €25; Sun L €25; house wine (half bottle) €9.95. Closed 3 days at Christmas. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Just over an hour from Dublin, take Blessington or Naas to Tullow road - well signed on R725 to Shillelagh.