Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

The Strand Restaurant & Guesthouse

This long-established seafront restaurant has been in family ownership for 130 years, and is now run by Johnny Redmond, who is the chef, and his wife Caroline. An unassuming yellow exterior gives little hint of the friendly welcome, buzzing atmosphere and wonderful views that await guests who can begin with an aperitif in the small bar/lounge looking out over Kilkee Bay and the Atlantic beyond.

In the split level restaurant, a gentle colour scheme and simply laid tables allow the view to take centre stage, and floor to ceiling windows right along one side ensure a view for all tables.

Menus - mainly seafood, plus favourites such as fillet steak, rack of lamb and a vegetarian dish - arrive promptly at your table, along with delicious home baked breads and a jug of water, and there's a tempting list of daily specials for seafood lovers a big bowl of Atlantic Mussels to start, perhaps, then baked John Dory, whole seabass or Dover sole.

Finish with a home-made dessert such as apple & rhubarb crumble or hazelnut toffee meringues (deliciously chewy)...

Friendly, efficient service, great cooking and apparently effortless management by Johnny and Caroline make dining here a very enjoyable experience.

Restaurant: Children welcome (high chair, children's menu); Seats 46 (outdoor, 12); reservation recommended; D 6-9.30pm, a la carte. SC 10% on groups 6+. Closed Dec-Mar (open 2 weeks over Christmas).

Accommodation:

Six individually decorated en-suite bedrooms, some with sea views, offer comfortable accommodation above the restaurant. More rooms are planned in 2008.

Rooms 6 (all en-suite, 5 shower only); children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available free of charge). B&B €45 pps, ss about €10. Closed Jan & Feb. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On the waterfront in Kilkee