An attractive old stone warehouse on the quayside of this charming village on the River Barrow makes a characterful setting for Brian and Brigid Roberts’ well-run guesthouse and restaurant.
Gradual upgrading of the accommodation has been taking place for several years and this is a very pleasant, reasonably priced, place to stay in an interesting location, well off the road.
The rooms are quite simple but comfortable, with direct dial phones, tea/coffee making facilities and TV in all rooms; some rooms at the top of the building are more spacious, and all overlook the river – this is a wonderful place to wake up in.
Book lovers may be interested in weekend book sales at Waterside, which is the home of the Graiguenamanagh Book Festival and booktown project – ask Brian when you are there, and he will tell you all about it.
Hillwalking holidays for small groups are offered.
Rooms 10 (all shower only & no smoking, 4 family rooms); children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). No pets. B&B €49-59pps, ss €13.50. *Weekend packages/ short breaks from €89 pps. No lift.
Restaurant:
On fine summer days there are tables outside on the quayside, and a comfortable reception area leads into the simply stylish restaurant, where Brigid offers varied menus and good home cooking - in very pleasant waterside surroundings.
She uses fresh local produce wherever possible, sometimes including a speciality starter of rare Graiguenamanagh smoked eel. Braised lamb shank with mint jus is a more predictable speciality and, aside from a range of mainstream choices, game might be offered in season and interesting vegetarian choices are always included.
Finish with a nice homely dessert such as pineapple, apple & almond pudding with crème anglaise. There’s always an Irish cheese plate too, with home-made tomato chutney and a choice of half a dozen ports to accompany.
Service is friendly under Brian’s supervision - and the wine list, which is extensive for a country restaurant, is interesting and fairly priced.
The early dinner and Sunday lunch menus are extremely reasonable, although the low price inevitably restricts choice.
Seats 42. Outdoor Dining available in the Summer. D daily, 6.30-9.30pm; L Sun only 12.30-3. Set Sun L €23, Early 2/3 course D €19.50/24 (6.30-7.45); set D €35; also á la carte. House wine from €19.75. No SC. *In summer there's also a light Daytime Menu available, 11-4. Restaurant open weekends only in winter. Establishment closed Jan, 25 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
