Brilliantly located near the Blueway Floating Boardwalk at Acres Lake, Jinny’s Tearooms has been a wonderful find for visitors to Drumshanbo since 2019 - 'Taste Leitrim' members Sinead (Jinny) and her husband Pascal Gillard describe this charming spot as 'an inspired food experience' and who could argue with that, as the delicious snacks and light bites they serve have such a clear focus on wholesome and local ingredients that every mouthful is a memory in the making.
And the inspiration story goes back in Sinead's family to the 1970's at least, when her grandfather had the idea (which was extremely unusual at the time) to build some pretty cottages complete with traditional half doors, making an atmospheric base for self catering visitors to explore this lovely area.Today, those lucky visitors not only have a wonderful range of amenities and attractions on the doorstep (including the floating boardwalk, water sports and The Shed Distillery with its unique visitor centre), but also beautiful homemade food to enjoy at the Tearooms or to take away, along with irresistible breads, baked treats and desserts from the bakery.
The kitchen team is led by Gerry Gilmartin - chef in nearby Lough Rynn Castle for seven years prior to starting with Jinny's in 2021 - and they have a great reputation for consistency, which is especially appreciated by the local customers who keep things going in winter. The menu is compact, but there's always a daily Special - and many locals just come in and order the special, which says a lot about standards. Specialities include sourdough breads baked in the bakery, just 50 metres from the tearooms - favourites on the breakfast and lunch menus include Crispy Castlemine Free Range Bacon Sourdough (toasted ciabatta topped, crispy bacon & mixed leaf salad with homemade tomato chutney & coleslaw) and there's a great range of sourdough sandwiches and toasties which (along with traditional brown soda) go perfectly with the daily homemade soups.
As well as the café there's a well stocked retail space offering their own baked goods - soda bread, sourdough, spelt & honey, fruit, plain and brown scones, and a whole range of cakes (Carrot, Lemon Drizzle, Banana, Coffee Cake - in 1lb loaves and boxed) They also sell their own granola and croutons and other speciality products from the general area - Morans Jams from Cavan, PJ McLoughlin honey from Leitrim, McAllisters apple juice and pear juice from Armagh, Aines Hot Chocolate swirls from Cavan, Bell Lane Coffee from Mullingar...All of their homemade desserts are available to go as well - the range varies from week to week, but everything is made in-house from scratch every day, including the curds and icings etc and the homemade custard with the apple tart is made with fresh eggs (not powder). Linzer Tart is an unexpected speciality, thanks to one of the chefs being married to a German lady, and his recipe is a hit with locals. Acai bowls are another favourite (using Alainn fruit base from Galway) and tthere are plenty of gluten free choices on the menu and to take away.
All round, Jinny's is a gem that's well worth seeking out.
