Near Carnsore Point and just over 8km (5 miles) from Rosslare ferry port, Ciaran and Anne Hearne’s handsome country pub in Carne, in elegant dark green with lots of well-maintained plants, is a welcome sight indeed.
Inside the long, low building several interconnecting bar areas are furnished in simple, practical style, with sturdy furniture designed for comfortable eating.
For fine summer days there are picnic tables outside at the front. One room is a slightly more formal restaurant, but the atmosphere throughout is very relaxed and the emphasis is on putting local seafood to good use, providing good value and efficient service.
Daily deliveries ensure fresh fish supplies and, the catch dictates daily specials. Simple but carefully prepared meals are served all day in the bar, typically including an outstanding seafood chowder (salmon, crab, prawns, cod, cockles & mussels in a rich fish base), a wild Irish smoked salmon platter and delicious fresh crab salad.
An extensive laminated evening menu (with the names of 21 fish listed in eight different languages) offers treats like River Rush oysters and lobsters from the sea tank, crab mornay and, for non-seafood lovers, crispy duckling and various steaks, pork fillet and ever-popular rack of lamb.
Friendly service, a relaxing atmosphere and carefully prepared fresh food should ensure an enjoyable visit here - and, on Wednesday nights off-season (Sep-May), a special dinner menu offers great value.
No reservations in high season (Jun-Aug) or bank hol weekends, so avoid busy times if possible.