Opened in 2016 by sisters Siobhan (Head Chef) and Aoife (Business Manager) Flaherty from nearby Abbeyknockmoy, who both brought experience in hospitality to the venture, this well-named restaurant serves deliciously innovative locally sourced food in a warmly atmospheric setting, where family and friends can relax and enjoy good company.
When the pandemic struck, some nimble pivoting soon created Abbert (named after the townland that Aoife and Siobhan grew up in), a lifestyle store and grocery that kept their loyal clientèle well supplied with good things until the return of Gather could become a reality.
And then, beginning with tasty late week brunches and lunches, restaurant service gradually resumed - with some special evening events to cheer everyone on.
Gather and Abbert now work together, with complementary offerings. Abbert is stocked with their own in-house produce to take away or heat at home, as well as artisan produce from across the island of Ireland and beyond. As there has always been in Gather, there is a strong commitment to using local suppliers such as Galway Goat Farm’s cheese, Velvet Cloud’s sheep’s milk yoghurt, The Friendly Farmer, Andarl Farm, Builin Blasta, Sloehill Farm, Jeremiche’s Sourdough and Solaris Tea.
The in-house bread and bakes always sell out and, in the fridges, there will be Chickpea and Lentil Dahl, Seafood Chowder, Friendly Farmer Chicken Noodle Soup and Brady’s Beef Lasagne as well as quiches, charcuterie and cheese platters and pancakes.
There is a carefully considered list of wines and craft beers as well as a range of hampers, while lifestyle products stocked include Tilted jewellery, White Witch Connemara skincare, blankets, candles, prints, scarves, pottery and much more. And all of this alongside Gather, with its innovative, imaginative food and conviviality.
