Location, location, location! Overlooking Dundalk Bay, with the Mourne and the Cooley Mountains in the background and a long sandy beach just outside the windows, this is a fascinating place to visit at any time and it’s simply stunning on a fine day.
The Glyde Inn - named after the River Glyde which flows into the Irish Sea at the little harbour just a few yards from the front door - is run by the O’Neill family, who also have the bakery next door.
The pub is a real local and dates back to the 18th century - as you enter there’s a sense of that history and the many good nights enjoyed in the atmospheric front bar, where traditional Irish music nights are regularly held.
Yet it’s the restaurant that has those amazing views. Named the ‘Linn Duachaill’ in honour of the area’s Viking heritage, it has a slightly old-fashioned ambience and offers wide ranging mernus that include plenty of local produce, including Terry Butterley's famous smoked salmon, which is produced just a stone's throw away, down at the harbour.
With the fishing port of Clogherhead just 15km down the road and small local boats fishing for shellfish, fresh fish and seafood is a natural speciality and a good choice is offered in season - fish comes ‘straight from John Kirwan’s boat in Clogherhead’ and lobster from the tank, when available; “Annagassan Lobster with Dunany crab claws and our famous seafood chowder” are the popular dishes that attract diners from a wide area.
But, if that begins to sound like a fine dining experience, remember this is a traditional bar and restaurant with a strong local trade so, while there are more sophisticated dishes offered - notably on the evening à la carte - there are also plenty of Irish bar food staples on the menu during the day: chicken Caesar, burgers and steaks, for example, also roast meats Sunday lunch.
The cooking is sometimes a little uneven (and the fancier dishes might be better simplified), but the fresh ingredients are outstanding and a visit to this friendly place is always worthwhile.
The acclaimed lobster attracts people from far and wide of course - and it can be disappointing when it is unavailable - but there are sometimes more unusual choices such as razor clams and, if asked to choose one inexpensive dish that would bring you back, it would have to be the Clogherhead seafood chowder. Even the pickiest customer should be pleased by this satisfying dish, and it is served with Ann’s delicious home-baked bread - although this tasty loaf deserves better than a foil wrapped butter pat to accompany it. Other good dishes might include a generous shrimp salad (which may be made with small langoustines - a nice surprise), and well-made fresh scampi in a light batter.
There’s a full bar licence, of course - and some Irish craft beers are offered too (8 Degrees North - Howling Gale Ale and Barefoot Bohemian Lager).
