Next door to, and in common ownership with, John Magnier's Cashel Palace Hotel (currently closed for restoration but re-opening soon), this gorgeous traditional pub and casual dining destination hit the round running when it opened under its prestigious new ownership in 2017.
With the galloping horse logo (and other, sometimes humorous, features including the Horse Box Bar in the garden) a subtle reminder of its association with Coolmore Stud, it should come as no surprise to find that the renovations and carefully planned extensions have been done wonderfully well. The craftmanship is superb and the decor - including the handsome Kilkenny marble flooring that unifies the many small areas - is a joy. So are the well laid out and immaculately maintained gardens that offer plenty of options for groups of various sizes - including a new pergola style glass box on terrace, The Glass Well (complete with an ancient well that has a fascinating story to tell), and The Secret Garden, a walled garden area with BBQ (both available for private hire) - and a view of the Rock of Cashel.
Good, smart-casual food that reflects the region's proud farming tradition was always the aim - and Chef Darren Quinlan's unfussy, delicious dishes based on excellent local produce from Tipperary and neighbouring counties never fail to please.
The kitchen team take pride in working directly with quality suppliers and local farmers and artisan producers credited on menus include The Good Herdsman meats, Annie’s Organic Farm, Comfrey Cottage Cashel (vegetables) and of course the iconic local product, Cashel Blue Cheese.
Everything is made from scratch in-house and the care and attention to detail is obvious from the first taste of unusual nibbles such as vegetable crisps with chilli salt, or pork crackling wth cider apple sauce to the final round of an Irish Cheese Board featuring Galtee honeycomb, pear, roast walnut brittle, barmbrack and oatcakes. Along with many other treats including house smoked organic salmon and organic Dexter beef from nearby Killenure Castle, it all adds up to a memorable taste of Tipperary.
And, not forgetting that this is a pub, you'll find all the well known drinks brands of course, but also many artisan spirits and craft beers including whiskey from Tipperary Boutique Distillery, Bertha’s Revenge gin from nearby East Cork, Kalak vodka from West Cork - and White Gypsy Beer from Templemore on draft as well as a choice of bottled craft beers.
But best of all, perhaps, is the staff, who clearly enjoy their work and take pride in introducing visitors to the best of Tipperary's food, drink and hospitality.
Always worth a detour.
