Yet another reason to explore the beautiful, unspoilt and relatively undiscovered North-West of Ireland, the W8 Centre is an imaginative modern tourist and cultural hub in the friendly town of Manorhamilton.
Sustainable tourism is the name of the game, and the W8 Village offers stylish high-spec 2- and 3-bedroom self catering accommodation, an urban garden, underground parking - and, as well as making a great base for families and small groups, there are some great special interest breaks ranging from Foodie, Fishing and Outdoor Acrivities to Health & Wellbeing, Crafts and Team Bonding.
But you don't have to stay at the W8 Village to enjoy OstaW8. The younger sister of Brid Torrades' acclaimed ingredients-led restaurant in Sligo Town, this stylish and very friendly modern restaurant opened in April 2019 and soon established itself as a quality casual dining destination for discerning diners travelling to, or through, the area as well as the lucky locals.
It's open every day from 10am and, like its big sister, it's all about provenance. They source a lot of their raw ingredients from the North-West of Ireland, and then as much as possible of the rest from like minded suppliers in other parts of the country - and there's a nice little shop area too, where the shelves are well stocked with artisan products to take home.
Specialities include brunch - originally offered at weekends, it is so popular that it's now available every day - with Osta's famous pancakes a particular hit, also coffees from three roasters (Java Republic Dublin; Bearwest, Wesport; Art of Coffee Carrick-on-Shannon) and an interesting range of cold drinks and juices including homemade smoothies, lemonade and kombucha.
Later on, the menu widens, bistro dishes come on stream and the pizza oven is fired up - time to head in for one of Brid's gourmet pizzas, featuring seriously tasty local products like Andarl Farm ham hock, Leitrim Hill Goats' Cheese or even Thornhill Duck. Plenty of Osta's wonderful salads too on the daytime menu, of course, along with speciality sandwiches and wraps, delicious seasonal desserts and more.
While there's an Italian feel to Osta, it's Italian Irish-style - a starter of Aranchini, for example, is made with pearl barley instead of rice (plus Andarl Farm Ham Hock, Butternut Squash Puree), and sourdough bread comes with a choice of local rapeseed oil or gorgeous Cuinneog butter.
And the ethical sourcing policy extends to the interesting drinks menu too - all wines are organic, biodynamic or natural and there are local craft beers (Donegal Blonde on draft and all Donegal brewery beers in bottles). Also the renowned Kilkenny cider range from Highbank Orchards, including their Medieval Cider and Drivers Cider - while other non-alcoholic options include homemade Komboucha and the unique Black Castle Bramble Sting and Ginger Beer.
All round OstaW8 is a credit to its older sister and great place to know about - make sure you try it next time you're heading that way.
