NOW OPERATING MAINLY AS A VENUE - check Social Media for details of events & pub opening times
They do quirky traditional very well in County Clare - and nowhere better than at this grey-painted two-storey house in Ennistymon, which has packed in visitors and locals alike since it reopened in May 2018.
Pot Duggan is the latest venture by publican Trev O’Shea of Dublin's Bodytonic group, and his reinvention of an old pub, forge and cow byre. The kitchen team is led by Culinary Operations Manager Hilary Quinn, who is a Ballymaloe graduate, and the inspired decision to focus on simple local food in season has put this quaint place firmly on the food lovers' map.
The former ‘Nan’s' is now home to a little bar and restaurant - with the kitchen that has brought it fame visible through a hatch so you can catch a glimpse of the chefs creating the simple and oh-so-delicious fare that is attracting so much praise.
While full of charm, the interior is tiny, making the outside space all the more surprising. The terrace - the original yard - now has four large tables flanked by benches, while the old cow byre and forge have been transformed into a wonderful venue that can accommodate about 100 people for functions. The original white-washed walls, high ceilings and fireplace create an atmospheric setting for events, including weddings, and other events such as craft markets and cheese and wine festivals are often held in the courtyard or, in the event of inclement weather, in the barns.
From the yard, outside steps lead down to the River Inagh where trees offer shade and waterside diners have great views across the river and up towards the bridge that divides the town.
Menus are short, focused and delicious. The weekday lunch and weekend brunch menus are similar – three-cheese toasties (Hegarty’s cheddar, Toonsbridge ricotta and smoked scamorza), Croque Duggan (squash bechamel with house made kimchi toastie, served with fried oysters, an egg & Moy Hill community farm organic leaves) and chocolate Guinness cake.
Dinner offers a choice of small and large plates - the former may be Flaggy Shore oysters with shallot mignonette, or perhaps salted ham hock terrine, while the large plate offerings may include Toonsbridge ricotta dumplings, Flaggy shore mussels and spelt risotto with Jerusalem artichokes.
A delightful venue and full of fun, Pot Duggan provides yet another reason to visit this characterful small town.
