In a spectacular location overlooking the safe swimming beach and pier at Cahore Point, and with sweeping views over the sea to Wicklow Head, The Strand Cahore is ony 15 minutes from Gorey - and just an hour from Dublin. Dating back to 1893, The Strand is the only pub in Cahore. It had been run by the Horgan family since 1939 and was then taken over by Aileen and Patrick Hanley early in 2018. The move fulfilled a long-held ambition for the couple, who are well known in Irish hospitality and came to Cahore via the historic Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff and Park Hotel Kenmare, respectively - and now they serve the very best of Irish produce in this landmark bar and restaurant.
With large windows making the most of the gorgeous view, outdoor seating for fine weather, a cosy and atmospheric bar with a glowing stove for chilly days, and an elegant formal restaurant at the back, it's a lovely place to enjoy splendid seasonal food and local drinks.
Produce is drawn mainly from the southern half of the country - Kerry, Cork, Wexford and Wicklow - with suppliers all named on the menu, and Aileen and Patrick's dedication to doing things right extends to making their own breads, sauces, dips, pâtés and desserts daily in-house.
Although the menu is well balanced, The Strand quickly gained a reputation for outstanding seafood. Small plates include Moules Mariniere (Glenbeigh Mussels served in a white wine cream), for example, or Cahore Smokies (Smoked haddock, cherry tomatoes, chives and crème fraiche finished with melted Wexford Cheddar cheese) both served with homemade breads. Tempting salads may include Kilmore Quay Smoked Salmon Salad (Mixed leaves salad served with Kilmore Quay smoked salmon, caper berries and roasted beetroot purée), and seafood lovers will find it hard to resist a whole or a half Kilmore Quay lobster in season.
Many fans travel to The Strand especially for their seafood, but meat lovers should be well pleased too - and may be surprised to find that locally reared Macamore Buffalo is a speciality (and they lay claim to being the only establishment in the country to use buffalo for stock for their Jus!). All of which makes the Macamore Buffalo Burger a must-try - served on a brioche bun with homemade apple chutney, O’Neill’s bacon and Knockanore cheddar cheese, it's a real taste of the South-East.
There are plenty of good things for the kids too, including homemade spaghetti bolognese or trio of mini buffalo sliders – with cheese, with bacon, and plain - or Cornfed breaded chicken with creamy mashed potato.
The staff are lovely and there's a full bar of course, where you'll find the local Yellow Belly beer from Wexford on offer, along with many other craft drinks including a number of Irish gins.
So, there's something for everyone and then some at The Strand - and that terrific view as well.
* In January 2024 Patrick and Aileen Hanly also acquired The Lansdowne Hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry.
