Multyfarnham is a delightful traditional village in the gloriously unspoilt rolling countryside just north of Mullingar, and near Lough Derravaragh – where the mythical Children of Lir spent 300 years of their 900 year exile.
Complete with a 13th-century Franciscan friary (with life-size Stations of the Cross in the grounds) and a pretty river with a charming stone bridge, it’s a village well worth seeking out – and when you’re done exploring, Pat and Una Weir’s handsome stone pub and restaurant is a good spot to relax in. It’s an atmospheric place, especially the friendly front bar with its welcoming fire. A typical old-world pub where all the local news is up for discussion, it’s full of charm.
Behind it you’ll find a surprisingly large restaurant, which has a well-earned reputation for good home-cooked food, notably steaks (Hereford sirloin) while other specialities include their own home-smoked mackerel, attracting regular custom from miles around. A signature dish is Irish chicken fillet with chestnut and apricot stuffing, served with a creamy mushroom and tarragon sauce and other popular choices include local farmer John Rogan’s smoked sausages and baby back pork ribs smoked in a secret sauce.
A focal point in the room is the wonderful stone fireplace with a wood-burning stove for those cold winter nights, and you could do worse than wander around taking in all the delightful paintings and bric-a-brac adorning the dark pink painted walls.
The Weirs take pride in using as much local and organic produce as possible, with daily specials focusing on seasonal availability.
Everything is homemade, including desserts – anyone for dark chocolate fudge cake and cream or bread-and-butter pudding with custard and butterscotch sauce? Or if you’re very lucky they’ll have a Snickers cheesecake on special, which is a favourite with customers and staff alike. It’s all homely in the best possible sense, meaning simple, well cooked and tasting of itself. There’s a short children’s menu too. .
A short wine list is well-chosen to match the food and well-priced. They also serve a small range of Irish craft beer and cider.
With a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and good food, what more could you ask of a country pub? Well, a bike for hire, actually – or a boat, with gillie and packed lunch, maybe even a house to let. Now that’s service.
