An attractive stone building in the centre of the lovely old walled Heritage Town of Athenry, The Old Barracks was opened a restaurant by Fiona King and her late husband Cathal O'Malley in October 2010, and it has proved to be a popular venue for both locals and visitors, who appreciate the unusually high standards of food and service, even at the busiest of times.
For Fiona, the family connection with the barracks goes back much further though - and it’s a romantic story, as this beautiful building was acquired by Fiona’s father with the prize money he won as owner of the horse Afford A King, winner of the Digital Galway Plate in 1988. A wise move at the time, and proving even more so for the next generation now.
Inside it’s an atmospheric place, with bare stone walls in the three rooms making up the dining area, where timber floors, table candles and low lighting give a warm and cosy feeling. The walls are hung with photographs of the animals and vegetables produced on the family farms (in-conversion organic) nearby at Craughwell and on The Burren in Co Clare, which supply the restaurant kitchen - notably with free range Saddleback pork (including homemade sausages), and home reared Angus beef, also lamb when in season, and the free range eggs in everyday use.
Head Chef Michelle White, an Essex girl who has made Galway her home, leads a small, efficient team and they produce interesting, ingredients-led food, which is also very reasonably priced for the quality thanks to their direct supplies.
Menus begin with a range of breakfast dishes to rival that of any guesthouse and a special strength is the delicious home baked goods from their own bakery (also offering a take-away service, which can be ordered online). Lunch menus offer a good choice of hot dishes as well as plenty of soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads, also a children’s menu.
This is just the spot for good home cooking and prices are very keen for the quality, and this - plus excellent service from enthusiastic staff – explains the success of this deservedly popular restaurant.
The Stone House Pizzeria across the road is in the same ownership and accommodation is also available (8 rooms).
