The O’Donnell family has run Danny Minnie’s since 1962, and a visit is always a special treat. There’s nothing about the exterior as seen from the road to prepare first-time visitors for the atmosphere of this remarkable restaurant.
Hidden behind a frontage of overgrown creepers, a surprise: once through the door you are suddenly surrounded by antiques and elegantly appointed candle-lit tables and on summer evenings there may even be a harpist playing.
Brian O’Donnell is a well known chef and his cooking matches the surroundings very well - fine, with imaginative saucing, but not at all pompous.
Menus are presented in both Irish and English, on a wide-ranging à la carte menu; seafood stars in the main courses - lobster and other shellfish, availability permitting - but there is also a strong selection of meats including Donegal mountain lamb, typically served with honey, garlic and rosemary gravy, and Donegal beef, served various ways including classic Beef Wellington.
Vegetables are a strength and gorgeous desserts, such as cardamom and lime pannacotta with a refreshing rhubarb and strawberry compôte, create an appropriately delicious finale.
And the staff are lovely too - attentive waitresses provide warm and friendly service. There’s nowhere quite like Danny Minnie’s, winner of the Guide’s Atmospheric Restaurant of the Year in 2000.
Accommodation
Accommodation is also offered and the five charming bedrooms - which include two family rooms - all have nice en-suite facilities.
It's a lovely place to stay and breakfast is a treat, offering a fresh fruit and Glenilen yogurt pot along with freshly baked breads, scones and pancakes, and a lovely buffet selection including farmhouse cheese and Donegal smoked salmon as well as juices, fruits and cereals.
The Full Irish Danny Minnie's style includes Mallons sausages and Kellys of Newport black and white pudding, along with their own eggs and homemade potato bread, among other good things. A mini version is available too, and a good choice of other dishes including Donegal smoked salmon with creamy scrambled eggs, French Toast, pancakes and more. Best of all perhaps is the local fish cooked in butter, with soft poached eggs and potato bread. What a way to start the day!
