“Bramley
One can locate Bramley at 10 Main Street in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. Their contact number is 057-8757749 and more details can be found at bramleyabbeyleix.com. This stylish community eatery has been flourishing since its founders, Sam and Emily Moody, launched it in the previous year. The place’s enchanting and serene atmosphere may come from Sam’s experience with Ballyfin Demesne, the delightful remodelled eating space or perhaps the diligent incorporation of local ingredients. With a casual lunch offering, as well as the “Simple Supper” available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, this establishment offers excellent value for money. Notably, the dining experience elevates during dinner, with choices between a la carte and tasting menus. – Joanne Cronin
Dede at The Customs House
Located in Baltimore, Co Cork, Dede at The Customs House can be reached at 028-48248 or on their website customshousebaltimore.com. The restaurant, a collaboration between Ahmet Dede and Maria Archer, has been capturing hearts for over four years. Ahmet, a Turkish native with a passion for west Cork, has crafted an exquisite fusion menu that seamlessly combines enticing Turkish essences with top-quality Irish ingredients, earning the establishment two Michelin stars. New this year is an outdoor prep kitchen that will serve as a venue for cooking demonstrations, classes, and private dining experiences. Cap off your enjoyable evening with a refreshing pint overlooking the neighbouring harbour. – JC
Homestead Cottage
Situated in Luogh North, Doolin, Co Clare, you can contact Homestead Cottage at 065-6794133 or via their website homesteadcottagedoolin.com. This charming, traditional Irish cottage, perched on Ireland’s far west coast, is a Michelin-starred destination, thanks to Robbie McCauley’s exacting cooking methods. The use of local produce is key, and when you savour the food, you’ll comprehend why it’s so acclaimed. Together with his wife, Sophie, they carefully converted this quaint cafe into a place that marries the past with a contemporarily stylish vibe. McCauley has strong partnerships with local suppliers and farmers to bring sustainable traditional Burren outwinter beef to the eating experience. – JC
Olde Glen Bar & Restaurant
The Olde Glen Bar & Restaurant resides in Glen Village, Carrigart, Co Donegal. You can reach them at 083-1585777 or through their website oldeglen.ie.”
In a tragic turn of events for the city of Dublin, celebrated chef Ciarán Sweeney decided to return to his birthplace, Donegal, leaving his culinary position at Forest & Marcy. However, this move brought immeasurable delight to the small village of Donegal. A classic Irish pub has been transformed into a vibrant spot where Sweeney’s innovative takes on Irish food, from fermented potato bread to glazed wild Atlantic cod, delights both locals and tourists.
At The Blue Haven Hotel located at 2-4 Pearse Street, Kinsale, Co Cork, there’s a restaurant, Rare, has been creating quite the hype over the year. Chef Meeran Manzoor applies his Tamil Nadu roots to accentuate local ingredients with rich Indian flavours. The short descriptions for their five and seven-course degustation menus may seem simplistic, but customers can expect sumptuous dishes such as chicken chaat with fresh truffle or halibut with coconut.
Then, we have Restaurant Chestnut nestled on Staball Hill, Ballydehob, Co Cork. Here, Rob Krawczyk skillfully prepares a €149 tasting menu based on seasonal produce from Lisheen Greens plus local seafood. For diners who prefer a less formal setting, the casual dining space upstairs offers a four-course menu for €70 and mouth-watering small plate options range from €6-€20.
Lastly, situated in a Victorian townhouse on Turkey Road, Tramore, Co Waterford, the Beach House is recognized for its extraordinary seafood menu devised by co-owner Jumoke Akintola. The restaurant, open for lunch from Thursday to Sundays and for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, boasts dishes like the Woodstown Bay oysters and Boatstrand lobster mayonnaise. Diners can revel in their food while sipping on wines from the thoughtful selection available. For the best wine recommendations to pair with your dishes, do not hesitate to ask.
The stylish yet quaint Gregan’s Castle located in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare (065-7077005, gregans.ie), has appointed Jonathan Farrell as their fresh head chef. Farrell, previous to this engagement, was employed at a restaurant honoured with Michelin Stars, Bastible. It’s advisable to plan an overnight stay to thoroughly experience Farrell’s skillfully curated, seasonally inspired dishes which make use of produce from the castle’s new fruit and vegetable garden, paired with an impressive selection of wines. Farrell also takes an active part in foraging elements to complement his dishes. The establishment is soon to offer an outdoor dining space in the garden for perfect tranquil summer evenings in the Burren. JC