Hotel bars are special. Even if you are not lucky enough to be sleeping over, dinner and drinks in a nice hotel bar can feel almost holiday-like. Here are a few of our favourites in Ireland …
Dundon’s Champagne Seafood Bar and Terrace, Dunbrody House, Co Wexford
The clue is in the name when it comes to the bar at Dunbrody House so it’s no surprise that the menu has plenty of seafood options and Champagne on the wine list. Seafood pie, pappardelle with Woodstown cockles, and pan-fried lemon sole on the bone all sound like good choices while dining outdoors on a sunny summer’s day. For those swerving seafood, there are plenty of non-fishy options including the intriguing roasted tomato and Beara sea salt gin soup, chicken liver pâté and prime Wexford steak. And for dessert there is a selection of cheese, warm apple pie with elderflower ice cream and mini doughnuts with chocolate sauce – all seriously tempting. www.dunbrodyhouse.com.
The Pins Bar at The Twelve Hotel, Galway
Located in the pretty village of Barna, just ten minutes from Galway city, The Twelve Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Ireland with a food and wine offering to match. The Pins Bar on the ground floor is the hub of the local area, with people travelling from near and far to chow down on dishes like mussels (twelve ways!), Connemara lamb rump, west coast chowder and stone-baked pizzas. There is an impressive selection of beers on tap, wines and classic cocktails with a flurry of talented bar staff on hand to cater to your every need. www.thetwelvehotel.ie.
The Cellar Bar at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Schnitzel or Milanese, whatever you happen to call it, pounded chicken, breaded and fried seems to be having a moment in Dublin and I am totally ok with that. The Cellar Bar version comes with Caesar salad, pickles, garlic aioli and chips and while it’s not fancy, this is one of my favourite combinations so I’m plotting a visit to have this dish again very soon. Other contenders are the chilled watermelon and arugula (rocket to you and me) salad with Toonsbridge feta, honey mustard dressing and rye bread shavings, and the classic fish pie. For dessert? It has to be the retro baked Alaska for two. www.merrionhotel.com.
The Fisherman’s Pub & Ranji Room, Ballynahinch Castle, Galway
The Fisherman’s Pub and Ranji Room at Ballynahinch Castle represents all that is great about Connemara. The simple menu is a celebration of local produce showcased in delicious dishes to be enjoyed in the relaxed and buzzy environment of this hotel bar. Both the lunch and dinner menus are concise and feature traditional dishes such as local cod fish and chips, Connemara oysters, venison cottage pie and classic gammon and cheese toasties. The room itself ticks all the boxes for relaxed country dining, complete with an abundance of dark wood and open fires. During the summer months if you are lucky enough to get some Connemara sun, guests can also dine outdoors (pictured top). Given its popularity with visitors and locals alike, booking is strongly advised. www.ballynahinch-castle.com.
Mikey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen at Cashel Palace, Tipperary
Mikey Ryan’s, housed in a narrow terraced building that was formerly a pub and grocers, is a sister property to Cashel Palace Hotel and is connected via the Garden Terrace. When the current owners took over in 2016 they made sure to keep many of the original 19th-century features. The commitment to serving delicious food, with a special focus on sustainability and local product, while creating a welcoming atmosphere for its customers is evident. Dishes include pea, wild garlic and chilli arancini, smoked pork tacos and pan fried market fish – a sure reason why regulars return again and again. A single chocolate truffle is a nice way to end a meal here – or the chocolate Guinness cake with espresso ice-cream. Your call. www.mikeyryans.ie.