From a cosy bar in Kenmare and fish and chips en plein air to child-friendly fine dining in Galway and a Dublin institution …
Mulcahy’s Restaurant, Kenmare, Co Kerry
Cosy and atmospheric, the dining room in Mulcahy’s is an inviting space with mood lighting and dark woods. Welcoming for a quiet bite, but when it’s busy it’s filled with contagious energy. Kick things off with a Valentia Island Vermouth before moving on to scallops with buttered cabbage and celeriac broth, or a lobster and crab croquette followed by fish pie, beef wellington or the moreish halibut with leek and grape beurre blanc. Don’t skip dessert. Mulcahy’s is exceedingly popular with locals and visitors alike, so plan ahead and book a table, especially in busier months. www.mulcahyskenmare.ie
Aniar, Galway City, Co Galway
If you’re in the West with children, a trip to Aniar will be a treat for family members of all ages. Chef-proprietor JP McMahon is a true advocate of quality Irish food for all ages, so children are encouraged rather than simply tolerated, as can often be the case. The tasting menu at the one Michelin star Aniar consists of five courses and is priced at €85, making it the perfect foray into the world of fine dining for junior gourmands. For a more casual affair, nearby Cava Bodega will bring the taste of Spain in spades, and those with a penchant for bowls of slurpingly good noodles will be queuing when the doors to Kombu, JP’s latest venture, open its doors later this month. www.aniarrestaurant.ie
Adrift, Dunmore House Hotel, Co Cork
Dining at Adrift on a sunny evening is, quite simply, idyllic. Casual dining in The Boatyard Terrace is heavenly too, but for a Michelin-approved meal Adrift is where you want to be. As you might expect, there’s a lot of seafood on the menu, and seasonal dishes such as cod with garden beans, rock samphire and saffron cream or Bushby strawberries with homemade ricotta, balsamic reduction, pistachio and leaves scream summer. Family-run, the labour of love at Adrift and Dunmore House is clear. The staff is attentive yet discreet and a window table is a must. www.dunmorehousehotel.ie
Peploe’s, Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
A mood-enhancing basement restaurant in a former bank vault that dates from the 1760s, Peploes is something of a Dublin institution. The comfortable room has a jazz club feel with red leather banquettes, dim lighting and striking artwork. The menu is awash with classic Mediterranean brasserie fare, albeit with some interesting twists. The Dublin Bay Prawn scampi is a staple, and the chicken Milanese with garlic and herb butter, accompanied by a rocket and parmesan salad and fried capers, served with duck fat-roasted potatoes, is my go-to comfort food dish of dreams. Peploes opened its doors in 2003, and ever since has been the go-to place for mid-week lunch, a family celebration or a weekend get-together. www.peploes.com
Fisherman’s Catch at Clogherhead, Co Louth
I suppose it’s an obvious choice for a family that sells fresh fish to diversify and meet the demand for top quality fish and chips, especially in a location such as this. Fisherman’s Catch is the perfect place for a pitstop while spending a day at Clogherhead Beach. The Kirwan family are fourth generation fishermen, so they know their stuff and the beach itself is a relatively sheltered sandy stretch, backed by mature sand dunes. www.fishermanscatch.ie