Let’s go outside! These restaurants offer the perfect lunch stop off after a walk in the park, garden, grounds or estate …
Neighbourhood, Naas, Co Kildare
Kildare is well serviced with beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces and a childhood school tour to The Japanese Gardens is a fond memory to this day. The anticipation and excitement was palpable and being given the green light to eat as much chocolate and sweets as you could manage was sweetness in itself. Sadly, Neighbourhood in nearby Naas was not an option at the time, but today, it’s the ideal pit stop while traversing the thoroughbred county. Head chef Gareth Naughton (formerly of Circa) has developed a menu packed with the type of dishes worth travelling for. If you live locally, lucky you. www.neighbourhoodnaas.com
The Roundwood Inn, Co Wicklow
Wicklow is known as The Garden of Ireland for good reason, and whether you are visiting Mount Usher, Powerscourt (pictured above), or any of the great Wicklow gardens, The Roundwood Inn, perched in the Wicklow hills, is a great choice for a low key meal. A 17th-century hunting lodge, the inn is full of character and atmosphere and a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Expect lobster bisque, a generous prawn cocktail, oysters, venison ragout or a plate of excellent cheese. It’s simple, unfussy cooking that can be enjoyed while propped at the bar or seated by the fire. Oh, that all Irish pub grub could be like this. Tel: 01 2818107.
Shouk, Dublin 9
The green fingered among us (of which I am not) will appreciate the finer points of a trip to The Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, but even those brought grudgingly will appreciate a stop off at Shouk in Drumcondra afterwards. A mere two kilometres from the Botanic Gardens, Shouk is a Dublin treasure in all its unassuming glory. Have the arayes and the whole roast cauliflower. In fact, bring more people, merely as an excuse to try it all. The BYOB policy is the icing on the cake (€10 corkage). www.shouk.ie
The Fisherman’s Pub and Ranji Room at Ballynahinch Castle
There is a lot to love about Ballynahinch Castle. The history, the atmosphere, the unassuming luxury, and the friendly and professional staff. It really does have it all, but there are a two standouts. Ok, three. The location, the grounds and the food. Should you be lucky enough to spend an afternoon meandering the many walking trails of Ballynahinch, lunch in The Fisherman’s Pub and Ranji Room is an excellent way to round off your day. Pack your wellies, roam the estate, wonder agog at the awe inspiring landscape and finish with anything from the menu from a kitchen that is now under the inspired tutelage of chef Danni Barry. www.ballynahinch-castle.com
FXB, Ryan’s of Parkgate Street, Dublin 8
An inimitable city park, The Phoenix Park has plenty to attract springtime strollers now that the evenings are longer and ever so slightly brighter. Hire a bike, gaze at the deer (but don’t feed them), check out the visitors centre or stroll the grounds of Farmleigh. When all is said and done, head to the FXB outpost at Ryan’s of Parkgate Street and settle into a window seat to watch the world go by. The seafood chowder is delicious, the steaks and pies are excellent and the oysters are fresh. What more could you ask for? www.thebuckleycollection.ie/parkgate-street
