County Clare’s dining scene is quite traditional and varies between fine dining seafood restaurants or traditional pubs serving home cooked meals, as well as bars and cafes throughout the towns. The location of County Clare, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, means that the seafood is spectacular but in recent years Asian and fusion foods are also becoming more available.
EnnisAs the biggest town in the county, there are a large number of dining options available in Ennis, ranging from the Cloister Restaurant to the Food Heaven Café. The Rowan Tree Café offers a Mediterranean menu throughout the day and the Royal Orchid serves Thai food at a high quality standard. The Dining Room is an award winning restaurant that serves contemporary food and sometimes offers deals on the menu.
• The Rowan Tree Café, Harmony Row, Ennis. North Clare
The area provides a few less restaurants than the other parts of County Clare, but you’re never far away from somewhere wonderful. For a touch of class, An Fulacht Fia in Ballyvaughan offers a romantic setting where guests are served with impeccable service and warmed with friendly smiles. On the other end of the scale, The Tea Junction offers teas and light snacks at reasonable prices where you can watch the world go by. For something different why not try Gregans Castle Hotel where they serve modern dishes using local ingredients and boast an impressive wine list.
• An Fulacht Fia, Coast Road, Ballyvaughan. South Clare
With the options ranging from local pubs and Italian restaurants to medieval banquets you’ll be spoilt for choice when staying in the area. Bunratty Medieval Feast takes place in Bunratty Castle, with staff who can’t do enough for you and a fun-filled experience, there’s no reason not to spend an evening here. For a relaxed atmosphere and Irish traditions, Durty Nelly’s serves generous portions of home cooked food and an excellent choice of Irish Coffees. Pier 17 offers a mix of European, Asian and New York cuisine all made with local ingredients and is only five minutes from Shannon airport. Why not try Zest Bistro or the Smitz café if you haven’t found what you’re looking for.
• Bunratty Medieval Feast, Bunratty Castle, Bunratty. East Clare
In Killaloe you will find reasonable prices restaurants such as the Cherry Tree or traditional pubs like the Goosers Bar. The area is full of character so whether you want a quirk bite to eat in the Gallery Café or a delicious Mediterranean meal in the Tuscany Bistro you are surrounded by good quality meals.
• Cherry Tree Restaurant, Lakeside, Ballina, Killaloe. West Clare
Along with fantastic seafood, Doolin town has three fantastic pubs that are famous for live and traditional Irish music that guests must visit, O’Connors, McDermott’s and McGann’s. Cullinan’s Seafood is outstanding and caters to people with a variety of tastes. The Corner Stone pub is always full, serving traditional food throughout the day and Randadd’s offers a variety of cuisines at a reasonable price.
• O’Connors, Fisher Street, Doolin.
