Fancy Dining in a Thatch Cottage? 6 Spots to Visit in Ireland
What better way to combine a charming setting then with dining? Here are a few inspirations for you of thatch cottages across the island of Ireland that you can enjoy:
1826 ADARE
1826 Adare is a multi-award winning restaurant set within a thatch cottage in Adare village (co. Limerick), Elaine and Wade Murphy consistently deliver an innovative menu with attentive service. The name? It ties to the year the cottage was built by Lord Dunraven (who had a small little spot just a few feet away, you may have heard of Adare Manor...also known as a large luxury hotel property in Limerick).
Morans Oyster Cottage
Thatch cottage, oysters, hospitality? Who could resist! Morans Oyster Cottage, has a 250 year family history of hospitality in Galway Bay. Love this quote on their website, that Morans is a "must for anybody with an interest in sampling the crustaceous delights in Galway Bay". Once you try Irish oysters you will be forever spoiled from any others...
The Ivy Cottage
Keeping on the seafood vein, another choice for consideration will land you in Doolin, co. Clare: The Ivy Cottage. A lovely ode to the spot appears on their site here. On the menu you'll find they feature several local producers, such as Burren Smoked Salmon (which you can stop in and visit while there as only a few minutes down the road) and St Tola's Goat Cheese.
The Red Door Tea Room
Imagine a turf fire, a cup of tea that is served in the finest china, enjoying a baked scone and set within the "bucolic hills of the Irish countryside". This is the description The Red Door Tea Room has placed on their Facebook page. This thatch cottage tea room can accommodate up to groups of 50 for private events. A visit here will take you to the northern tip of Northern Ireland in co. Antrim.
The Thatch Crinkill
A visit to The Thatch Crinkill takes you to the Hidden Heartlands in co. Offaly. While the restaurant opened in 1995, the thatch cottage (and pub) has in fact been in family ownership for 200 years and is one of the oldest pubs in the county. (It used to be known as Mother Walsh's). What is very intriguing? The cabbage cream that appears on the dinner menu.
Cullen's Cottage at Ashford Castle
Cullen's Cottage has an upscale vibe to its interior, but welcomes casual dress. It is located within the Ashford Castle grounds in co. Mayo. You can sip a few cocktails on their terrace with view of the castle and a small cafe and shop next door. If you plan to visit, it is highly recommended to book in advance given the popularity of its location. It is walking distance to Cong village, home to The Quiet Man movie.
Do you have a favorite food spot that is set within a thatch cottage? Or have you been to one of the above and enjoyed it? Drop a line here and share your thoughts.
* * * * *
Interested in receiving a “taste” of Ireland’s food and drink story in your inbox each month? Then join FarePlate’s newsletter “Fare/Tales” which includes updates on future events, discoveries, producers and more. Join HERE.