Looking for some top tier dining recommendations outside of the capital? The team have dished up their absolute favourite restaurants running across the length and breadth of Ireland.
Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors; Deputy Editor, IMAGE
I’m a huge seafood fan, so it’s perhaps not a surprise that I can’t stop going back to Lir in Coleraine, Co. Derry. Their seafood-focused menu uses only sustainably-caught, wild Irish fish and shellfish, but they also use it in such imaginative and playful ways. The menu changes constantly depending on what’s available, but you’ll always find dishes you’ll never see elsewhere, plus they have an excellent wine and cocktail selection, as well as thoughtful non-alcoholic options. The location is great too, a former yacht club that overlooks the River Bann, with a cool outdoor area that’s ideal for sunny days. Definitely one to make a beeline for if you’re around the north coast.
Sarah Gill, Features Editor, IMAGE.ie
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a thousand times: I’m a Rúibín die hard. Gazing out over the Docks in Galway, the dining experience is perfect every time, whether you’re there for lunch, bar bites or an evening meal in the restaurant upstairs. Outside of the food (which is a mouth-watering mix of contemporary Irish fare made with all the best produce) and the cocktail menu (changes by season and crafted with absolute precision), the setting and staff make a meal there feel so special. The lighting, the ambience, the music, every element has been considered so that you can focus on unwinding and enjoying the good company.
Honourable mention must go to The Oarsman in Carrick-on-Shannon. It’s a gastropub that feels really elevated, and is a go-to for marking special occasions with my family. It’s cosy and atmospheric, and if you call in at the right time, there’ll be acoustic guitar twinkling away in the background, played live by an on-site musician. It’s hearty fare that will leave you feeling full, but the presentation is always perfect.
Dearbhla Lovett, IMAGE First Activations Freelancer
Okay, I’m not being biased towards Cavan, but Shades Grill in Cavan town is one of my favourite restaurants outside of Dublin. The quality is consistently excellent, the selection is great without being too excessive, there’s also an extensive vegan menu alongside all the regulars (not just a falafel burger!). The cocktails are just as delicious. It’s a must-visit if you’re near the area.
I also need to mention a standout meal I had in Cork last year. We went to Sonflour, a plant-based restaurant in the city that I would make the five-hour drive back down just to eat here again. Don’t let the vegan label deter you; I went with a big meat eater and we were both equally impressed! It was Italian inspired cuisine (I think) but every single thing we ordered was 10/10, even the homemade focaccia bread to begin with!
Katie Brady, Marketing & Memberships Executive
I have to give this honour to the Square restaurant in Dundalk. I am from Blackrock, Co. Louth so I am fortunate enough to have this gem on my doorstep.
The Square serves up delicious, considered small plates and mains, and boasts an impressive wine and cocktail list. Some menu highlights include the salted hake croquettes, the fried corn ribs and (my personal favourite) the Riverside Farm cabbage.
From the delicious food, to the attentive staff and intimate setting it is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. They have recently expanded and I cannot wait until the next time I am home in Co. Louth – it will give myself and my family an excuse to book a table!
Meghan Killalea, Marketing Account Executive
As a proud Maynooth-ian, there are a few top spots in my mind that I love to visit. For a tasty breakfast or brunch, Willow and Wild will always be my winner. They have a wide range of delicious options, my go-to order always being the avocado toast, and they also do a very good chai latte.
For dinner, I’m torn between two. If I’m in the mood for Italian, Donatello’s is the place to go. As someone with food intolerances, it’s literally the dream as they have fully gluten free and vegan menu options, all of which are just divine. The atmosphere is always buzzing in there, and their Aperol Spritz makes you feel like you’re sitting in Lake Garda.
However, if I’m in the mood for a good steak, there’s no place like Stone Haven. I’ve been going here for years as their steak on a stone option is one of my absolute favourite things to order. Not only is it a fun experience, but you’ll never get a steak not cooked to your liking, as you’re the chef!
Joanne Kennedy, Senior Event Executive
ArdBia in Galway is a really tasty spot for both lunch and dinner, and it’s perfectly located in the city centre. It’s my go-to whenever I’m visiting the West!
I always stop at The Stables in Birr, Co. Offaly for lunch after a trip to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The Tea Rooms at The Stables do a really lovely brunch and lunch menu. It’s in a Georgian building with modern interiors – the perfect cosy spot with a pal. If the weather is good, you can even sit outdoors in their garden courtyard.
Keane’s Bar in Maam Bridge, Co. Galway is a must if you are visiting Connemara. They do the best toasted sandwiches – no words needed!
Shayna (Sappington) Healy, Branded Content Editor and Wedding Editor
My husband and I went away to Carrick-on-Shannon a few years ago, and I still dream about the pizza and pasta at Da Vino. I recommend the Pizza DaVino with fresh buffalo mozzarella and Parma ham, and the light and creamy tagliatelle alla carbonara with a glass of Chianti – divine!
For Chinese food, you can’t go wrong with Eatzen in Ashbourne, Co Meath. Their spring rolls and sesame prawn baguettes are the perfect precursor to their rich and flavourful mains. I always return to their delicious Rendang curry, which is packed with colourful veggies, succulent chicken and sapid sauce I could drink with a straw. They do some really nice cocktails too!
Finally, on a rainy road trip to Kerry, I stopped into Quinlan & Cooke’s seafood restaurant in Cahersiveen and had the best seafood chowder of my life. It’s no surprise they were recently crowned Georgina Campbell’s Seafood Restaurant of the Year. They use only fresh, sustainable fish sourced locally, and it shows in every dish – from their tempura fish tacos and Malaysian seafood curry, to their classic beer battered fish’n’chips.
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