Posts Tagged ‘ireland’
Doolin Hotels, Restaurants And Pub Menus – Four Recommend Places For Seafood Lovers
April 14, 2010
It is probably true to say that Irish cuisine is perceived globally as being bland. Thankfully, the wave of immigrants that helped buoy up the Celtic Tiger economy have also brought with them an appreciation of European, Asian and World cuisine that has prompted a restaurant boom.
Even the smaller towns and villages around Ireland are benefiting from this rise in restaurant numbers as each village sees the value this provides to local tourism.
One town of particular note, in gastronomic terms, is Doolin in the west of Ireland. For many years, visitors were only in Doolin for the traditional music sessions or to get the ferry over to the Aran Islands. But nowadays, Doolin hotels, pubs and restaurant are raising the standard of dining for the entire region.
In the village sits Cullinan’s restaurant. Their menu focuses on using the seafood & shellfish caught and delivered daily from the local harbor. The overall feel of the menu is one of classic Mediterranean spices and flavor combinations that complement the fish and legumes used.
A fine dining experience is available at Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel and Restaurant. Indeed there is a wonderful blend of the plush dining room dcor, the exquisite food, the panoramic views of Galway Bay and all set with the backdrop the 15th century castle which forms the backdrop to the hotel and restaurant.
Family groups in search of a no-fuss option will find the Aran View House Hotel restaurant a pleasing option. Diners can choose from the formal a la carte menu in the main dining room, the standard menu or the bar menu in the hotel bar. The style of good suits the country house dcor and is more traditionally Irish with stews, roasts and seafood options throughout.
Any visitor to Doolin should not however miss out on hearing some of the best traditional music sessions that this town is famous for. The best places to experience this is in the two main bars on the main street, McGann’s and O’Connor’s pubs. Both also provide regular hearty pub fare with the local seafood chowder being a firm favorite along with the obligator Irish stew.
Given that Doolin is a small Irish village in a relatively remote region, it is great to see the town has raised its game and now provides enough dining-out options to cater for families, couples and singletons seeking good quality locally sourced food. While it may never take Kinsale’s crown as the culinary capital, it will certainly be considered in the top 3.
Discover Doolin Ireland for yourself. For more information visit the Doolin Hotels Guide website.
Top 3 Hotels In Doolin Ireland
April 5, 2010
County Clare in the south west of Ireland is one of the last remaining unspoilt counties in Ireland with scenery, accommodation, entertainment and culinary delights in abundance.
Most visitors to the region are understandably drawn to the likes of the Ring of Kerry (a scenic coastal drive), kissing the stone at the Blarney Castle and perhaps even Funghi the dolphin in Dingle Bay.
While these attractions are worth the visit it will be the Doolin town’s scenic views out to the Atlantic and the charm of the quaint village cottages that look like a picture from the 19th century that will stick in your memory. Add to this the splendid restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and the nightly traditional Irish music sessions in the local bars and you can see why the Irish choose to holiday here themselves.
The first hotel of note close to Doolin village is the Aran View House Hotel which, as the name suggests is perched close to the sea with expansive views out to the Atlantic ocean and the Aran Islands. This hotel will suit those wishing to savor the entertainment of Doolin town as it is only a short walk along the coast road to the village.
Each of the 19 rooms in this hotel are big and spacious with great views. Those wishing for a variety of dining options will be tempted by this hotels restaurant with both standard and a-la-carte menus. Those seeking wholesome food in an informal setting can also partake of the pub menu on offer too.
If you are seeking something more tranquil and just that little bit extra special then a stay at the Ballinalacken Castle Country House comes highly recommended for its hill top setting with views of Galway Bay and its lush grounds.
The hotel sits alongside the castle (from which the hotel took its name) on a cliff top a few kilometers north of Doolin village. The 15th century castle forms a backdrop to the hotel with has been sympathetically designed inside and out with tasteful elegant decor throughout. Rooms are bright and spacious.
This family owned hotel is very welcoming with staff being professional and friendly as you would expect from the Irish. The hotel has plenty of communal areas to sit down and read a book or take in the views out across the bay. The hotel restaurant is in perfect balance with the surroundings with a wonderful menu of mouth watering dishes using locally sourced produce (seafood is a specialty of the area).
One final accommodation recommendation would be the Roadford House guest-house. Some might term this 6 room guesthouse as being almost a boutique hotel and it certainly has the quirky modern feel that some would enjoy. The adjoining restaurant serves award winning food and is noted in the area for its spectacular range of dishes.
Discover Doolin Ireland for yourself. For more information visit the Doolin Hotels Guide website.