The quaint thatched cottage located in the grounds of Ashford Castle offers delicious food, in a cosy atmosphere, for a great price.
Open from May to September, seven days a week, there is a great selection of fresh food from local suppliers on the menu.
During a visit to the restaurant at lunch time the place bustled with families, tourists, and couples who were experiencing the great food on offer.
For starters I sampled west coast mussels which were so fresh that the taste of sea salt still lingered on the shells of the delicious large portion which was presented to me. For main course the creamy taste of a goat’s cheese, and garlic pesto sauce on tagliatelle—which was also served with green asparagus—was so appetising. Even with hardly any room left for dessert, the tempting chocolate brownie with cookies and cream ice cream had to be tasted. Service throughout the meal was fantastic, which added to the whole experience.
Prices for lunch, which offers soups, salads, sandwiches, main courses—such as fish and chips, salmon, chicken, lamb—are priced from €8 for starters, €12.50 for mains, and from €5 for desserts.
The restaurant also offers sharing platters for two to three people, such as James McGeough’s award winning air dried meats. These platters start from €19—for rope mussels from Killary Harbour and selection of rustic breads.
The evening menu is priced from €8.50 for starters—slow roasted Irish pork belly; and main courses range from €15 to €26. A selection of fabulous main courses on offer include Clew Bay scallops with sweet pepper chutney, potato champ of James’ air dried pork (€25 ), or Irish Angus striploin steak which is served with basil and pine nut crust, crushed potatoes of Bluebell Falls, goat’s cheese and garlic grass (€26 ).
The restaurant also has a full bar menu.
For bookings contact 094 954 6003; www.ashford.ie
