Lunching at leisure
Tuesday 16 August 2016
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Assumption – it's one of the biggest public holidays in France, and will see families gathering for the long weekend over extended lesiurely lunches, as children run around and their parents relax over copious glasses of wine. Thankfully, here in Ireland, we dont need a feast day, and long lunches are back in vogue; they're good for the soul and great for bringing people together. Here are 10 great places to try.
Locks
Overlooking swans on the Grand Canal and a passing parade of colourful walkers, stylish bicycles, big dogs, little yappy dogs, cool dudes and buggy pushers, the hip Locks has made a big thing of Sundays, which are hot as hell. Lots of cocktails, a two/three course menu at €25/€30, plus sharing boards and shellfish platters for two (€15pp supplement).
1 Windsor Terrace,
Dublin 8.
Tel: (01) 416-3655
locksrestaurant.ie
Seasons
The plush Seasons was re-launched recently and I have no doubt the people-watching will be as glamorous and interesting as ever in the restaurant as well as in the Ice Bar. A three course Sunday lunch is €45, with the under 12s menu at €19.50.
InterContinental Hotel,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Tel: (01) 665-4000
Intercontinentaldublin.ie
La Marine Bistro Bar
A chic little bit of France, with a fabulous long zinc bar counter, this is the perfect place to chill pre or post nosh. Their summer menu includes Bourbon & Maple syrup glazed pork ribs (€7.25) and Jamaican spiced spatchcock chicken (€18.75). Oh, there's that great beach for a family walk too!
Kelly’s Resort,
Rosslare, Co. Wexford.
Tel: (053) 913-2114
kellys.ie
Fishy Fishy
Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy is loved by tourists and locals alike. It's the perfect place for a long summer lunch. Bag a terrace table and treat yourself to Lobster Thermidor (€32.95) and Les Champs De Cris Pouilly Fume (€47.95), if you’re feeling flush.
Kinsale, Co. Cork.
Tel: (021) 470-0415
fishyfishy.ie
Morans Oyster Cottage
Morans is not only great for oysters and other seafoods, but for having the craic. It’s always jammers, as people mingle both inside and out over a pint, while contemplating the waters. Native Galway Bay oysters are available when there is an ‘R’ in the month, while locally grown gigas are served all year round.
The Weir,
Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
Tel: (091) 796-113
moransoystercottage.com
The Duck The Duck is the knockout new casual addition to Marlfield; it's set in a stone courtyard building with French doors opening onto a terrace and kitchen garden. Choose from Beaky Bits sharing boards; Peckish Duck salady things, or go the Whole Duck! Ducklings are superbly catered for too.
Marlfield House,
Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Tel: (053) 942-1124 marlfieldhouse.com
White Horses Ardmore is an absurdly pretty seaside village in Co. Waterford, and it's where the White Horses restaurant defines that perfect summer dining experience. It's a mix of the Hamptons and Cannes, with an al fresco area, the seafood is superb, as are the puds!
Main Street,
Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Tel: (024) 94-040
The Lake Room Aghadoe Heights Hotel, which overlooks the lakes of Killarney, is perfect for a long lunch, followed by great cocktails. The Lake Room's Sunday table d’hote is €29, while The Heights Lounge & Piano Bar has a very comprehensive, attractive all-day casual menu.
Aghadoe Heights Hotel,
Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Tel: (064) 663-1766
aghadoeheights.com
Wilde's at The Lodge Wilde's at The Lodge at Ashford Castle boasts fabulous views over Lough Corrib, and long Sunday lunches are now a big thing here, where the innovative Chef Jonathan Keane dishes out great contemporary food. With a €28 Sunday lunch menu, think of rustic beef tartare, followed by wild mallard, celeriac, fennel, and a berry jus.
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 954-5400 thelodgeac.com
Harvey’s Point
Loosen your belt before lunching at Harvey’s Point. Overlooking the waters of Lough Eske, the Sunday carvery lunch (€30 adults; €15 child) here is legendary. With a vast starters buffet, traditional roasts and extravagant desserts, you'll need a shoreside walk afterwards!
Lough Eske,
Co. Donegal
Tel: (074) 972-2208
harveyspoint.com
lucindaosullivan.com
FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT