Restaurants in County Clare
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Linnane's
Irish standards like smoked sal- mon and more are fully honoured here. Peat fires warm the almost bare interior; nary a frill in sight. There's trad music many nights in summer.
reviewed
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Vaughan's Pub
Seafood, traditional foods and local produce feature on the Vaughan's appealing menu. The pub has a big reputation in Irish music circles. There's music in the bar every night during the summer and on many nights the rest of the year. The adjacent barn is the scene of terrific set-dancing sessions on Thursday and Sunday nights. Have a pint under the big tree out front.
reviewed
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Cassidy's
Cassidy's serves up a good range of pub dishes, several with witty names reflecting the establishment's previous incarnation as a British Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) station, and then as a garda (police) barracks. Enjoy trad music and dancing some weekends. The views from the terrace are as intoxicating as the drink.
reviewed
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Crotty’s
The most atmospheric spot on the Clare side of the water, Crotty’s has picnic tables outside that you won’t want to leave, especially on long summer nights. Inside it could be the model for the perfect old pub anywhere (and it’s the real deal). Fish and chips and burgers rise above the norm, and the purveyors of the foods are listed.
reviewed
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Durty Nelly's
Thronging with tourists all summer long, Nelly's manages to provide some charm amid the hubbub, right across from the castle. Meals are better than you'd expect, although the pub is more enjoyable than the restaurant upstairs. There are trad sessions many nights.
reviewed
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Town Hall Cafe
Adjacent to, and affiliated with, the Old Ground Hotel, this excellent bistro is in the stylishly resurrected old town hall. High ceilings allow large artwork, while the spare settings don't compete with the food on the ever-changing modern Irish menu. Look for local ingredients, especially seafood, taking front and centre stage.
reviewed
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Roadside Tavern
Down by the river, this pub is pure craic. Third-generation owner Peter Curtin knows every story worth telling. There are trad sessions daily in summer and during the weekends in winter. Imbibing musicians can be found here anytime. The trad fun extends to the kitchen, which turns out creamy seafood chowders etc. Anything with smoked fish is good as they also run the nearby Burren Smokehouse.
reviewed
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Molly's Bar & Restaurant
Guarding the east flank of the bridge, this riverside pub has an alluring rooftop deck that puts you high above the coagulated traffic as well as waterside picnic tables. It offers Irish standards such as bacon and cabbage, plus pub classics like pizza and burgers. Weekend nights there's a festival of live music and DJs.
reviewed
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River Run
Small, smart and stylish, this blue-fronted bistro has food as creative as the local art for sale on the walls. The selections are kept minimal, but always include good seafood, meat and veggie options. The more casual lunch menu is served until closing.
reviewed
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Zucchini
The vivid-red front tells you that this place is a standout. The ever-changing menu is ambitious: look for interesting options like local oysters baked with rocket and roasted halibut with saffron. Everything is sourced locally and you'll enjoy handmade breads and desserts plus seafood caught offshore.
reviewed
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Gooser's Bar & Eating House
Only the masses of fun-seekers on busy weekends diminish the Gooser's experience. This is a hugely popular thatched pub, noted for its big selection of fish. Sailors make mirth and plough into the hefty seafood platter in the restaurant or go for pub fare at tables outside.
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Numero Uno Pizzeria
You expect the wine to come in bottles covered with straw at this timeless pizza and pasta joint. The pies are thin and loaded up with traditional ingredients. The pastas are hearty and filling. Watch half of Ennis pop in for a pizza-to-go from the dining area.
reviewed
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Naughton's Bar
The terrace alone is enough to make Naughton's a mandatory stop, but the food is even better. Fresh local produce and seafood combine for some mighty fine pub meals at this very atmospheric family-run pub which dates to the 1870s.
reviewed
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Monk's Bar & Restaurant
Famed for its excellent seafood, Monk's is a cheerful, spacious and comfortable place. Peat fires warm in winter, while sea breezes cool you at the outdoor tables in summer. The pub is open late and there are trad sessions some nights in high season.
reviewed
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Inchiquin Inn
Townsfolk follow the horses at this oh-so-local pub with a great kitchen. The seafood chowder and bacon and cabbage are some of the best you'll find. The former is thick, tangy and redolent with smoked fish. There's trad music some summer nights. An annual stone-throwing championship out back in June is a huge local party. Hostel beds upstairs are €15 per person.
reviewed
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Liam O'Riains
At this grizzled, stone-faced old veteran, you're greeted by a cow-eyed, 12kg pike mounted on a wall near the entrance – he's an ugly mother. Everything else here, however, is lovely. Candles glow softly and windows overlook the river below.
reviewed
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Murphy Blacks
How do you ensure that you're getting the best fish? Go to a place owned by an ex-fisherman. This deservedly popular dinner spot is booked up solid night after night for its carefully crafted dishes. Tables outside are a summer-night treat.
reviewed
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Vaughan's Anchor Inn
Noted for its excellent seafood (yes to the scallops and halibut), Vaughan's packs 'em in – and out. When it rains, you can settle in the pub by a peat fire, when it shines (sometimes 15 minutes later) you can take in the air at a picnic table. Newly renovated – and compact – rooms offer sleepy refuge.
reviewed
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Pantry
With a Euro-sleek look, this bakery/deli/cafe is filled with surprises and fresh treasures. The scones are plainly the best in Clare and pretty much everything else you order from the seemingly simple menu will have you saying, 'That's the best…I ever had'.
reviewed
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Bourke's the Galley
The sign at this sparkling cafe across from the church reads: Be warm, be welcome, be at home. Of course, home never had such cupcakes. Attached to a deli, Bourke's offers rich coffees, alluring baked goods and fresh light meals you can enjoy on a small terrace.
reviewed
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Kasturi
Indian cuisine is excellent at this most accommodating of restaurants. The staff are gracious, constantly serving the large dining room with a mannered feel. Classics such as tandoori chicken are two cuts above the norm.
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Ennis Gourmet Store
Enjoy a warm drink from the full coffee and tea bar at one of this little gem’s outside tables. There’s a range of soups, sandwiches and hot specials plus a deli case of Irish cheeses, preserves, good wines and more.
reviewed
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Ólólainn
A tiny family-run place on the left as you head out to the pier, Ólólainn (o- loch -lain) is the place for a timeless moment or two in old-fashioned snugs. Look for the old whiskey bottles in the window.
reviewed
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Brogan's
The peas at this popular old pub are always well cooked, and the supply of spuds never-ending. Standards like roasts get top billing along with steaks and an imposing beer-battered cod. The seafood chowder is loaded with smoked fish.
reviewed
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Cafe Aroma
Spread over three levels, this popular spot always bustles with locals grabbing a freshly made sandwich (try the bacon, avocado and garlic spread wonder) or settling back for something more substantial.
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