Fine dining and good food is an essential element of the Blue Book offering, with each house offering an array of sumptuous meals in elegant settings. However, some Blue Book houses have also added a more casual flair to their dining options. If you prefer to take a break from white linen tablecloths and candlelight you can choose to relax in some of the bars and cafes of the various Blue Book properties
Blue Book Gift Vouchers are always welcome.
East Café Bar at the King Sitric, Co. Dublin
While the King Sitric has been at the forefront of Irish fine dining for over forty years, in 2012 the MacManus family opened the East Café Bar for casual dining, relaxing & socialising. Here you will find some seafood favourites, including Howth seafood chowder, mussels and the infamous Dublin bay prawns. Lobster, Crab and Shrimp are caught by local fishermen in Balscadden Bay, only meters from the restaurant and the fish is landed daily on Howth Pier. East Café is open all day, with seating available on the terrace for sunny days.
Tel – 01 832 5235
East Café Bar at the King Sitric
The Duck Restaurant at Marlfield House, Co. Wexford
Situated on the beautiful grounds of Marlfield House, The Duck is an assortment of restored courtyard buildings including a coach house, potting shed and gardener’s tool shed. This unique space comprises a relaxed restaurant with a blazing fire, café bar and glasshouse with views of the manor house and garden. Through ornate French doors, the restaurant opens onto a sandstone terrace overlooking the kitchen garden and is the perfect spot for alfresco coffees, pastries, cocktails, lunch or dinner. The food is modern fusion and includes light Italian dishes including antipasti, flatbreads and dips, exciting salads, sandwiches, steaks, fish, spatchcock chicken and much more. The Duck promises a relaxed dining experience to be enjoyed by friends and family throughout the year, on the grounds of this lovely country house.
Tel – 094 21124
The Duck Restaurant at Marlfield House
The Local at Dunbrody House, Co. Wexford
The Local is the traditional pub on the grounds of Dunbrody House serving a great casual menu from Beer-Battered local fish & chips to Sizzling Garlic Prawns. Sample some craft beers from the Dunbrody’s own microbrewery and more importantly share in the ‘craic’ with Dunbrody residents and locals alike. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Kevin & Catherine Dundon, both Dunbrody luxury hotel and the Local Pub reflect their joint passion for excellence in all areas.
Tel – 051 389600
The Local at Dunbrody House
The Tap Room at Rathmullan House, Co. Donegal
The Tap Room is the culmination of three local Donegal businesses – Kinnegar Brewing, Sacarpello & Co and Rathmullan House, working in unison to provide a memorable dining experience. Scarpello & Co. provide real stone-baked pizzas from the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, where the use of the best ingredients complements their fresh homemade dough. The result is a pizza which would not be out of place in the finest Milanese pizzeria. Irish craft beer is available on tap from the Kinnegar Brewery. With only a 2km journey from the brewery to Rathmullan’s Tap Room, you won’t find a fresher pint of Kinnegar anywhere in Ireland. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, make this the ideal location to wind down after a walk on the beach in this idyllic location on the shores of the Swilly.
Tel – 074 915 8188
The Tap Room at Rathmullan House
Perrotts Garden Bistro at Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork
Located in the conservatory area at the front of Hayfield Manor Hotel, Perrotts Garden Bistro has become a favourite among guests and locals alike since it first opened its doors back in 2005. With a distinct relaxed atmosphere and bright, airy décor, it is the ideal restaurant venue to enjoy a sumptuous meal with family and friends or to get away from the office for a tasty working lunch with colleagues. Perrotts Garden Bistro features a wide range of Mediterranean and international speciality dishes to appeal to all tastes.
Tel – 021 484 5900
Perrotts Garden Bistro at Hayfield Manor
The Cellar Bar at The Merrion, Dublin
Located in the original 18th-century wine vaults of the Main House of The Merrion, a warm welcome awaits visitors to the oak-lined Cellar Bar. A popular lunchtime and after-work meeting place for Dubliners, the Cellar Bar offers a relaxed ambience and an all-day gastro-pub menu. Along with a full bar service, carefully selected wines are available by the glass. Great service and a convivial atmosphere make the Cellar Bar an ideal choice for lunch, dinner or just a quiet pint.
Tel – 01 603 0600
The Cellar Bar at The Merrion
The Bar at Aherne’s Townhouse, Co.Cork
Enjoy the warm and friendly welcome that awaits you in either of the two richly-furnished, traditional Bars at Aherne’s Townhouse. Renowned for their hospitality, guests will find a room full of new friends where they can enjoy one of the famous bar meals along with a pint of Guinness. Alternatively, choose from a carefully selected wine list or sample the extensive array of Irish whiskies, brandies and speciality coffees. On the menu, you will find the freshest of seafood as well as prime Irish beef and sandwiches on homemade bread.
Tel – 024 92424
The Bar at Aherne's Townhouse
The Oak Cellar Bar at Glenlo Abbey, Co.Galway
The Oak Cellar Bar at Glenlo Abbey is perfect for guests or visitors looking for a more casual dining experience than that of the fine dining Pullman Restaurant or the River Room. The Oak Cellar Bar is the perfect cosy spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends or even just to relax for a quiet drink while reading the newspaper.
Using traditional recipes and popular favourites, the Oak Cellar Bar is a hugely popular dining venue for locals and guests alike. In the summer months, enjoy dining Al-fresco on the Abbey Terrace overlooking the beautiful walled gardens… Bliss!
Tel – 091 519 600
The Oak Cellar Bar at Glenlo Abbey
Jack Fenn Cafe at Belleek Castle, Co.Mayo
The Jack Fenn café at the regal Belleek Castle is a true foodie destination. Visitors can enjoy a casual lunch or tea and cake in this stylish and quirky café in Ballina. The café itself is located in the former 1820’s stables and coach house at Belleek Castle.
The best quality and locally sourced ingredients are used to crafts Jack Fenn’s beautiful range of soups, sandwiches, salad, charcuterie plates and, of course, cakes and other sweet treats.
Tel – 096 22 400
Jack Fenn Cafe at Belleek Castle
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