Out To Lunch: On Tour In Ballybunion

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Various Restaurants

Ballybunion

Ballybunion Sunset 1

The sun sets on the Castle Green in Ballybunion.

SINCE the summer holidays are still here and people like to get out on day trips, I thought I’d take the food review on tour this week.

First off, I have to confess more than a grá for Ballybunion.

My better half hails from the beautiful seaside town and I’ve been spending many weekends there, from April to September, for the best part of 20 years.

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There are incredible sunsets (especially if you’re sitting outside McMunn’s with a pint watching the sun descend on the Castle Green), the beaches are incredible and the cliff walk is – even though well-known in north Kerry – the underrated gem of Kerry.

Then there’s the food.

The town boasts some really good places to eat and so far this summer I’ve sampled the fare in the following…

Daroka 1

Daroka.

Daroka is the pick of the bunch for foodies. Just a couple of years on the go, it was included in the McKenna’s Guide Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland for 2016, which is no mean feat.

The food is simple but with incredible ingredients. I had an amazing pork belly starter, followed by Dover Sole mains and a caramel mousse a few weeks ago and it was the best meal I’ve had this year.

We also got a table upstairs overlooking the ocean which was a bonus.

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Cliff House 1

Cliff House Hotel.

Just up the road from Daroka is the Cliff House Hotel. Again, it’s blessed by its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, but the menu is also eye-catching. I’ve had steak there twice this summer and it’s been cooked to perfection.

They also serve food in Bernie’s Bar adjacent to the restaurant which is particularly popular with families as children are very welcome.

On Sandhill Road, both McMunn’s and The Marine Hotel command beautiful views of the ocean and are the perfect locations to eat and drink while watching the sun go down.

The Marine has a more modern feel, with tasteful decor and even tastier food, while McMunn’s is a more traditional Irish-style bar/restaurant with an extensive menu. Look out for their great specials.

Kilcoolys is doing a roaring trade at the top of the Main Street (where the salmon comes recommended) and fans of trad music will enjoy the entertainment.

Also worthy of mention is Teach de Broc, a large luxury guesthouse, located near the Golf Club, with a superb restaurant and great service. While I haven’t been there (yet) this year, I’ve heard only good things.

It’s well worth a visit out to Ballyb for any of the restaurants above, but don’t miss the cliff walk if you’re there.

4/5

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