Carlow is one of Ireland’s loveliest counties yet - surprisingly, considering its convenience to the capital - perhaps also one of the most underrated. But that may be a plus for visitors, who will find an idyllically lush and unspoilt place with pretty villages (none more so than Borris) and lovely river scenes, including Clashganny Lock - its stunningly beautiful rural setting is best seen from a roadside vantage point nearby. Once seen never forgotten, it’s easy to understand why this is one of Ireland’s most famous views...
And Robert and Karen White’s impressive restaurant, just a hundred yards from the lock, provides yet another reason to visit this beauty spot as soon as possible.
It’s down a narrow road (signed from the ‘main’ road) and, although it may look a little bare at first, the fine old mid-19th century granite house is set in woodland that was planted when the house was built.
Robert is the chef (previously at Monart spa, nearby at Enniscorthy, always known for its cuisine) and Karen, who has a hotel background, is warmly hospitable and very comfortable in front of house.
Two smartly furnished dining rooms flank the front door and, as you enter, you’ll notice that the kitchen door is open at the end of the hall, so you can see Robert cooking - a welcoming touch.
Looking out onto mature trees, the dining rooms offer art pieces for sale on the walls and, with high backed leather chairs, white linen, good glassware and promptly served iced water and bread, the scene is set for a special - but accessibly priced - outing.
There’s also a comfortable reception room where you can enjoy an aperitif while choosing from the menu - and craft beers are also served.
With six dishes to choose from on each course, the dinner menu offers something for everyone and, wisely, most options are upbeat renditions of popular dishes - starters like black pudding and potato hash with grilled asparagus and twice cooked free range egg, for example and crisp fried fish cake, with crab, red pepper and pickled cucumber salad.
Other appealing starters may include grilled chimichurri prawns with pineapple and a chilli and lime salsa or a crispy spiced beef salad. There’s always an interesting vegetarian option on both courses, and a daily soup, which may also be vegetarian.
Main dishes are evenly balanced between fish and local meats such as Slaney Valley lamb, plus some poultry and a vegetarian dish. Perfectly cooked pan fried seabass with smoked salmon and spring onion risotto and lemon and chive beurre blanc and braised lamb shank with pearl barley, potato and vegetable ragout and garlic and rosemary jus are popular choices while the vegetarian option might be sun-dried tomato, red pepper stuffed with spiced couscous, served with melted brie and herb oil.
And, of course, there’s the good steak that is de rigeur in Irish restaurants - in this case a classy version of the country classic, comprising an 8oz ribeye with port braised shallot, crispy button mushrooms, garlic and parsley butter.
To finish choose between a good cheese platter and classic desserts some of which, such as Wexford strawberry Eton Tidy (crisp meringue and soft, naturally sweet strawberries combined with whipped cream - simple, and very delicious) depend on the season, while timeless choices may include chocolate mousse - served in a small glass bowl with crushed honeycomb providing a nice extra touch, this is full of flavour and not too heavy.
With Robert’s excellent cooking, Karen’s warmly professional supervision of the dining rooms and the wonderful setting, Clashganny House offers an accessible treat for discerning diners and - since taking our Newcomer of the Year title in 2014 - has become established as a key destination, both for the lucky locals and visitors to the area.
