You are spoiled for choice for good dining options in Dingle, but few places can boast views to match The Boat Yard. Located on Strand Street, its large nautical-themed conservatory overlooks Dingle Harbour, where you can watch the boats come and go and soak up the beauty of this scenic spot.
The focus is on seafood and Dingle fish is given pride of place on the menu as coming from pier to platter. There aren't any surprises here, just plenty of crowd pleasers like Dingle Bay seafood chowder, crab claws and fishcakes for starters, and fish 'n' chips, mussels steamed in white wine, local organic salmon or pan-seared fillet of cod for mains.
If you want to push the boat out, try the local lobster with Thermidor butter or the Taste of Dingle Bay Crab, which showcases crab three different ways plus a bowl of chowder. Or splurge on their signature dish meant for sharing, the Wild Atlantic Platter: chowder, crab claws, calamari, clams and mussels, beer-battered fish on a large wooden platter complete with Guinness bread and chips. The one and only meat dish is a 10oz sirloin steak, but their specials might offer another option, such as a duo of Kerry beef in a stout jus made with the local beer.
The menu plays it safe, but with food this fresh you don't have to do much to it anyway. It's good, solid cooking without any cheffiness to detract from the simplicity of these well-loved favourites.
And who could resist finishing with more comforting classics like sticky toffee pudding, a warm chocolate brownie with hot fudge sauce or apple tart and custard for dessert?
A cheeseboard from the delightful Little Cheese Shop just up the road is a nice touch too. A good white wine is the obvious choice for seafood, but be sure to ask what local craft beers are available.
You might come for the waterside views, but seafood lovers will stay for the good food and the warm welcome.
