Nicky and Patricia Moynihan’s waterside establishment close to the both the car ferry across to Cobh and the Ringaskiddy ferries (France) has grown a lot over the years, with the restaurant and accommodation becoming increasingly important.
Bar food is still taken seriously, however; seafood takes pride of place and afternoon/evening bar menus include everything from chowder or garlic mussels through to real Dingle Bay scampi and chips, although serious main courses for carnivores such as beef with brandy & peppercorn sauce are also available.
Next to the bar, a well-appointed restaurant provides a more formal setting for wide-ranging table d’hote and à la carte menus - and also Sunday lunch, which is especially popular.
Again seafood is the speciality, ranging from popular starters such as crab claws or oysters worked into imaginative dishes, and main courses that include steaks and Aylesbury duckling as well as seafood every which way, from grilled sole on the bone to medallions of marinated monkfish.
There’s always a choice for vegetarians (vegetarian and coeliac friendly dishes are highlighted on menus), and vegetables are generous and carefully cooked.
Finish with home-made variations on popular desserts such as orange flavoured pannacotta or rum & sultana crème brulée; ices are made locally, in Fermoy, and the quartet of Irish farmhouse cheeses offered comes with full information, including tasting notes.
Restaurant Seats 80 (private room, 30, outdoors, 20); D daily 6.30-9, L Sun 12-2.30. Set D €42, Set L €28; á la carte also available; house wine €22, sc discretionary. Bar food available daily 12-9pm, 2/3 course value D €19.50/24 served daily in bar 3-9pm. Children welcome before 7pm (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible. Closed 25-26 Dec, Good Fri.
Accommodation:
Bedrooms are quite simple, but have everything required (phone, TV, tea/coffee trays); those at the front have harbour views but are shower only, while those at the back are quieter and have the advantage of a full bathroom.
Fota Island Golf Course is only 12 minutes away, also Fota House and Wildlife Centre.
