Cross over the newest bridge in Ennis town centre, Harmony Bridge, and you’ll find yourself at the Rowan Tree. It is a hostel as well as a café and bar, and has a number of outside tables overlooking the water in this attractive market town.
The Rowan Tree’s premises used to be a club, and while the high ceilings and fine black marble fireplace speak of old-time grandeur, the place is spacious, light, all-welcoming and not at all exclusive.
Open seven days a week, the Rowan Tree offers every class of refreshment, from an excellent morning snack or Sunday brunch, when you can treat yourself to the likes of Doolin Crab and Salmon Paté or classic brunch favourites to afternoon tea or great (Illy) coffee - and it is always throbbing at lunchtime, with tables packed with everyone from parents with toddlers to a Golden Years outing for old friends, businessmen and shoppers who feel like a tasty bite to eat in relaxing surroundings. Everyone seems to feel at home.
The menu declares its ethics – local food where possible, properly sourced food, the best ingredients and something for vegetarians and vegans, too.
Whether it's lunchtime and you go for a house pizza, a Thai herb marinated prawn, monkfish & pineapple skewer or a slow cooked pulled pork gourmet sandwich, you’ll get a generous plateful of very fresh food.
The evening menu is a little more elaborate, but prices remain very fair and the style is still laid-back. Think of a first course of Moroccan style Clare lamb meatballs at €7.50 and a main course of panfried chicken supreme stuffed with Meere’s black pudding at about €16.50.
The wine list is long and interesting, and the good news for many is that a huge number of wines are available by the glass – and a good-sized glass, too.
