The West Coast surf bar par excellence, this smart modern split-level bar/restaurant enjoys a great location, overlooking one of Ireland’s best surfing beaches. Its reputation was built on ‘Surf, Seafood and Stout’, and to this you might add music as there’s live music (and also a night club) some nights. There’s a giant screen too, and it’s a favourite spot to meet up to watch the big matches.
The interior is very attractive and, with interesting choice of materials, good lighting and Burren photographs by Mike Mulcaire giving it atmosphere, it’s a pleasant spot to enjoy the view (which includes watching surfers doing what they do best) and have a bite to eat.
Don’t expect gourmet offerings on a par with its sister property, Moy House, just outside Lahinch, but this friendly and well run bar offers appealing sustenance for hungry surfers throughout the day and evening – starting with morning snacks (homemade scones and muffins), followed by a full bar menu and specials from lunchtime onwards.
While more bar than restaurant (the first floor area originally designated restaurant is now used mainly for private parties and overflow for bar meals at busy times) you should find bar food that’s a good few notches above the norm – a house speciality of mussels with chips, for example, is something ‘people come back for’ – and, in the Guide’s experience, service is excellent and the place is kept immaculate, even at the busiest times.
And, on a quiet summer evening it’s easy to imagine that this could be a romantic destination – there’s a terrace to enjoy the sunset, which can be stunning and, although casual, the bar has style.
