In a pleasant and historically interesting site right beside the Shannon, this restaurant is in a restored fort and has oodles of character. The owner, Fergal Moran, grew up here and, having fulfilled a lifetime ambition to restore the fort, opened it as a restaurant in 2002.
Since spring 2015, the restaurant has been operated by Danny Parker (who is the head chef) and Valerie Deegan (Manager), who offer a wide ranging choice and open every day.
You arrive into a large and welcoming reception area and bar, which has lovely old timbers, a fine bar and comfortable sofas beside an open fire - and an extra dining space, which is useful at busy times or for guests who can’t manage the stairs.
The main dining room is upstairs and the ambience is lovely, with old wooden floors, well-spaced polished wood tables smartly laid with starched linen napkins and candles.
As ever, and especially perhaps for boating folk coming in hungry off the river, the simplest dishes are often best – a juicy local steak, cooked as ordered, makes a very good meal and, together with attentive service and lovely surroundings, a meal here should be a memorable outing.
Also at: There is a sister Parker's Restaurant at Riverstown, near Birr, Co Offaly. Tel:057 9121528.
