Pancake Cottage stands on The Strawberry Field, itself to be found, high up in hills on the road between Moll’s Gap and Sneem in County Kerry. Here, not far from Moll’s Gap - and to the delight of the travellers seeking sustenance on this quiet and lovely road - Peter and Margaret Kerssens specialise in making pancakes.
Local place names are used to distinguish the large selection of pancakes which come in sweet and savoury flavours. On the sweet side you might fancy the Caha Mountains Pancake (pancake with maple syrup), or maybe the Black Valley Pancake (pancake with blackberry-sauce and sugar or maple syrup).
If your taste is more towards savoury flavours the Sneem Pancake offers variations on the theme of Farmhouse Garlic Cheese (plain or with either spinach leaves or tomatoes) and there are lots of other choices including the Kenmare Pancake, with smoked Irish salmon, leek and sour cream.
But if you aren't in the mood for crepes, you could try the soup, the Dutch apple pie or some ice-cream. You’ll also find teas and coffees here, made with their own spring water, and a good selection of soft drinks, even beers and wines.
While working your way through the pancake menu, you’ll enjoy some terrific views from the garden terrace, over the valleys and the foothills of the mountains - quite amazing surroundings. The garden needs fine weather to be enjoyed, but if it is cold or damp (or both), you’ll be nice and cosy inside the two storey cottage, near the wood burning stove.
Allow time to take a look at the gift shop too, where there are paintings, sculptures and cast iron products among an unusual selection of strawberry-themed souvenirs.
This is a really useful place to know about when touring in the area, especially as it is open all year.
