30 Irish pubs spread across 13 counties, north and south, are listed in the 2018 Michelin ‘Eating Out In Pubs’ guide just published. Of the 22 pubs in the Republic of Ireland and eight in Northern Ireland, one is a new listing – Bull & Ram in Ballynahinch, Co. Down.
Situated in an Edwardian butcher's shop, the Bull & Ram offers an imaginative, modern yet informal menu, showcasing the best of local, seasonal produce.
Lisdoonvarna’s Wild Honey Inn is Ireland’s only Michelin-starred establishment also to feature in this year’s guide. Earlier this month, the Co. Clare eatery made history by becoming the first Irish pub to be awarded a Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland.
Having held a listing in the Michelin ‘Eating Out In Pubs’ guide since 2014, this year sees Morrissey’s in Doonbeg rise in status to become the only Bib Gourmand recipient listed in the guide. Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise those establishments offering good food at affordable prices of €40 or less for a three-course meal.
In overall terms, County Down leads the way with seven listings followed by Clare and Cork with four each and Kildare with three. Dublin, Galway and Mayo each received two listings with Antrim, Leitrim, Louth, Sligo, Tipperary and Wexford each having one listing. They are:
Antrim - Billy Andy’s at Mounthill, near Larne
Clare - Morrissey’s (Doonbeg), Vaughan’s Anchor Inn (Liscannor), Wild Honey Inn (Lisdoonvarna) and Linnane’s Lobster Bar (New Quay)
Cork - Poacher’s Inn (Bandon), Deasy’s (Clonakilty), Cronin’s (Crosshaven) and Toddies at The Bulman (Kinsale)
Down - Bull & Ram (Ballynahinch), Pheasant (Annahilt), Poacher’s Pocket (Comber), Parson’s Nose and Plough Inn (both in Hillsborough) Pier 36 (Donaghadee) and Balloo House (Killinchy).
Dublin - Old Spot and Chop House (both in Ballsbridge)
Galway - Moran’s Oyster Cottage (Kilcolgan) and O’Dowd’s (Roundstone)
Kildare - Harte’s (Kildare),Ballymore Inn (Ballymore Eustace) and Fallon’s (Kilcullen)
Leitrim - Oarsman (Carrick-on-Shannon)
Louth - Fitzpatricks (Jenkinstown)
Mayo - The Tavern (Murrisk) and Sheebeen (Westport)
Sligo - Hargadons (Sligo Town)
Tipperary - Larkins (Garrykennedy)
Wexford - Lobster Pot (Carne)
Wild Honey Inn (Lisdoonvarna) and Toddies at The Bulman (Kinsale) both retained an “Inspectors’ Favourites” commendation, described in the guide as ‘establishments found to be particularly charming and which offer something extra special’.
This year’s guide recommends some 470 top dining pubs spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland of which 27 are new entries and all of which are selected, first and foremost, for the standard of their food.
Speaking at its launch, guide editor Rebecca Burr commented, “This year we have seen so many pubs get a new lease of life by placing greater emphasis on food. It’s great to see pubs being rejuvenated this way as they are often the heartbeat of our towns and villages.”
