DINING IN IRELAND

Here are our 18 recommendations to the best inns, restaurants and hotel dining in Ireland. To help your budget we've fixed the pars as:

Par 3 - simple and inexpensive
Par 4 - middle of the range for price
Par 5 - expect to pay for quality and service

King Sitric, Howth (Par 4)
This seafood restaurant is situated beside the harbour in Howth, a picturesque fishing village immediately adjacent to Dublin and close to Portmarnock. Offering locally caught fresh fish, Irish oysters, mussels and lobsters, the King Sitric also has an award-winning wine list.

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin (Par 5)
Located in The Merrion, arguably the city's finest hotel. Acclaimed as one of Ireland's best restaurants this is the perfect fine dining experience - offering modern Irish/French cuisine, an extensive wine list and a formal, dependable service.

Roly's Bistro, Dublin (Par 3)
More of an informal restaurant than a bistro, serving exceptional Irish/French cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Situated in the smart Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge, Roly's also offers good value for money.

Man Friday, Kinsale (Par 4)
One of Ireland's best known restaurants, and certainly one of the oldest and most established in Kinsale, Man Friday offers excellent cuisine and a friendly service from husband and wife team Philip and Joss Horgan. Sitting on the outskirts of Kinsale, this restaurant serves a mixture of award-winning modern Irish, European, seafood and vegetarian cuisine.

Foley's Seafood and Steak Restaurant, Killarney (Par 3)
Located in the center of Killarney, Foley's was originally a 19th century coaching inn. Now offering the modern-day traveler a variety of vegetarian, seafood and steak dishes from their award-winning restaurant.

Fredrick's Restaurant at Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney (Par 5)
Offering superb views over the lakes and mountains of Killarney, Fredrick's offers an elegant dining experience. Succulent, award-winning dishes that are inspired by traditional French cuisine are served by efficient and courteous staff. Has won Triple AA Rosettes for nine years in a row.

Killeen House Hotel, Killarney (Par 4)
You will always receive a friendly welcome from Michael and Geraldine Rosney, the husband and wife owners of Killeen House Hotel, originally built as a rectory in 1838. The restaurant serves an appetizing choice of European cuisine from an extensive menu. Food as delicious as the welcome is warm can be guaranteed.

Harty Costello, Ballybunion (Par 3)
On the main street in Ballybunion, 5 minutes from the golf course, Harty Costello (est 1857) offers an elegant mix of seafood, modern Irish, vegetarian and steak dishes. Extensive choices are available and all are made to the highest standards using only the freshest of produce.

The Maigue Restaurant at the Dunraven Arms, Adare (Par 5)
The Dunraven Arms is located in one of Ireland's prettiest villages. The Maigue Restaurant, named after the river that flows through the village has received the highest of accolades for its cuisine. Winner of three AA Red Rosettes, the Egon Ronay Irish Meat Restaurant of the Year and Gilbey's Gold Medal Award.

The Mustard Seed, Ballingarry (Par 4)
You can combine the Mustard Seed dining experience with an overnight stay in this stylish country home near Adare. All ingredients for the dishes are sourced from the best of Ireland's organic farms and cheese makers. Enjoy your meal in a beautiful location and be looked after by friendly and attentive staff.

Sheedy's Country House (Par 4)
Not far from Lahinch this family-run country house is set in the village of Lisdoonvarna, amongst the area's intriguing Burren scenery. The original house dates from the 17th century and is the oldest dwelling in the village. The restaurant's excellent reputation has been recognized with two AA rosettes since 1998. Favorite dishes are smoked haddock and fresh salmon fish cakes with homemade tartar sauce or slow roasted crispy duck with traditional sage and onion stuffing.

Cashel House Hotel, Cashel (Par 5)
Cashel House stands at the head of Cashel Bay, in the heart of Connemara on the west coast of Ireland, and is set in a 50-acre garden with woodland walks. Dine in the airy conservatory or in the original dining room, with its antique tables and numerous works of art. The extensive dinner menu changes daily and you might choose a warm parcel of quail and duck with a delicate brandy sauce to start. Then a plum tomato soup spiked with basil and a main course of roast Connemara spring lamb glazed with honey and mustard. Finish with a warm crepe, filled with baked bananas and served with homemade vanilla ice cream.

Knockranny House Hotel, Westport (Par 4)
Situated on a hillside overlooking the picturesque town of Westport, Knockranny House offers the best in Irish hospitality. La Fougere Restaurant overlooks Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick - Ireland's holy mountain - and the emphasis is on fresh seafood and the finest local ingredients. The hotel even has its very own organic herb garden to enhance recipes.

Cromleach Lodge nr Sligo (Par 5)
Cromleach Lodge is set in the quiet hills above Lough Arrow near Sligo, from where you can take in the spectacular vista of unspoiled mountains, lake and valley. Co-owner Moira Tighe was voted "Irish Chef of the Year 2000" and the dishes she creates with her all female team are a gastronomic delight.

St Ernan's House Hotel, Donegal (Par 4)
This hotel is quietly situated on a wooded tidal island 2 miles south of Donegal and is joined to the mainland by a causeway. If you are looking for good food and tranquillity, this is the place for you! The dining room is one of country elegance and the cuisine based on fresh local produce.

St John's Country House, Fahan (Par 4)
Situated by the shores of Lough Swilly on the Inishowen Peninsula, northwest of Londonderry, this is a small establishment with a good reputation for its fine cuisine, expertly prepared by co-owner Phil McAfee. So much so that the hotel now only offers dining to residents.

Bushmills Inn, Bushmills (Par 4)
At the home of the world's oldest distillery, this hotel and restaurant can be found between the Giant's Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club. It has been successful in re-creating its origins as an old coaching inn and millhouse. In the bar, still lit by gaslight, try a glass of 25 year old Bushmills malt whiskey from the hotel's private cask before having dinner in the 'Taste of Ulster' restaurant.

Glassdrumman Lodge, Annalong (Par 4)
This small but sophisticated country house, located where the "The Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea", is convenient for Royal Co Down GC. Dinner is served either at a long pine table, where one can get to know other guests, or at private tables. The cuisine is highly acclaimed and produced from a variety of local ingredients. Vegetables are grown, animals raised, butter churned, bread baked and hens kept free range on the lodge farm. Local fishing ports supply fresh seafood for the menu.