Make for a culinary weekend getaway in Dungarvan, Ireland

Located just a few meters away from Dungarvan Castle, well-preserved since the 12th century, 360 Cookhouse is the perfect way to culminate your visit to this iconic city landmark. This establishment has mastered the art of Mediterranean and Basque cuisines, earning it a top spot on tourists' recommendations when visiting this part of Ireland. Settle into the main dining area, designed to resemble the recently explored fortress, or opt for their Pergola Garden Room and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature on sunny days.

The restaurant is renowned for its tapas, stone-baked pizzas, burgers, grilled steaks, and fresh seafood dishes. We recommend starting with crispy bruschetta and a small tapas plate with glazed wings and lemon yogurt. You should also try the local delicacy of cured Irish salmon gravlax with smoked crème fraiche and pickled beetroot, followed by moules frites – roaring bay mussels served with rosemary salted fries. Finish your lunch with a lemon curd and cream ripple topped with glazed raspberries and shortbread biscuit, or try highly acclaimed pear and salted caramel pavlova, rumored to be exceptional here.

Not far from the bay, you'll find another fantastic spot in town called Tannery. This family-run establishment, led by the talented chef Paul Flynn, has been delighting diners for many years. Housed in a classic-style mansion, the restaurant exudes an elegant and refined atmosphere with its white tablecloths and comfortable plush chairs.

Tannery offers four different menus, each presenting a variety of tempting dishes. If you choose the dinner menu, we suggest starting with delectable crab crème brûlée accompanied by pickled cucumber and cornerstone toast, or beetroot-cured trout served with asparagus, Maltaise sauce, and toasted buckwheat. For the main course, you won’t regret taking succulent pork chop paired with fennel and celeriac remoulade, complemented by pickled mustard dip. And make sure to save room for dessert, with options like sticky toffee apple choux bun or Irish cheese platter served with crackers and chutney.

If you're staying in Dungarvan for a few days, we highly recommend taking part in a culinary workshop at their renowned cooking school. You'll have the opportunity to learn the secrets of preparing seafood and other signature dishes, gaining valuable insights from the chef himself.

The Local is truly a legendary spot in Dungarvan, especially after its refurbishment a couple of years ago. It used to be a regular pub where traditional Irish music was played, but now it has transformed into a full-fledged restaurant that has not only maintained its fun atmosphere but has multiplied it. One major factor adding to this is the new heated outdoor terrace, which has become the focal point after the dark. Every day, and especially on Fridays, it attracts a bustling crowd, bringing an incredible energy to the town square.

The menu offers not only a wide selection of pub snacks and burgers but also substantial meals. You’ll love their succulent angus striploin steak, freshly crumbed chicken goujons, and homemade lasagna, all served with homemade chips. We also recommend trying a warm salad with marinated chicken, goat cheese, and hummus. And, of course, you can't go astray by ordering one of their numerous burgers, such as the one topped with melted Brie and red onion marmalade.

This large two-story building along the Dungarvan harbor stands out from the rest with its vibrant blue facade and a massive ship's wheel adorning the wall. At The Moorings, you'll stumble upon hidden corners and cozy spots where you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a seaside pub. Take a seat at the traditional Irish maritime-themed bar, relax in the spacious lounge designed like a ship's bow, or opt for the open terrace that seamlessly blends with the castle walls.

Here, you'll find a wide selection of grilled meats and seafood. Start your meal with delicious golden-fried squid rings or opt for a generous plate of crab, prawns, and calamari to share with your friends. For the main course, try fresh fish from the Helvick seafood market, served with chips and sauce or sirloin steak accompanied by a hearty portion of braised vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Their signature homemade Irish beef burger pairs perfectly with a refreshing pint of ale, and for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert options include caramel-drenched profiteroles or luscious meringue topped with summer berries.

The Old Bank has undergone amazing transformations over the years, evolving from an Italian restaurant to a traditional Irish bistro. Set within the iconic 19th-century Bridge House, overlooking the harbor, this venue features a classic cocktail bar, a private terrace, the casual Al Eile bistro, and an esteemed fine dining restaurant upstairs.

The menu at The Old Bank offers a three-course selection that changes with the seasons. You can start with appetizers like duck liver mousse with beetroot and cocoa nibs or scallops with blood orange and ponzu. For the main course, they serve exquisite dishes such as coffee-baked celeriac with cep, truffle, and kale, tender Comeragh mountain lamb with salsify and Jerusalem artichoke, and roasted cod with fennel and caviar.

The dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring treats like peanut parfait with banana and honeycomb, or the unique combination of Boyne Valley Bán (a hard goat's milk cheese) with crab apple, beetroot, and fennel seed crackers. This establishment, recognized by the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2023, is definitely worth your visit.

The quaint little town of Dungarvan is a fantastic choice for a few days' getaway, far from bustling highways and dusty cities. It's a haven for lovers of medieval history and fresh seafood, which you can even catch and cook yourself. With its pristine surroundings, soothing ebb and flow of the harbor, stunning sunsets, and tranquil evenings, Dungarvan is a true sanctuary for those yearning for a break from the fast-paced rhythm of life.