Where to eat out in Ireland in spring

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch this spring in the Millington Bar or treat yourself to an a la carte evening menu in the Nephin Restaurant, which has stunning views of the local countryside. The Erris Coast Hotel is an ideal choice this season if you’re in County Mayo. Expect delicious seasonal dishes such as Caramelised Goats Cheese Salad and Local Lamb Rump.

The belief at West is that by working with great local food producers, the team can both impact on its region for the better and, at the same time, give you the opportunity to taste the true West of Ireland. Chef Nathan Hindmarsh and his brigade cook contemporary dishes with a nod to tradition. Everything is prepared in season and to order, to best showcase this fabulous local produce – true to the region, true to the season.

Situated at the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Inishowen 100, The Treehouse provides quality locally sourced food at a reasonable price. The Treehouse is also great for bottomless brunch. Served Wednesday to Saturday (with Sunday lunch served every Sunday), the menu offers great options: from the infamous Treehouse Club Sandwich to Hot & Spicy Wings or Plant-It Fish Free Goujons.

This family-run restaurant has been open since 1994 in a building which was initially a shirt factory. The restaurant enjoys the ultimate customer approval and it’s always busy (so make sure you book a table in advance!). The wine and drinks list is extensive with an impressive Irish whiskey selection to ponder over while also enjoying the local beers. The restaurant now has five separate seating areas: the main floor and conservatory, located on the ground floor, upstairs dining and patio located on the first floor, and the newly built outside patio on the ground floor, which makes for some fantastic al fresco dining this spring.

When the sun is shining nothing can beat a refreshing gin and tonic. Hyde Bar and Gin Parlour is an exciting venue in Galway’s social scene; an elegant and stylish gin bar in Galway City Centre, stocking over 500 gins from around the world! With friendly and attentive service and a menu bursting with local flavours, they make for a perfect combo with the killer cocktails served here inside a chic-but-casual ambiance.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take all the family, then Martine’s of Quay Street in Galway is a family-run restaurant that’s been around since 1902! Martine began working in Nanny Mac’s (Margaret McDonagh’s) fish shop across the road (McDonagh’s Seafood Bar) at a very young age and the tradition has been passed down through the generations ever since.

When you think of seasonality in spring in terms of food, you’re bound to think lamb or chicken. The SpitJack Rotisserie Brasserie in Cork serves locally sourced, quality produce cooked on the rotisserie. The SpitJack is an upmarket, all day brasserie that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – so whatever the occasion this spring, you’ll find a table for you.

The 15/16 Princes Street/Marlboro Street premises has been trading as a bar since 1824, which makes Clancy’s one of Cork’s oldest pubs. After undergoing a complete renovation, Clancy’s has gained a reputation as one of Cork’s best entertainment venues, offering high quality drinks made by talented mixologists, casual dining ranging from breakfast to dinner, and some of the best live music acts which Cork has to offer. It’s also great for children with a dedicated menu offering favourites like Roast Chicken with Mash and Fresh Vegetables, Freshly-made Fish or Chicken Goujons and the most popular of all – the Kids Burger, which is a small version of the Clancy’s Burger with or without cheese and fresh chips.