Eat Out Killarney

Food locally sourced, globally influenced

CHAD BYRNE

is Head Chef at The Brehon Hotel.

A visit to Killarney not only provides stunning backdrops that enhance any Instagram account it also offers the best culinary delights in the Southwest.

| By James O'Hara

Killarney hoteliers and restaurant owners over the past 10 years have championed locally sourced ingredients adding to the local economy and the variety of plates on offer. The more luxurious end of the market is well catered for and even if you are not staying in these hotels they are still worth considering for lunch or an evening meal. Hotel Europe, based in Fossa, a short drive or walk from Killarney town offers a wide range of eating options expertly curated by Executive Chef Alex Nahke. The award winning Panorama Restaurant has one of the best views in town and regularly wows guests and visitors alike with a modern menu that focuses on locally sourced meat, vegetables and seafood. A must try are Cromane Oysters that are unique to this part of Ireland and come from just outside Killorglin, 15kms away. Muckross Park Hotel has varied dining options from bar food to

high end a la carte menus. Situated across the road from the National Park it is regular stop off point for cyclists and sight seers. Scott Kapitan, Head Chef, presides over the food offering and in The Yew Tree his talent is given free reign. Booking is advised to sample a menu including air dried Kerry lamb loin and walnut pesto and courgette spaghetti. Muckross Road is well served – the Killarney Oaks is a natural stopping off point if walking from town to Muckross House. An extensive bar menu meets all requirements with daily specials and a real Irish welcome. Victoria House Hotel, The Brehon, Gleneagle Hotel and The Cahernane are all within a 500 metre radius of each other on Muckross Road and offer a wide range of excellent options. The Brehon offers daily bar food specials created by Chad Byrne, Group Innovation Chef, which combine comfort food with a classic twist and also offers an a la cart menu in Danú. Booking advised. The Victoria House Hotel has a wonderful outdoor eating area and offers a contemporary lunch and dinner menu. Service is always excellent. Kaynes Bar and Restaurant, also on the Muckross Road and near Killarney Brewery, is a wonderful stopping point on the way back from Muckross House. The lovely outdoor area catches the sun all day and inside you have a good range of bar food options. Killarney Park Hotel in the centre of town and sister to boutique hotel The Ross has a long held reputation for service and food. New Head Chef, Sean Doyle, joined in May last year along with pastry chef Florent La Monaca, both bring a wealth of Michelin star experience having worked in L’Ecrivain and Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin. Both the Killarney Park and The Ross focus heavily on locally sourced ingredients. It is an exciting team overseeing the food. For the casual diner try The Ross, while The Park has a range of options from al fresco dining to a la carte. The Asian Street Food phenomenon has not missed Killarney with TOBA leading the pack alongside Khao and Uptown. All worthy of a visit. Café du Park at The Killarney Plaza has in my book the best brunch offering in town on a Sunday with great tunes in the background and excellent coffee. The evening offering here is excellent with a vibrant crowd and The Tan Yard restaurant upstairs offers Tomahawk steaks to share. The team at the Plaza also developed the Killarney Urban Farm featuring hydroponic green towers. Just ask any of your servers to find out more, it is a super innovation for the town. The nearby Killarney Towers also does a great breakfast. Scotts Hotel just up the road, offers great bar food with the option to sit outside. Off the well beaten track, down New Street, Malarkey has slowly carved out a reputation for interesting food created by Seamus O’Connell. Noted for his fusion style of cooking, the menu is pared back to feature a great vegetarian offering, tasting menus and wonderful Irish Waygu beef from Macroom, Co. Cork.

Award winning chef SEAMUS O’CONNELL is the man behind Malarkey Restaurant on New Street.