Three to try... Hotel hotspots

THE PUNCHBOWL BAR

The Malton, Town Centre, Killarney, Co Kerry Tel: (064) 663-8000 themalton.com

The Malton, the Grand Old Lady of Killarney, is an absolute legend of happenings and hospitality. The splendid Garden Room restaurant is beautiful, but The Punchbowl Bar is a place to snuggle down, hear the chat, and have great casual food. Menu choices range from soups and light bites to posh sambos and mains.

Price: Mains, €14-€24.50 Try: Irish beefsteak burger with pulled brisket, Knockatee cheddar, celeriac remoulade and fries, €15.95 Drinks: Special whiskey corner

JACK’S BAR

Ballyliffin Lodge Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co Donegal Tel: (074) 937-8200 ballyliffinlodge.com

Up at the top of the Inishowen Peninsula, the next stop north is the home of those great soccer players: Iceland! Ballyliffin Lodge is a very comfortable hotel, and there’s excellent casual grub to be had here in Jack’s Bar, from seafood chowder to steaks, South Indian curries to pasta, and vegetarian dishes, too.

Price: Mains, €12.95-€24.95 Try: Seafood fettuccine — king prawns, mussels, salmon, white fish, creamy sauce, €14.95 Drinks: Full licence

FRANCHINI’S

Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, Co Cork Tel: (021) 421-9000 castlemartyrresort.ie

The casual-dining experience at the fabulous Castlemartyr Resort is Italian. Overlooking the extensive gardens, and with a fab terrace, it’s a lovely room, which truly feels like a spot in the hills above Florence. Menu choices range from prawn risotto to fritto misto, pizzas and sharing platters.

Price: Mains, €14.50-€24.95 Try: Chicken boscaiola — chicken breast in mushroom sauce, wedges and roast tomato, €17.95 Drinks: Cocktails, wine