Castle cuisine

CULLEN’S AT THE COTTAGE An oh-so-chic thatched cottage on the Ashford Castle Estate serving high-end casual food from fish ‘n’ chips to caviar. Price: €9.50-€120 Try: Achill Island lamb and merguez kebab, spicy couscous, apricot chutney, €25.50 Drinks: Great classic cocktails Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo. Tel: (094) 954-6003 ashfordcastle.com THE GRILL Popular with the SoCoDu set for its buzz and good food. From 10oz burgers to 16oz T-bones, lobster to scallops, pasta to veal. Price: €5.90-€29 Try: Seafood mixed grill — cod, salmon, monkfish, scallops, prawns, courgette, €22 Drinks: The works Fitzpatrick Castle, Killiney, Co Dublin. Tel: (01) 230-5400 fitzpatrickcastle.com THE BELL TOWER Elegant and gracious rooms overlooking the formal gardens are matched by chef Kevin Burke’s exquisite food. Price: €10.50-€29.95 Try: Skeaghanore duck breast, pickled walnut, pear puree, turnip confit, €27.50. Drinks: Champagne cocktails Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, Co Cork. Tel: (021) 421-9000 castlemartyrresort.ie