Moriarty’s, Gap of Dunloe

OPENED as a small souvenir shop in 1964 by Michael and Margaret Moriarty, today Moriarty’s is a landmark destination not only for shoppers but for food lovers, families and garden enthusiasts alike. Located at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe, just outside Killarney, it is a bright, spacious store and restaurant which caters for large tour groups, individuals and families. Quality has always been their motto - the quality of their goods and, just as important, their customer service. Their exclusive range of tweeds, hand knits and jewellery are unrivalled anywhere. This ethos carries through to their restaurant, where produce is carefully selected from the finest local artisan producers and their own kitchen garden. The restaurant’s unique interior design blends beautifully with the exterior landscape and reflects the standards of the restaurant’s cuisine: freshness, originality and authenticity. The menu changes regularly depending on the availability of local meats, seafood and vegetables bursting with flavour and freshness. The building is nestled amongst beautiful landscaped gardens, where customers can learn about the flora, fauna, history and geology of the surrounding area through their detailed information boards. Proudly run by husband and wife team Denis Pio and Ailish Moriarty, today the shop and restaurant very much remains a family business. Margaret Moriarty is still involved in its day to day running, as is daughter Mary Anne. And it is no small indication of the working environment at Moriarty’s that, on average, their staff have been with them over 22 years, and are mainly from the Beaufort area. Priding themselves on their customer service, the people at Moriarty’s always look forward to welcoming people to ‘The Gap’.