WEXFORD
ALDRIDGE LODGE
Duncannon, New Ross Tel: (051) 389 116 aldridgelodge.com
Grilled Hook Head Lobster with Pomme Duchesse, Lobster Bisque & Pan Juices and Roast Loin of Wild Venison with Hazelnuts, Onion Marmalade, Forest Mushrooms & Port Wine
Jus are two of the reasons why Billy Whitty and Joanne Harding have bagged themselves a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Located in a postcard perfect fishing village, there are comfy doublerooms if you fancy sampling their excellent Full Irish.
Best Dish: Pan-Fried Fillet of Kilmore Monkfish with Samphire, Wild Herbs and Tomato & Fennel Cream - as part of the € 40 Four-Course Dinner Menu
DUNBRODY COUNTRY HOUSE
Mersheen, Arthurstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford Tel: (051) 389 600 dunbrodyhouse.com
Kevin Dundon’s elegant Georgian country house is set in a sprawling 20-acre estate, offering plenty of space to roam and work up an appetite. If you’re staying over then you’ll enjoy one of the most impressive buffet breakfasts imaginable. For dinner, there’s a spectacular Eight-Course Tasting Menu for € 80. If you prefer a lighter option, then Dundon’s Seafood Bar menu is for you. All of the food is delivered with great panache by one of Ireland’s most renowned chefs who also brews a mean craft beer.
Best Dish: Caramelised Dunmore East Scallops & Creamed Sweetcorn with Mustardcress & Truffle Shavings – as part of the € 80 Tasting Menu
LA CÔTE
Custom House Quay, Wexford Tel: (053) 912 2122 lacote.ie
An intimate, fine dining restaurant that offers a relaxed culinary experience on the seafront in Wexford town. Chef Paul Hynes and his wife Edwina combine the freshest of locally sourced ingredients to create fish and meat dishes that evolve through the seasons.
Best Dish: Torched Kilmore Cod with Celeriac Puree, Salt Cod Brandade, Ard Mhacha Shiitake Mushrooms Dashi & Sheep Sorrel - € 24.50
MARLFIELD HOUSE
Courtown Road, Gorey Tel: (053) 942 1124
Marlfield House has long been established as one of Ireland’s finest dining experiences. The Conservatory Restaurant – presided over by superemely talented local chef Ruadhan Furlong – has consistently been an awardwinner for its hugely accomplished French cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. We especially like the Grilled Turbot with White Bean, Crab & Gubeen Chorizo. There’s a great, wide-ranging wine-list too, which is full of really excellent labels like the great Lebanese, Chateau Musar.
Best Dish: Kilmore Quay Pan-Fried Fish of the Day with Lemon, Herb Butter, Skinny Fries & Side Salad – € 14 Strand Road, Rosslare Tel: (053) 913 2668 wildandnative.ie
While the Sleeda Farm Lamb Kidneys with Sautéed Shallots, Mushrooms and Whiskey Cream are always worth a punt, it’s the fresh fish and seafood that have made us fall in love with Feargal Dempsey’s homely seaside café. The Rosslare Crab Cocktail comes with a generous glug of sherry and is guaranteed to blow you away as comprehensively as the Irish Sea breezes outside.
Best Dish: Monk Fish with a Tomato, Black Olive & Caper Sauce – € 29.50
FIREHOUSE BAKERY: Sweet as a doughnut