Three to try...

From various regions

TOM CREAN FISH & WINE

Main Street, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Tel: (064) 664-1589 tomcrean.ie It’s not everywhere you’ll find yourself being fed by the granddaughter of a legendary Antarctic explorer. Chef Aileen d’Arcy’s fabulous restaurant offers “fish & wine & accommodation” and much, much more — including ravioli of prawn mousse; oysters; gratin aux fruits de mer; Sneem lobster; and steaks. Price: €8.50-€29.50 Try: Kenmare Bay scallops with ratatouille, beurre blanc and basil pesto, €28.50 Drinks: Wine

FEED YOUR SENSES

27 Washington Street, Cork. Tel: (021) 427-4633 feedyoursenses.ie Vicente Ruiz and wife Rosa Escribano’s tiny 20-seater Spanish restaurant serving authentic tapas, ensaladas and boards, is all about alimentar tus sentidos, or feeding your senses, in a delightfully quirky atmosphere. Choices include fried dates with an almond heart wrapped in Spanish bacon, and the ever popular gambas al ajillo. Price: €5-€19.50 Try: Table selection of Iberian products and Spanish cheese, €19.50 Drinks: Great Spanish wines

COOKE’S

28 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway. Tel: (091) 568-203 cookesrestaurantgalway.com A popular wine bar and restaurant, set in a medieval stone building in Galway City, serving good food with plenty of seafood specials and local produce. The menu includes seafood chowder; Irish stew; crab and crushed avocado tian; prime sirloin steaks; beef burgers; and soft, fluffy fish cakes with a sweet chilli sauce. There’s also a kids’ menu. Price: €6.50-€23.95 Try: 20-hour slow-cooked lamb with creamy mash garlic gratin and sauteed spinach, €18.95 Drinks: Wine, craft beers