Lignum in

A wonderful restaurant surrounded by the garden where the food is grown, I read another review saying it was messy, it is very much a working garden designed for produce rather than beauty. We loved Lignum, course after course of local produce the fish from Galway. We filled in the form at the time of booking about our allergies so were greeted with all the courses carefully considered to avoid gluten and Tree nuts. All cooked with respect to the ingredients over flames. Our two teenagers loved it and the challenge of eating foods they wouldn’t normally consider- but everything delicious and plates which kept arriving all finished off. Highly recommended, Will definitely be returning.

From the top... The location could be beautiful, but I found the outside very rough and unkempt. The restaurant building, both externally and its interior, is very nice indeed—beautiful, simple, and natural—a great setting. The dining room is elegant and effortless, very relaxing. Service was good, a little stiff, with a sense of stress, but still good. Our mistake, to be clear, was not mentioning that while one of our party was pescatarian, some of us were not big fans of seafood, myself included. We were looking forward to our five-course lunch in the newly Michelin-starred restaurant. As a major note, as I describe the dishes, I am going on taste and memory—it was hard to keep up with the servers explaining the dishes, so apologies if I make a mistake or two. The first course was a trio: mussels in their mussel custard-filled shell, Jamón Ibérico with hazelnut oil, and monkfish on a rye-type cracker. As stated, I am not a fan of seafood generally, but I always wondered if I would like seafood if it were prepared by a very good chef, so I was willing to try anything put in front of me. The mussel dish was very forward in its mussel flavor, and the custard’s texture was very pleasant with the mussels. The hazelnut oil completely overtook the Jamón, and I liked the seared monkfish crackers. Course two: a white fish ceviche with minty shaved cucumber and almond milk. Very nice, a surprise for me. The in-house sourdough also made its way to the table, fresh from the oven—delicious with their whipped butter. We asked for more, and they obliged with generosity. Course three: Agnolotti of Jerusalem artichoke with black truffle and a sauce made from rapini... It wasn’t great, to be honest. Number four: fish with crispy skin, a shellfish (possibly cockle) with some green foam. Too fishy, and memories of picking cockles as a child prohibited further exploration—hard pass after two bites. Finally, course five: seared pork with wilted kale and gravy. Well cooked, but flavor-wise, just so-so and heavily salted, bordering on too salty. The gravy was very meh... We were treated to two sweets to enjoy with our very lacklustre, boring coffees and not-great teas. A beautifully black chocolate dessert with a mousse filling, seemingly with many other elements, but ostensibly just a chocolate flavor with a beautifully smooth texture. This was followed by some apple jellies dusted with sugar and citric acid—light in flavor and also puzzlingly accompanied by half a strawberry on ice. And it is in this strawberry that a lot of fault can be found. Number one: it’s half a strawberry. Number two: they are not in season. Number three: it’s half a strawberry. We found Lignum to be hit and miss to be fair, overall, I would say good, not great and assuredly unimpressive. A bit of a disappointment(maybe it was just not one of their best days, they do happen...). On the upside my partner exclaimed they are more appreciative of my cooking afterwards, so i did leave with a sweet taste in my mouth :)

Lignum, the newly minted 1-star Michelin restaurant helmed by owner and chef Danny, is a true testament to the art of cooking with fire and a deep appreciation for the people behind the ingredients. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this restaurant is more than just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of quality, craftsmanship, and family. Chef Danny’s dedication to showcasing the very best ingredients from the talented farmers, growers, and producers is evident in every dish. The centerpiece of the restaurant, a large wood-burning oven, adds a distinct character to the meals, as the food is cooked over raw flames, imparting a smoky, robust flavour that brings out the natural essence of each ingredient. It’s a technique that’s both primal and refined, and Danny executes it with precision and artistry. The service at Lignum mirrors the food itself—refined, yet relaxed. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, guiding you through the menu with ease, while making sure you feel comfortable and at home. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, allowing you to truly savor the experience without any pretension. One of the highlights of our visit was meeting Chef Danny’s mother, Maura, and his sister, Elizabeth, who was visiting from Australia. Their presence added a personal touch to an already intimate and welcoming atmosphere. While we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Danny’s wife this time, it’s clear that family plays an integral role in the heart of Lignum, and we look forward to returning and hopefully meeting her on our next visit. Overall, Lignum is a dining experience that expertly blends culinary mastery with heartfelt hospitality. It’s clear that Chef Danny’s passion for food, his commitment to local producers, and the support of his close-knit family create a restaurant that stands out in every way. Nestled in the countryside with its exceptional food, warm atmosphere, and top-notch service, Lignum has certainly earned its Michelin star—and we can’t wait to return. Eanna And Danielle Ryan

Best meal I have ever had...an amazing experience from leaving the car to leaving the restaurant at the end. Even the bathrooms are amazing. The food is so so good. My favourite was blue cheese ice cream covered in chocolate ganache with a sprinkle of salt. An absolute taste sensation. Expensive but definitely hope to go back.

What an amazing place to eat. I won't list the menu as it changes all the time depending on the season and local availability. My wife and myself went for our 30th wedding anniversary and had the Sunday Dinner ( not a roast potato in sight😂😂). The food was absolutely delicious. The servers were great. Each course was explained by the chef as it came to the table. There were a couple of thing that I was dubious about but I was proved wrong about them all. The attention to detail was great. All was well presented, the portions were small but the flavours were out of this world. Have worked as a Chef in Fine dinning restaurants but not to this level. What a perfect dinner with perfect company.

Amazing tasting experience, the food, service and atmosphere were all superb! Our dinner lasted more than 3 hours and is definitely an experience we will not forget!

Incredible food made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu is ever-changing. Service is friendly and organized without being too uptight. Thank you for the amazing experience!

Fantastic food highly recommend a visit

Had a fantastic Sunday lunch at Lignum with a group of four. The food was top-notch, and the wine was excellent. Service was friendly and professional, and the atmosphere was spot-on. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back.

This is such a treat, everything from the food to the staff, very impressive.