Lignum in

Possibly the most enjoyable dining experience I’ve had in an Irish restaurant. The setting, the décor, the atmosphere — all 10/10. Every one of the 16 tasting courses was beautifully presented, with flavours and textures that were clearly planned with exceptional care and creativity. It’s honestly hard to pick a favourite, but standout dishes included: The tomato and basil The lamb tartare The lobster The ‘pizza’ The crab If I had to find a tiny fault, it would be the duck dish — personally, I found it a bit too meat-heavy and felt it could have done with either a touch more veg or slightly less duck. That said, I still really enjoyed it. The sommelier helped us choose a delicious bottle of Chablis, and every member of staff was friendly, attentive, and highly professional throughout. I would’ve booked a table years ago if it weren’t for the challenge of finding nearby accommodation. This time, we stayed in a lovely Airbnb just a 10-minute taxi ride away — I’d definitely recommend arranging accommodation when booking your table. Really looking forward to returning before the end of the year.

If you're considering, just go, you absolutely will not regret.

This place is amazing, very nice and polite staff, unique interior design and amazing food of course. We enjoyed every bite. They remembered and managed well the food allergies we indicated in advance. Have you seen the movie Menu? Similar atmosphere, but here everybody survives. Thanks for the experience!

Dining at Lignum is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you arrive, the setting feels almost enchanted, nestled in the countryside, yet with interiors that are both refined and effortlessly welcoming. The ambience strikes that rare balance of elegance and warmth, with a touch of rustic magic that immediately sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. The food is simply phenomenal. Each dish showcases an incredible diversity and quality of ingredients, prepared with meticulous skill and deep respect for the produce. What truly stands out is the team’s knowledge of every element on the plate; their passion shines through in every course. Despite the sophistication of the dishes, the experience remains unpretentious and fun, a refreshing reminder that fine dining doesn’t have to feel formal. The wine pairing is an absolute must; expertly chosen, it elevates the entire meal. I would like to make a special mention of how graciously the team accommodated my dietary restrictions, ensuring that every dish was not only safe but also just as impressive as the full menu. Ending the evening by the fire with dessert, in peaceful silence, felt like the perfect closing note to such a beautifully orchestrated experience. A huge congratulations to the entire Lignum team on your well-deserved Michelin Star in the 2025 awards. We are looking forward to returning soon!

A delightful Saturday evening dinner to celebrate a special occasion. A magical setting on a sunny summer's evening with a hatch of flies dancing in the setting sun light. Very relaxed ambience. Service delivered with a charming, calm and non-intrusive style. Food was exceptional all round, bursting with flavour, the seafood dishes stealing the show. Loved not knowing what was on the menu with every dish coming as a complete surprise. There's great freedom in surrendering decision-making to this kitchen. We are so lucky to have a restaurant like Lignum with other great food options on our doorstep in Galway. Congratulations to the team at Lignum on your Michelin star success. Well deserved. Thanks again for a lovely evening.

Had Sat lunch and it was a lovely experience. The location and ambience is really magical- lots of stoves burning, soft furnishings and great space between tables. Food was delicious- every course was perfect- loved the mussel snack and the filled pasta was sublime. Even the oyster, which I am not a massive fan of was delicious. This is a real treat and would definitely recommend for a unique experience. Wine was lovely. Service was pleasant without being intrusive or over the top. Could really see the passion in the young chefs as they presented their dishes. Our only regret was that there was nowhere to stay onsite after such a pleasant, relaxed afternoon!

Absolutely fabulous. Over the course of a 2½ hour lunch tasting menu in a beautiful setting, we ate like king and queen. Amazing food. Thanks so much to the wonderful staff for looking after us.

Truly unforgettable — the best dining experience I’ve ever had. We had the 18-course tasting menu with wine pairings at Lignum, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Every single course was creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely packed with flavour a real journey from start to finish. The wine pairings were so well thought out and elevated the whole experience even more. The service was next level, warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced. And the setting? Unreal. It strikes that perfect balance with a calm, atmospheric feel that just adds to the magic. Genuinely the most incredible food experience I’ve had can’t recommend it enough

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.

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