Oar Restaurant in

Unfortunately without breakfast

Bathroom: Shower cubicle very dirty, cold water tap works poorly, otherwise good

We had a wonderful stay in their accommodation, and an amazing meal at Oar Restaurant in Doolin. The starkly simple and relaxed dining room, seemingly forced the focus to be exactly where it should be: on the brilliant food and the hospitality. From the moment we arrived, Kieran and the team looked after us like we were old friends, there was a warmth to the whole experience, and while feeling informal, the service never missed a beat. The plates coming out of his kitchen had an ease about them, that belied the technical expertise, considered flavours and fine dining elements. It was precise, and thoughtful, quality ingredients expertly prepared and executed. Can you tell I liked it? The bread was a sign of the great meal to come. Knowing we were in safe hands, I got a couple of oysters to get things moving. Our starters included a great beef tartare with horseradish and shimeji mushrooms, a fresh summer salad with Gubbeen chorizo and confit onion. I had the mackerel with Jerusalem artichoke and kohlrabi. The soup of the evening, something I’d normally avoid as a boring option, looked great. The taste I had of it left me wishing I’d ordered it - not that I regretted my choice - but it was very good soup. For mains, I went with the Hereford Prime Rib Eye, and it was everything I wanted. I cook an okay steak myself, so don’t always order it out, but I was glad I did here. It was perfect and the sides elevated it nicely, the whole plate came together as I moved it - creating delicious different flavour combinations as I went. The mains were great and I wasn’t sure I wanted dessert - but after a short rest, I convinced myself it was a good idea. We got a rich chocolate fondant with passionfruit and cocoa meringue, and the Irish cheese board with membrillo. The cheese servings were very generous compared to some, and I thought all the cheeses were great. I enjoyed giving them all a go as I finished my wine. The wine list was well curated, the staff recommended some good ones by the glass to get us going. The one I started with, we went on to get a bottle to pair with our mains. In truth, when we arrived for dinner, I had half-expected Kieran’s denim shorts to be the highlight of the evening. But the real stars were the care that goes into their food and service. Oar is not trying to be unnecessarily flashy; it is just excellent at what really matters. We loved our stay in Doolin, and like the town itself, Oar is a place that when you are leaving, you are already thinking about when you will be able to return. Highly recommend booking in, absolutely loved it.

We ate at Oar on our recent trip to Doolin and it was fantastic. Kieran and his team were very both professional and enthusiastic about their food and their work. All of the food (as well as the wine we had) was presented beautifully and was delicious. Definitely 5 Stars and recommend.

We celebrated a family members milestone birthday at Oar last night and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Kieran and his team run an exceptional restaurant where every detail is clearly driven by passion and care. The food was fresh and outstanding (the salad starter is a must!), the service warm and attentive, and the atmosphere perfectly relaxed. It’s a place that values quality and genuinely cares about each guest’s experience. Oar fully deserves every award it’s received – and then some. Highly recommended!

We went to this place on a recommendation and I have to tell you that it was completely worth it. Go there, the host is an absolutely friendly, charming gentleman who takes time for every guest. His service employees are friendly and open-minded. Due to time constraints, we weren't really dressed appropriately, but the service didn't interest us; we were served really well. The food will probably soon deserve the 1st Michellin star, we had salmon that was cooked souvide and briefly fried, I can only write you one word about it, "A poem". The kitchen can easily do fish, the amuse bouche was delicious, the intermediate course was perfect. The wine list is honest and varied, not run-of-the-mill, there was wine from regions that I wouldn't have expected. Here too, let the competent service advise you and be brave to try something new. Your taste buds will thank you. There is a small downer, certain creations are too creative and the dish loses its true story. But even this negative point is denounced at a very high level. The cheese plate as a dessert is a beautiful composition of regional cheeses The price-performance ratio is right. Thanks to the Oar for the unforgettable evening. Go and stay a few days in Doolin, that's Ireland. Unfortunately I can't comment on the hotel itself as it was already fully booked when we visited. But if it's anything like the restaurant, they probably can't do anything wrong.

Great experience here this week. A must for anyone on tour in the area.

5 star !! I had a wonderful experience at Oar. The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was cozy and perfect for a relaxed meal. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for quality food (thank you to Chef Sepo) and great service. I’m definitely coming back!

Absolutely terrific restaurant and- pro tip- they have a handful of rooms upstairs, so book ahead & you can fall up the stairs after a superb meal. Short menu, perfectly executed. Creative, imaginative, delicious food is served in a dining room that feels like a clean, crisp glass of sauvignon blanc. They had a "Crab Cannoli" just coming on the menu for spring- don't miss it. Ditto the new season lamb. Ditto ditto the soufflé. Actually, everything was excellent- you can't go wrong.

Excellent meal, food flavorful and good use of local produce. Staff attentive and friendly. Proprietor, kieran, professional and a pleasure to meet. Must easily be best restaurant in Doolin area.