The Olde Glen in

Absolute smashing place to eat in, out in the middle of nowhere a dining experience to sample. Their set menu is fantastic.

Overpriced West Donegal Restaurant Attracts Rich Americans Around 250 euro for dinner for two with wine. A high cost for many restaurants in Ireland, but especially so for one in rural west Donegal. That’s how much eating out at The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant & Bia Box will set you back. Some Michelin-star restaurants cost less, which The Olde Glen Bar isn’t. The Ox restaurant, for example, winning a star for quite a few years now in scenic riverside Belfast, serves up a four-course dinner for about the same price as The Glen and it offers more choices, including poached lobster, lamb and halibut among its mains. Not to mention outstanding creativity and innovation of the dishes. Service at The Glen is efficient and friendly and plate presentation pleasing. But the dishes lack that special ‘wow’ factor clients have a right to expect for the hefty price tag. Starters were tasty but small and the pork and beef mains reasonable, though not memorable. Accompaniment of a few simple boiled potatoes and carrots was disappointing. Delicious dessert soufflé was the best dish on the menu. Ambience at The Glen is not fine dining, no tablecloth, more a cross-setting between bistro and pub, with seating sparse between clients a tad too close for comfort. Not much privacy there. Then why the high price? One reason, large groups of rich, golf-loving Americans, many working in the corporate high-finance sector (not everyoneTrump supporters, I should add, though I dare say there are quite a few), fly on chartered private jets from the US to Galway, then shift to luxury executive planes to Donegal’s Carrickfinn airport (ironic, considering the Irish Government recently threatened to stop flights for local people desperately needing to travel to Dublin for cancer treatments). These well-healed travellers then take private helicopters to the Rosapenna Resort, which fortunately for The Glen is only ten minutes away from the restaurant. One of reasons for the long waiting list for a table. For such wealthy people, 250 euro is a pittance. Keep in mind, they can write it off on expenses and reduce their taxes. For local people, it’s a helluva outlay of hard-earned cash. Why do the wealthy flock to Rosapenna? Simple. GOLF Magazine last year named St. Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna for the first time among the top 50 courses in the world. Sometimes, these high-spending golfers can make up the majority of clients at the restaurant. You’ll hear plenty of talk about birdies, eagles, handicaps, bogies, and, of course, drinks at the 19th hole. In summary, The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant really needs to add more choices and a few surprises on the menu for a fairer return on price. Not to mention adding some style to the setting, considering many people (except well-off golfers) can only afford to dine there on special occasions. And cast aside that old trick of adding supplementary costs to starters and mains. With prices being high enough, is there any call for that? For a broader overview of the cuisine world in west Donegal, it’s best to try other well-established local restaurants such as Teac Jack (its menu features what is probably the best seafood chowder in Donegal), Caisleáin Óir (try the Ultimate Surf and Turf which includes Tomahawk steak), Leo’s Tavern (the chef’s Malaysian curry is excellent) and Danny Minnie’s (Silverhill half-duck with cassis sauce, fig and marsala chutney). These restaurants cost less than The Glen, the food is of a similar quality and there’s generally no long waiting list.

A hidden gem: while Glen is small this is not to be missed. Hidden in an off street The Old Glen bar is a traditional wee Irish pub. Cosy front bar but more space on through with a nice outside area to sit in.

Very good food!!! Best best best!

Great meal out. Thank you Glenn Bar team. The best meal yet. Food service atmosphere. I love visiting the Glen Bar. Not just a meal. An experience. I thought I had my whole meal when we were presented with some final treats. Amazing

Delicious creative courses just keep coming and coming. Thoroughly recommend. Expensive but worth it. Can stay in your Motorhome and stagger back to it.

Exquisite food, great service, and just amazing overall. So many snacks and extras. We loved it! Would recommend if you’re in Donegal.

Exceptional experience between the food in the restaurant and the hospitality in the bar.

Mighty experience. Looking forward to return experience. Wlm

Great pint of Guiness and delicious toasties! The pub is really authentic and a unique spot.