The Royal Spa in Lisdoonvarna

17/05/2025: Recently finished a motorcycle trip round some of the Wild Atlantic Way and this place was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. It was recommended by our hotel who booked us a table at very short notice which was very helpful as when we arrived the place was packed. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. We tried one of the beers they make in their own microbrewery which was excellent. For starters my wife had the chowder and I had the prawns from the specials board. Both were excellent. We both had the steak and ale pie, with mash and my wife thought the gravy which came with the mash was amazing. The live music was very good (obviously depends whether you like traditional Irish music or not). What I particularly liked was that the music was at a volume where you could listen to it but still have a conversation. We were so impressed with the whole experience that we booked a table for the following night. This was a good choice as we were able to try the Halibut dish which was on the specials board. It was absolutely fantastic. Not quite Michelin star but not far off. The second night also gave us a chance to try one of the other beers they make as well as trying their own whiskey which is definitely worth a go. My only slight grumble is that the main menu includes a couple of choices of wine which we chose from on our first visit however when we went on the second night we were given a full wine list. If you're going ask for the full wine list as there are some very nice wines on there. A couple of points to note - Book a table and get in early as the specials board seems to run out very quick. Probably because the food on it is superb. Definitely try something from the specials board. This probably isn't the cheapest place you can go but it is value for money as the food is exceptionally high quality. I can't recommend this place highly enough. The staff were fantastic, especially Andrew and Bridie. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was so welcoming. We're planning to do the west coast of Ireland next year again and will probably have to plan a route where we can stop here again.

12/03/2025: We have been in Ireland from Canada for a half week now and between visiting the Cliffs of Moher and other things in the Burrens, we stopped here to eat today (March 12, 2025). My husband had the soup of the day and fish and chips, and I had the seafood chowder and a wagyu burger. This was hands down the best meal we have had in Ireland so far. The chowder was so fresh, it melted in my mouth, and the burger was exactly what I needed after several days of hiking around the country. My husband loved his meal too. The hospitality was amazing, and exactly what we have come to expect in this beautiful country. I want to shout from the rooftops, do not just wait until you are in the neighbourhood. Go visit this place now for amazing, fresh, locally sourced food!