The best restaurantsof irish

25/08/2025: Our experience at this pub was deeply unpleasant from start to finish, and it appears we’re not alone. A review from May describes almost the exact same situation. We sat down at an empty table while one of our group went inside to order drinks. A member of staff came over, and we explained that drinks were being ordered. She told us we might need to order food to use the table but would check and let us know. She returned to confirm that ordering food would indeed be required. We agreed without hesitation and asked for a menu. What happened next was baffling. Instead of a menu, she returned with a reserved sign, placed it on the table, and told us we’d have to leave. When we politely questioned this sudden change, she went to check again. Another young staff member then came over to confirm we had to leave, despite our clear willingness to order food. At this point, we asked if my 89-year-old father could at least remain seated until our drinks arrived. Rather than simply explaining their policy, the staff fetched a manager, who approached us in an aggressive and confrontational manner. He insisted we leave immediately, claiming we were “upsetting” his young, under-18 staff — yet could not explain how. My only “offence” was calmly requesting that my elderly father be allowed to sit for a few minutes till our paid-for drinks arrived, which is hardly unreasonable. The situation escalated entirely because of the manager’s attitude. Instead of de-escalating and handling matters professionally, he became increasingly rude, dismissive, and accusatory. It was an unnecessarily hostile encounter that left a sour taste long before we’d even had a sip of our drinks. We moved, stood with our drinks (which we chose not to finish) and crossed the road to Findlaters, where the staff were everything this place’s team were not: welcoming, friendly, and professional. The contrast could not have been greater. In short: poorly trained staff, inconsistent policies, and a manager whose aggression and lack of professionalism turned a minor issue into a thoroughly unpleasant experience. We will not be returning.

18/08/2025: Outside dirty and unkempt. Staff young and require guidance as to how to welcome and greet customers. Tables dirty. Needs a full refurbishment.

11/08/2025: Didn't stay, stopped in for food, very busy, that always tells a story, took awhile to get seated but worth the wait, food was great, well the bacon and cabbage was anyway as that's what I had. Not the first time I've had good food here either 👍

04/08/2025: we can't recommend the restaurant enough the food is delicious and plenty of flavour. the service is top notch. the staff are super friendly.

01/08/2025: A fantastic hotel with wonderful, helpful, and friendly staff. The ladies at the reception desk are the perfect ambassadors for this excellent hotel. The breakfast is extensive and, unlike many hotels in this class, offers delicious, freshly baked bread.

30/07/2025: Very good value for money with excellent service. Very typical and very well located.

21/08/2025: The food was fabulous and my guest was very impressed. Excellent value when you see the attention to detail and enjoy the wonderful taste of really really good food .

12/08/2025: If you love great food & wine, you won’t be disappointed. The food is consistently great, great flavors. We have tried every dish at the point, it’s so hard to decide as they are all so good. The fish specials are always delicious. The front of house team are always friendly & helpful. A truly lovely dining experience. Already looking forward to our next visit . Keep up the great work 🙌

15/08/2025: We were a group of 9 for lunch on Wednesday. The food was lovely everyone enjoyed it. One thing that did really bother me was when the gentleman took our order. 3 of us asked for water meaning tap water but each time he said still or sparkling. I asked directly for tap water and he made a face and all but said no. Something about it not being good. As far as I'm aware if you buy alcohol at any establishment in Ireland and ask for tap water then you are legally entitled to have it, no excuses. We did buy alcohol by the way. There were 9 of us, money was going to be made. Also parties of 5 or more could not pay separately, I mean come on. That's a complete first for me. We were paying cash, maybe it should be made clear about incurring card cost but otherwise if paying cash then fine. A nice spot in Gort but surprisingly quiet. Please supply the water if asked. You'll still make your money, these things do make a difference especially if there is a chance of people coming back.

17/07/2025: Lovely staff, great food,All day dining. I challenge you to beat “The Field Burger “ that is served here! Kitchen closes at 2100.

10/08/2025: Excellent relaxing Sunday Lunch,great food good quality & good value for money.

08/08/2025: Good food. Great cocktails but expensive. Overall a fun night. Young staff were all great fun.

08/08/2025: Stopped off for lunch. Food was amazing. Atmosphere was great , grounds where beautiful and staff where so helpful and friendly

04/08/2025: Great atmosphere and beautifully decorated. Good was very good. Service excellent even though they were very busy. Lovely lamp lit grounds. I would recommend highly.

23/08/2025: Great on allergens, chef came out to check as well.

18/07/2025: Loverly and Clean bar, modern style furniture we had a nice drink here and friendly staff.. We would recommend this bar.

21/08/2025: Good place for breakfast, great coffe, friendly and helpful service

05/08/2025: Lovely people, great food and ambiance.

19/08/2025: Had dinner here last friday night with my husband,booking is recommended,very busy spot.food was very nice,service was fast and friendly,the atmosphere is lively,and the cocktails are yummie.would definitely return here

18/08/2025: Unfortunately, we were disappointed with our visit to the restaurant. Very high prices for small dishes without any seasoning. The burger was unfortunately very dry and not particularly well-prepared. It's a nice place to sit outside, but the music was a bit loud.

03/09/2025: Great food, bit pricey compared to supermarkets, but worth it. Having a local bakery is always a good thing, support local.

21/08/2025: Wonderful breads, cakes and deli counter.

18/08/2025: I had such a great time here tonight. An amazing time thanks to two bartenders!!! Tonight all of Ireland’s bartenders worked hard. But these two engaged with their customers and didn’t show that they were annoyed !!! The beer was delicious and the area was clean!

15/08/2025: Heel gezellige pub met lekker eten en een heel gezellige sfeer, mede verzorgd door live muzikanten! Het personeel was ook zeer vriendelijk! Er was een heel breed assortiment aan bieren op tap, die niet goedkoop waren, maar in prijs wel overeenkwamen met de andere zaakjes in de buurt.

02/08/2025: Expensive. Grand food, typical pub food, limited enough menu. I live in Dublin, a big capital city. I didn't expect a small country pub to be more expensive than Dublin. I have never seen fish and chips for 24 euro on a pub grub menu!! Everything else 20-22. Food was fine.but really a bit too greedy. Staff pleasant, service ok

27/07/2025: We found this place to be way overpriced, food quality average, Service friendly and efficient. We will not be back. There are many better options in Listowel.

30/08/2025: We recently had our wedding here in Blackthorn restaurant. I would highly recommend this restaurant for their food and service. We had 96 guests seated on our day and I couldn't have asked for a better setting or food. Our guests were raving about the food. The only complaint they had was that there was too much! ( between the horderves and mate night snacks) We have been getting compliments all week, ' the best food I have ever had at a wedding', ' I will go to this restaurant again', ' I will recommend this place to my brother for his wedding', 'what type of meat was that cut again? The meat just fell apart when i touched it'. We opted for this restaurant as opposed to a big function room style wedding exactly for this reason so we are SO happy with the way the day went from start to finish! We worked with the managers Patrick and Fergal who couldn't do enough for us- who helped us in choosing our food and wines and the format of the day. All of the staff were fantastic.They were brilliant to work with and so helpful- the people and staff make a place for us, this is another reason we chose this venue. Nathan, the chef, although I never actually met him, did an amazing job. No ask was too much for the team and the day went perfectly. I would highly recommend dining here, holding an event here or getting married here. You will not be disappointed. A lot of our guests that stayed in the hotel commented on how friendly all of the staff were so I would like to highlight that too. Thank you again!

25/08/2025: Excellent food and terrific service! Fergal was very accommodating, happy and knowledgeable. The scallop starter and dry aged prime rib to share were fantastic! We really enjoyed our evening at Blackthorn!

17/07/2025: I just read the last 12 months of reviews. Some people just need to complain! Smh... My wife and I have been in the restaurant business for over 40 yrs each, and the Tankard stands out as an amazing meal. The cauliflower and pate' apps were excellent. The turbot and sole were equally delectable- each with local potatoes, of course... Muireann was an excellent server. She was funny, efficient and a joy to talk to. There was also a young lady at the register- chef knife tattoo on her forearm- was also very nice to deal with.

12/07/2025: Brilliant restaurant. The food here is always incredible. The service is second to none and the views just bring it all together. Would highly recommend the Tankard.