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Loop Head

Loop Head peninsula, Co Clare, Ireland

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Tour the peninsula

& savour the flavours

Oysters in Irish resort bar

OverviewView Next

The people of Loop Head have been blessed when it comes to providing food for their families. Traditionally, fishermen caught white fish and mackerel in the waters off the north and west of the peninsula. And when weather conditions were inclement, they had the sheltered Shannon to turn to.

The estuary is a haven for shellfish including oysters, lobsters, crab and crayfish. Poulnasherry Bay, on the eastern end of the peninsula, is named after its traditional harvest – Poll na nOisrí, Pool of the Oysters. Along the shoreline, the locals picked mussels and winkles, together with seaweeds such as dillisk, and slúcán, or slack, a local delicacy. You’re not likely to find slúcán on any Loop Head menus, though, as it’s something of an acquired taste. Meanwhile, the grassy flat land has long supported beef and dairy cattle. Tillage is a thing of the past, but organic vegetable growing is making a comeback.

Irish holidays don't get any better

EthosView Next

With the aim of offering the best possible experience of the food of Loop Head to both visitors and locals alike, the restaurants, food producers, cafés and B&Bs of the peninsula have all come together recently to establish a Loop Head Food Circle.

The Food Circle charter is a strong commitment to safeguarding food standards and ensuring sustainability. Members must pledge to uphold a high quality of customer service, ambience, and the freshest local produce on the plate. Food Circle members must also commit themselves to sourcing as many of their ingredients as possible from their immediate locality, and they have to include at least two ‘signature’ dishes, or house specialties, on their menus. Look out for the lighthouse symbol in local restaurants, B&Bs and suppliers – it indicates Food Circle membership, and is your guarantee of quality, freshness and the utmost care – and do be sure to treat yourself to a signature dish wherever you go.

Pub/Restaurant Interior, Carrigaholt, County Clare, Ireland

RestaurantsView Next

The first thing you’ll notice about a Loop Head restaurant is the superbly-cooked, locally-sourced food. The second thing you’ll notice is undoubtedly the friendliness of the staff, whether you’re ordering a simple coffee and a scone or a four-course dinner. Most restaurants are family-run businesses, and you’ll generally find the owner on the premises.

Signature dishes to look out for in Loop Head include seafood chowder, steamed mussels, crab claws, locally-caught fish, and steaks, as well as home-made breads and desserts. Restaurants carrying these signature dishes will feature the Loop Head Food Circle logo – a lighthouse symbol. If you’re planning a day out hiking, biking, boating or fishing, most restaurants and hotels will put together a picnic hamper or packed lunch for you to take along with you. And for anglers keen to finish what they started, as it were, some of the restaurants will also ‘cook your catch’ of an evening for a small fee.

Irish Cooking at resort

Food Suppliers & ProducersView Next

The food producers of Loop Head are mainly small, sustainable, family-run businesses. And because they’re supplying to the locality, eco-conscious gourmands can be confident there are few food miles involved. In fact, several new business have been set up on Loop Head in recent years in response to the growth of the slow food movement.

We’re surrounded by water on three sides, so naturally the main focus is on seafood. The fish you’ll eat on Loop Head are all caught in local waters, and fishermen and diners alike will tell you that shellfish simply tastes better here. Organic vegetables and herbs are also grown, there’s an abundance of free-range eggs, and a local butcher supplies home-produced meat and sausages. Meanwhile, the fine Loop Head tradition of bread-baking and jam-making still flourishes. Locally-produced treats are sold and served in shops, delis and B&Bs all over the peninsula, and many restaurants sell in-house specialties over the counter.

Food circle

Where to eat in Loop Head..

Irish resort pub

Murphy Blacks Restaurant, Kilkee

This attractive restaurant is housed in a Victorian building and the owners, Cillian Murphy and Mary Redmond, have been careful to retain its period features. Menus lean towards seafood – specialties include crab tartlet and cannelloni of plaice – but meat eaters are well catered for too, and there is always a vegetarian choice. Desserts are homemade, and a balanced, accessibly-priced wine list includes a good choice of half-bottles.

Open Mon-Sat, 6-9pm (weekends only October-May). Seats 42 (outdoors 12); children welcome. Commendations: Georgina Campbell; McKennas’ Guide.

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 6854 / Web: www.murphyblacks.ie

Things to do ireland hotels

Naughton’s Steak and Seafood, Kilkee

Naughton’s is a sensitively-modernised 1870s pub and restaurant owned by Elaine Haugh and her husband, chef Robert Hayes.

Styled a Fish and Steak Bar, the accent is on seafood, and on simplicity, with seven starters and seven seafood choices offered, plus five meat dishes, and more seafood specials each night. There’s a children’s menu and a small but carefully chosen wine selection. Food is served from 5.30pm, and the restaurant is open for lunch in the high season. Fully wheelchair accessible.

Commendations: Georgina Campbell

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 6597 / Email: moc.r1508875223absno1508875223thgua1508875223n@ofn1508875223i1508875223

web: naughtonsbar.com

 

The Long Dock Pub and Restaurant, Carrigaholt.

The Long Dock Pub and Restaurant, Carrigaholt.

This traditional family run pub is famous for its unique atmosphere. From the moment you cross the threshold you are struck by the old world charm and friendly comfort.You know you are on to something special! As a member of The Loop Head Food Circle we are committed to sourcing all of our fresh produce locally. Carrigaholt shellfish, wild Atlantic fish and locally farmed beef, pork and lamb feature on our menu.
Our new Ice Cream Parlour is housed in what was once the milking parlour located at the rear of the building. We have remained true to our rural way of life by creating a blend of natural ingredients which when combined awaken your taste buds, therefore, producing our range of homemade ice creams.  Just ask to see the Red Door. Georgina Campbell Pub of the Year 2015, McKennas’ Top 100 Restaurants 2017.
Check our Facebook page for current opening times facebook.com/thelongdock
Tel. 065 90 58106  Email: moc.k1508875223codgn1508875223oleht1508875223@ofni1508875223
The Diamond Rocks Cafe, Kilkee

The Diamond Rocks Cafe, Kilkee

The Diamond Rocks is a beautifully-situated restaurant and cafe with spectacular views over Kilkee Bay, the cliffs and the natural rock formation that gives the Diamond Rocks Café its name. Pizzas are a specialty of the house, but a variety of starters, main courses and home-made desserts is also available. Breakfast is served between 9am and midday.

The café is open from June to September, and on weekends all year round, with seating for 120 people. Take-away foods are also available.

 

Phone: +353 (0)65 908 3812

Email: ten.m1508875223ocrie1508875223@selo1508875223hkcol1508875223lop1508875223

Pub in Irish holiday resort

The Strand Bistro and Guesthouse, Kilkee

The Strand Bistro is a fully-licensed restaurant with views over Kilkee Bay. Proprietors Johnny and Caroline Redmond are the fourth generation of a family who have been in the hospitality and catering business in Kilkee for almost 160 years. Freshly-caught seafood is a Strand specialty. The bistro is known for its seafood chowder, smoked salmon, steamed mussels and tiger prawns, as well as for a range of meat dishes.

The Strand is open from 11am to 9.30pm. Packed lunches and picnics are available. Commendations: Georgina Campbell

Phone +353 (0)65 905 6177/ +353 (0)86 263 8251

Email: ten.m1508875223ocrie1508875223@eekl1508875223ikdna1508875223rtseh1508875223t1508875223

Web: www.thestrandkilkee.com

Cooking in Irish holiday resort

The Pantry Café and Deli, O’Curry Street, Kilkee

The Pantry Café, Deli and Cookery School was established in 1982 by home economics teacher Imelda Bourke, and since then has earned a reputation as one of Kilkee’s best food emporia, right in the heart of town.

The café is open from Easter to the end of September and offers breakfast from 8.30am, as well as lunch, soups, salads and sandwiches. All the menus feature local home-made produce and cater for coeliacs. A selection of wines is also available, including half-bottles.

Commendations: Georgina Campbell; McKennas’ Guide; Lonely Planet

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 6576/ +353 (0)86 238 9996

Email: ei.ee1508875223kliky1508875223rtnap1508875223@ofni1508875223

Web: http://www.pantrykilkee.ie/

 

Stella Maris Hotel, Kilkee.

Stella Maris Hotel, Kilkee.

Run by Ann Haugh and family, serves wholesome food based on local ingredients, which can be enjoyed on a sunny verandah overlooking Kilkee Bay.

Chef Kevin Hanley and his team use local producers for all seafood, while the meat for the restaurant’s signature steak dishes is supplied by Ann’s husband Martin, an award-winning local victualler. The Stella Maris has become famous for its home baking, such as brown soda bread, scones, apple tarts and homemade marmalade.

Commendations: Georgina Campbell; McKennas’ Guide

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 6455 / +353 (0)87 747 0107

Email: moc.l1508875223etohs1508875223irama1508875223llets1508875223@ofni1508875223

Web: stellamarishotel.com

Glencarrig Farmhouse B&B Rahona Carrigaholt

Glencarrig B&B, Carrigaholt

Guests at Mary’s B&B (part of the Fish and Stay experience) can look forward to a hearty breakfast made by an exceptionally skilled baker and cook. Choices include the Full Irish, French toast and maple syrup, Granola with fruit and yoghurt, or fresh mackerel. You can also buy her homemade bread and jam to take home.

Phone: +353 (0)86 074 8131

Email: moc.l1508875223iamto1508875223h@not1508875223sayra1508875223m1508875223

What to do in ireland

The Old School B&B, Cross

Breakfast is served in one of the old classrooms at the Old School. It consists of a traditional Irish grill with rashers, sausages, black and white pudding, free range eggs and tomatoes, or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. All meat is supplied by Haugh’s award-winning victuallers in Kilkee.

Phone: +353 (0)65 670 3666/  +353 (0)86 154 9402

Email: moc.l1508875223iamg@1508875223ssorc1508875223loohc1508875223sdloe1508875223ht1508875223

 

The Pier Restaurant, Hickies Bay View, Kilkee.

The Pier Restaurant, Hickies Bay View, Kilkee.

The Pier Restaurant serves an array of excellent food in intimate and tastefully decorated surroundings, with some tables having stunning sea views.

Menus offer a large selection  of local fresh seafood, succulent steak and chicken dishes delivered daily to the kitchen from locally sourced producers.

Seafood dishes include locally caught  crab, lobster, Seabass as well as daily fish specials.

Early bird menu also available as well as a comprehensive wine list.

Phone: +353 (0)65 9056058 / Web: www.bayviewkilkee.com

 

Other places to eat


Pub in Ireland

Keating’s Bar & Restaurant, Kilbaha

Keating’s Bar & Restaurant, billed as the nearest pub to New York, has both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Kilbaha Bay and the busy fishing pier.

Fresh bar food is served all day, including seafood chowder, crab claws, smoked salmon salad, stuffed chicken, sirloin and minute steaks, deep-fried cod. Cakes and scones are also served, with tea or freshly-ground connoisseur’s coffee.

Free wifi is available for patrons, and you can be assured of the friendliest of welcomes from proprietors Bernie and Helen Keating.

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 8009

Email: ten.m1508875223ocrie1508875223@rabg1508875223nitae1508875223k1508875223

Web: www.keatingsbar.com

Ice Cream Parlour, O'Curry Street, Kilkee.

Ice Cream Parlour, O'Curry Street, Kilkee.

The Lighthouse Inn, Kilbaha.

The Lighthouse Inn, Kilbaha.

With a buzzy local pub and our kitchen cooking up delicious meals with the freshest ingredients, along with our great team of staff, local fishing trips and dolphin watching tours available, bird watching and lots more, we are happy to offer you an amazing experience while you are travelling the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland or indeed returning for another adventure here.

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 8944

Email: moc.l1508875223iamg@1508875223eralc1508875223nnies1508875223uohth1508875223gileh1508875223t1508875223

Web:  www.thelighthouseinnclare.com

Suppliers

Loop Head food circle

Meringues, The Pantry, Kilkee, County Clare, Ireland

Mary O’s Bakery at Glencarrig B&B, Carrigaholt

Mary supplies her home-baked foods, including her legendary cupcakes, muffins, sponges and sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, all over Loop Head. Guests at her B&B can look forward to the tastiest of treats, and you can even order a birthday or anniversary cake to be ready on your arrival.

Phone: +353 (0)86 074 8131

Email: moc.l1508875223iamto1508875223h@not1508875223sayra1508875223m1508875223

 

Baking in ireland

The Pantry Deli, Café and Cookery School, Kilkee

The Pantry Deli and Bakery, around the corner from the café, has a full selection of sweet and savoury dishes, made using all local produce. The Pantry can take the stress out of your catering plans and supply gourmet dishes to your home.

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 7576/ +353 (0)86 238 9996

Email: moc.e1508875223eklik1508875223yrtna1508875223peht@1508875223ofni1508875223

Web: thepantrykilkee.com

Sealyons, Seafood at Irish resort

Sealyons Seafood, Castle Pier, Carrigaholt

A family-owned company established in 1997, Sealyons supplies fresh seafood to restaurants, pubs and hotels in Clare and surrounding counties. Sealyons also runs a door-to-door home delivery service, delivering fish, shellfish and poultry ready-packed in small quantities for your freezer. Phone to place an order or visit the Sealyons website.

 

Phone: +353 (0)65 905 8222

Email: ei.sn1508875223oylae1508875223s@ofn1508875223i1508875223

Web: sealyons.ie

Cooking in Irish holiday resort

Deirdre Daly’s Artisan Bakery

Small bakery corner in this Early till Late convenience store, that is devoted to the baking of Deirdre Daly.

11 O’Connell Street, Kilkee, County Clare

Phone:  + 353 (0) 65 905 6075. Open daily.

Carmel's Home Bakery & Coffee Dock, The Irish House, O'Curry Street, Kilkee.

Carmel's Home Bakery & Coffee Dock, The Irish House, O'Curry Street, Kilkee.

Home bakery corner in the Irish House, O’Curry Street, Kilkee providing traditional home made breads, cakes and confectionery, 

Phone:  + 353 (0) 65 905 6466. Open daily.

Ireland vacation location

Hayes Gala Foodstore, O'Connell Street, Kilkee.

Hickies Victuallers, O'Connell Street, Kilkee.

Hickies Victuallers, O'Connell Street, Kilkee.

Hickies Vituallers is a family owned and run butchers located in O’Connell Street, Kilkee and prides itself on the high quality of its meats, which include chicken fillets, sausages, burgers, pork loins and steaks.

Open Daily.

Tel: + 353 (0) 65 9056027

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LoopheadPeninsula

Oct 20

Sunrise before another storm...

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Oct 23

The remains of 'Storm Brian' yesterday.

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