Leitrim is largely a rural county and naturally, favours a farm-to-fork approach to food. With an abundance of wonderfully produced ingredients on Leitrim’s doorstep and a passion for sourcing artisan produce from all over Ireland, no matter how simple the dish, you always know that you’re getting the best.
Dining in Leitrim’s restaurants may be the undoing of any self-imposed attempt at a diet, as you might just find yourself lusting after every item of the menu.
The Oarsman is a gastropub and restaurant that concentrates on simple foods with local provenance. Expect mussels from Lissadell, duck from Thornhill, Gubbeen cheese and a sumptuous showcase of the very best Irish ingredients. The Sandstone Restaurant is well worth a visit even if you’re not staying in the decadent Lough Rynn Castle Hotel. They create experimental menus, having innovated the likes of savoury ice creams and more. This is a treat as exciting as it is delicious.
The Cottage Restaurant does splendidly irreverent and non-traditional dishes. Think savoury cheesecakes, subtle Asian flavours and delectable desserts that you simply won’t be able to choose between. However, if you do have a hankering for a more traditional menu, check out The Riverbank where locally-sourced ingredients are transformed with the lightest of touches.
The café owners of Leitrim are, to put it simply, delightful. Welcoming, helpful and always serving delicious hot drinks and moreish morsels. If you find yourself looking for local recommendations or directions, there’s no need to be lost. Leitrim’s café folk are pretty good at that too. The epitome of genuine hospitality.
The Larder Café’s stone building perfectly suits the rustic but modern vibe that customers will find inside. The service is impeccable – so friendly and jovial, that it feels as sugar-sweet as its tasty baked goods.
The Dock Café is adjacent to Leitrim’s Design Centre, which you could peruse for hours, but before you exit through the gift shop be sure to take a little break with a coffee or tea in the café.
For those looking to thoroughly indulge themselves, relax in Lena’s Tea Room and feel like you’re on an old Hollywood movie set. The vintage and upcycled décor has something of the Miss Marple about it – genteel, sweet and floral. It’s a gorgeous place to enjoy a cup of tea and a freshly baked biscuit or cake. Or maybe two.
The Sweet Geranium Café is famed for its unashamedly comforting food. Beautifully made, and using only the finest ingredients they can source, your preconception of comfort food will be blown away in one bite of their hearty beef stew.