Creeslough, Co. Donegal
"Ah, ‘tis good to be you that you're taking your tae, when they're cutting the corn in Creeslough today."Irish songwriter Percy French wrote these words many years ago. They're painted on the wall at a pub and restaurant called Corn Cutters Rest. Because of its proximity to a famous nearby attraction, the Rest is also known as Castle Doe Restaurant, though not a single local would dare call it that. It functions as the town's pub, with the pub being downstairs; the restaurant, up.
Wooden planked floors, large windows, and heavy furniture give the restaurant a rustic, homey kind of charm. Since food is served in the bar, as well as the restaurant, the waitresses scurry up and down the stairs balancing hefty trays of food and drink. It doesn't seem to faze them or sour their dispositions at all. They leave and return laughing and talking. For a busy gathering spot, the restaurant somehow manages to seem quiet and peaceful. Helpings are generous-and tasty-and the staff is friendly and eager to please.
A special three-course Sunday lunch features Prime Roast Silverside of Beef, Breaded Fillet of Haddock (a real treat), and other meats, as well as Vegetarian Fritters with Tomato and Basil sauce. On the a la carte menu, choices range from homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches to the CornCutter Steakburger (the biggest hamburger you can imagine). Dishes are served with a warm, delightful granary Bap (whole grain bun). The full menu is available in the bar and the restaurant, so the lucky diner has a choice of locations along with a choice of tasty treats.
Sample menu and prices:
Sunday lunch: €15
Children €9
All day full Irish breakfast €7
Corn Cutter Steakburger €9
Bottle of house wine €15 (Australian Snappy Gum red or white)
How to get there:
From Dublin: N2/A5 to Lifford then N14/13 to Letterkenny. Take N56 15miles to Creeslough.
From Belfast: A6 to Derry, then N13 to Letterkenny. N56 15 miles to Creeslough.
Address:
Corn Cutters Rest
(Castle Doe Restaurant)
Creeslough, Co. Donegal
T: 074 913 8001
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007