Strandhill, Co. Sligo
Located at the foot of famed Knocknarea Mountain (home of Queen Maeve's Tomb) is the town of Strandhill, popular with surfers, beach walkers, golfers, and hungry travellers. The Venue Bar and Restaurant dates from around 1800 and is the second oldest building in Strandhill. With an open fire, cozy wood interior, and collections of vintage stoneware on high shelves, this popular restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic from one of two balcony eating areas. Huge glass sliding doors along the back of the eatery not only allow breath-taking views but also add a spacious feel. Brick and stone walls, traditional wooden floors, and dark wood tables and chairs combine to form a charming, comfortable retreat in which to indulge in specialties of the menu.
Famous for its Lissadell mussels, crabs, and seafood chowder served with that wonderful soft-on-the-inside-crunchy-on-the-outside delectable French bread, the Venue serves only the freshest catch and homemade breads. But for those not inclined toward seafood, other treats on the menu include char-grilled T-bones, burgers, and vegetarian Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini, along with lighter fare of soup, salads (delicious, crisp, and fresh), and sandwiches, toasted on brown or white bread.
The food is marvellous, the view, spectacular: a dining experience not to be missed and not soon forgotten.
Open daily: 12:30 - 9:00
Prices:
Chowder €6.50 T-bone €24.50
Spicy wings €6.50 Burger €12.95
Tortellini €12.50 Whole lobster €29.95
How to get there:
From Dublin: N4 to Sligo Town. Follow signs to R292 to Strandhill.
From Belfast: M1/A4 to Enniskillen. Take A4/N16 to Sligo Town and follow signs to R292 in Strandhill.
Address:
The Venue
Strandhill, Co. Sligo
T: 071 916 8167
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007