Food & Drink

---

One of the things I loved about this area is the diversity and richness of the food and ingredients. There are so many local producers and fantastic restaurants, you certainly won't go hungry!  The following lists are not exhaustive, just a few of my favourites and things you might find useful for your stay

• Bantry market every Friday is great whether you like food shopping or not. It runs from 10 until about 2ish and is held in the main square in Bantry. Sometimes later if the sun is shining. Parking can be a bit tricky but head towards the SuperValu on the harbour 
• Organico has a health/whole food store with an excellent selection, with lots of local producers featured. It is on the right-hand side of the N71 heading north, just through the centre of town. They also have a really lovely cafe next door
• O'Donoghues' Family Butcher is on Main Street in Bantry. They are possibly the most helpful and friendly butchers I've ever been to, with a fantastic range and top quality. They also do frozen raw dog food and bones so Dougal is a big fan too
• Fish  Kitchen/Fish Shop based on New Street. There is a small restaurant upstairs and fishmongers downstairs. Well worth a visit
• SuperValu has a really good selection. It has an onsite butcher, fishmongers, and bakery. They also stock a wide range of products from local producers. They are on the quayside of the harbour
• Lidl is on the outskirts of Bantry on the N71 heading north. It's on the lefthand side. It does what Lidl does well and is always interesting

• First on my list is Donemark West. It is just outside Bantry. I've been many times with lots of visitors. Every time it has been superb and no-one has been unhappy with any of their choices. I would highly recommend not planning to eat anything else on the day you intend to go because there is no skimping here. Open year-round, Wednesday-Sunday. Address: Donemark House, Newtown West, Bantry, Co. Cork Phone: (027) 53876
• The Brick Oven does hearty, good quality food with daily specials and excellent pizzas. They also do a great takeaway menu. If you're after a night out on the town, they have a music venue called the Mariners above the restaurant.
• For a really special evening in an incredible location, book with Blairscove. It's on the other side of Dunmanus Bay so you can see what the Sheep's Head looks like from across the water. This restaurant is really popular so get your booking in pronto. Open evenings only, Tuesday to Saturday from mid-March to early November. Blairscove House & Restaurant, Durrus, Bantry, Co.Cork, P75 FE44. Phone: (027) 61127

• Ahakista Bar (AKA the Tin Pub) is a small but perfectly formed pub. What you can't tell from the outside is that there's a huge garden right on the edge of the water. It is just one of the most perfect places to have a drink. It's only open during the season so from March to October-ish
• The Heron Gallery Cafe in Ahakista is run by the renowned local artist, Annabel Langrish. The cafe serves great food and the gorgeous garden is a wonderful place to enjoy it. The only downside is not being able to decide what to buy from the shop...
• The Old Creamery in Kilcrohane - I've heard nothing but good reviews about this place but haven't made it down there yet to my shame! 
• Eileen's in Kilcrohane is an institution. The best time to go is 6-9 on Sunday evening for live music. I can't recommend this highly enough! 
• The White House Gallery a bit further west of Kilcrohane is a quirky gallery, cafe and wine bar. Perfect on your way out to, or back from the Sheep's Head itself
• Ma Murphy's in Bantry is another brilliant place to go for an evening out. There is music every Saturday and Tuesday during the season. It doesn't look big enough in the main part of the pub but there is a music venue in the back