Multyfarnham is a delightful traditional village in the gloriously unspoilt rolling countryside just north of Mullingar, and near Lough Derravaragh – where the mythical Children of Lir spent 300 years of their 900 year exile.
Complete with a 13th century Franciscan Friary (with life-size Stations of the Cross in the grounds) and a pretty river with charming stone bridge, it is a village well worth seeking out – and when you’ve done exploring, Pat and Una Weir’s handsome stone pub & restaurant is a good spot to relax in. It’s an atmospheric place, especially the friendly front bar with its welcoming fire - a typical old-world pub where all the local news is up for discussion, it’s full of charm.
Behind it you’ll find a surprisingly large restaurant, which has a well-earned a reputation for good home-cooked food, notably steaks (Angus sirloin, Hereford fillet), and attracts regular custom from miles around.
The Weirs take pride in using as much local and organic produce as possible, with daily specials focusing on seasonal availability and everything is home made, including desserts – anyone for Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake and Raspberry Coulis or Warm Apple Pie and Cream? It’s all homely in the best possible sense, meaning simple, well cooked and tasting of itself, and there’s a short children’s menu too (€5).
A short wine list is well-chosen to match the food and well-priced.
With a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and good food, what more could you ask of a country pub? Well, a bike for hire actually – or a boat, with ghillie and packed lunch, maybe even a house to let. Now that’s service.
Seats 60 (outdoors, 8; private room, 20). Meals: Wed-Sat, 12.30-8.30 (day menu to 7, à la carte 6-8.30); Sun, 12.30-6pm, set Sun L €17; value D 5-7pm €20, also à la carte. Children welcome (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); free broadband wifi. Fri night live music, popular folk acoustic. No food served Mon (except bank hols) & Tue. Closed Good Fri, 25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
