Location, location, location! Overlooking Dundalk Bay, with the Mourne and the Cooley Mountains in the background and a long sandy beach just outside the windows, this is a fascinating place to visit at any time and it’s simply stunning on a fine day.
The Glyde Inn - named after the River Glyde which flows into the Irish Sea at the little harbour just a few yards from the front door - is run by the O’Neill family, who also have the bakery next door.
The pub is a real local and dates back to the 18th century - as you enter there’s a sense of that history and the many good nights enjoyed in the atmospheric front bar, where traditional Irish music nights are regularly held.
Yet it’s the restaurant that has those amazing views. Named the ‘Linn Duachaill’ in honour of the area’s Viking heritage, it has a slightly old-fashioned ambience and offers an evening menu that includes plenty of local produce.
With the fishing port of Clogherhead just 15km down the road and small local boats fishing for shellfish, fresh fish and seafood is a natural speciality and a good choice is offered in season.
The starter list is packed with fish, more so than the mains. Starters include Annagassan crack and eat crab claws, local razor clams, Carlingford mussels and Clogherhead prawns.
As well as fish and chips and Clogherhead scampi ‘straight from Pat Lynch’s boat’, Peter Hanratty’s sirloin steak and Viking burger are favourites.
The drinks menu features local craft beer, Dan Kelly cider and Listoke gin.
