The O’Crowley family has owned this characterful bar and restaurant since 1979: it’s always been a friendly, well-run place and, although it can be very busy at times, their reputation for good food is generally well-deserved.
An Sugan is known nationally as a seafood destination and, from the outset, the emphasis has been on providing fresh local food, simply cooked - and in generous portions.
There are daily changes to both the lunch and evening menus, depending on the fresh deliveries of fish and seafood which come both from the major ports like Union Hall, Bantry, Castletownbere and Dingle, and from individual local fishermen, such as Sean and Eddie Harrington at Ring, just outside Clonakilty.
The choice of fish and seafood is extensive – over half of the dozen or so dishes on the all-day menu will typically be seafood (plus blackboard specials, which highlight the fish of the day) and a similar proportion on the evening menu, which offers some dressier versions of the daytime dishes and includes some prime ingredients such as scallops and lobster. A 2/3 course early dinner menu includes less fish but offers very good value.
Many customers just drop in a for a bowl of homemade seafood chowder served with the house brown bread, or perhaps the fresh salmon and shrimp parfait, wrapped in Union Hall smoked salmon (which may also be served simply with homemade bread, or in other dishes).
Fresh prawn scampi and the An Sugan seafood pie are both very popular too, while evening fish specials could include a choice of ten or more, ranging from hake on a bed of leek & potato mash to lobster An Sugan (fresh lobster flamed in a brandy & tomato sauce).
If you’re not in the mood for seafood there is plenty to choose from - you might try a starter made with the famous Clonakilty black pudding, and a prime Irish sirloin steak.
Desserts include old favourites like chocolate marquise and banoffee pie, and a balanced and fairly priced wine list includes a dozen house wines, all available by the glass.
Seats 42 (private room, 40); L 12.30pm-5pm, Early D 5pm-6.15pm, 2/3 courses €24/€30. 3 course set D €40. Wine from €24 (glass €6.25). Service discretionary. Reservations recommended; children welcome (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities). No private parking. Closed 25/26 Dec.
Just along from An Sugan is their beautiful guesthouse, which was recently extended and completely renovated
It is a lovely old house and the amount of TLC devoted to it is immediately obvious on arrival – when you see the charming mixture of antiques and quirky modern ideas in the décor, and all the local references and information for guests, there is no doubting the personal interest that the O’Crowleys have taken in the project.
The seven rooms include some that are suitable for families, or up to three friends travelling together, and all are individually decorated with stylish contemporary décor. Although all are shower-only, the well designed en-suite bathrooms are a good size and well finished - and there are flat screen TVs, hairdryers, iron/trouser press and tea & coffee making facilities in all rooms.
A lovely place to stay, and conveniently central too.
