Also home to their interior design business, Ray O’Callaghan and Myra Ryall's Café Townhouse on Doneraile’s main street is quite the draw, attracting business from a wide area as the word of this delightful place spreads. Look out for a few small pavement tables and an Illy coffee sign, as the café itself may not be signed.
A high-ceilinged period house of many rooms, it's loaded wth atmosphere and regulars beat a path here for the comfort and old world decor just as much as the excellent food and attentive service.
The day begins with a good breakfast, but lunch is the very busy time. Many head here for affordable treats such as the traditional baked honey roast ham, with Townhouse slaw on doorstep brown or white bread, which makes a very tasty lunch for less than a fiver, and there's always a soup and sandwich offer.
For something more substantial, their Ploughman’s Plate or the savoury Tart of the Day should fit the bill - and there is much more to choose from, including a really good warm chicken and bacon salad.
Outside of lunch time, there's more of a tea room atmosphere and people call in at all hours of the day to sample the sweet things here. You’ll spot the tempting array of cakes on the counter as soon as you arrive, and their luscious Victoria sponges with fresh fruit and fresh cream also make a lovely dessert.
Given the combination of charm, good food and good value, it's not surprising that this is a very popular spot - if coming for lunch, especially, booking is advised.
