Limerick’s beloved Plassey House is home to the East Room, a fine dining restaurant perfectly suited to the elegant surroundings of one of the country's finest historic houses.
Dating back to the late 18th century, Plassey House was once the seat of wealthy military men and industrialists, before becoming the administrative centre of the University of Limerick.
Now today's guests can take their own seats in this sumptuous setting, taking in the same period details and lovely views of mature trees, manicured lawns and the magnificent River Shannon, while enjoying the classic pleasures of a glass of wine and a meal evoking the glamorous dinner parties of more leisured times.
Billed as 'affordable fine dining' this elegant restaurant is run by Owner-Chef and Limerick native, Derek Fitzpatrick, with Restaurant Manager Joe Costelloe providing warmth and professionalism front of house.
Everything here is done with style (crisp white linen, classic mahogany Victorian dining chairs, fresh flowers, glistening crystal...) and Chef Fitzpatrick draws on experience in leading kitchens - Dromoland Castle, Les Gourmandises and Screebe House in Connemara among them - to create considered, refined set and à la carte menus of appetising dishes, using seasonal local and Irish ingredients.
Many suppliers are name checked on dishes, but main suppliers include CS Fish from Doonbeg, wild Irish game from Ballymoney Foods in Clane, Thornhill duck and Johnstone beef. The UL roof garden supplies vegetables and herbs – less than 300 metres from the kitchen.
Highlights may include wild Sika venison loin served with maple squash, spiced lentils, venison sausage and elder capers and grass-fed wagyu rump and cheek with celeriac and shitake dashi.
Portion sizes reflect the refined style of cooking and each dish is presented beautifully, with vivid colours, contrasting textures and innovative flavour combinations
To accompany, a well considered and reasonably priced wine list is organised by style (‘flavoursome and rich reds’ , ‘light and fruity whites’...) and there are also some local craft beers and a spirits licence.
Ideal for a pre-theatre supper for guests of the University Concert Hall, a dining destination for corporate groups, or a special setting for families toasting a graduation or other celebration, the East Room is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Limerick’s food, architecture and cultural history.
And, before or after your meal, allow time to enjoy some of the Visual Art Collections at Plassey House, including the National Self Portrait Collection of Ireland and The Irish American Cultural Institute’s O’Malley Collection which includes paintings by many distinguished artists such as Mainie Jellett, Evie Hone, Paul Henry and Jack B. Yeats.
