An attractive two-storey stone building set back from a bend on the Ennistymon-Lisdoonvarna road, Kilshanny House sits above a patchwork of green fields and farmland on the edge of The Burren. With navy blue window frames, flower boxes and a white gable proclaiming the name, it's easy to spot - and outside seating with smart navy umbrellas gives it a welcoming continental look.
Dating back to 1860 and full of character, this hospitable rural pub came into new ownership in 2021 when it was taken over by chef-proprietor Matthew Strefford (who is well known in the area from his time at nearby Moy House, which has recently closed) and his wife, Michelle. Undaunted by opening during a pandemic, the couple wasted no time in welcoming old friends and new - initially for outdoor dining in their attractive enclosed garden at the back and then also indoors, where all the necessary health and safety checks are very pleasantly undertaken.
The interior has a smart and comfortable feel with polished wood floors, beautiful polished wooden tables and a small library beside the fireplace. The old bar has plenty of amosphere, with many guests asking for drinks on tap, and there is dining upstairs too.
Staff are very friendly and helpful and the menu is refreshingly simply written, with no gimmicks or showing off - and it will quickly become apparent that the cooking speaks for itself here.
Showcasing home produced and local food is at the heart of Matthew Strefford's philosophy and they're members of the Burren Food Trail and Burren Ecotourism. Famous Clare products such as St Tola Goats Cheese and Burren Smokehouse Salmon feature among a range of classic starters with a modern twist (the salmon, for example, may come with horseradish, pickled cucumber and crème fraiche). Hearty meat dishes lead off the mains and the fish cooking is excellent - Pan fried Atlantic hake, with mussel, chickpea and chorizo stew, and aioli, perhaps, that will have you scooping up the broth and delighting in its deep, zingy flavours.
To finish, the Irish cheese selection would always be a good choice here - but a classic dessert would be equally tempting. Chocolate Délice, for example - a light chocolate mousse contrasting beautifully with salted caramel ice cream, pistachio and raspberries ... indulgent, simply perfect.
A lot of thought goes into the drinks at Kilshanny House too, and the wine list is sourced with care and fairly priced.
Kilshanny House is also well-known as a music venue, so keep an eye on social media for upcoming events.
