The delightful waterside village of Courtmacsherry has had its ups and downs in recent times, but it's now in the ascendancy once more with the success of its wonderful community shop and a number of other new-ish businesses, including the atmospheric Lifeboat Inn.
Opened in 2017 by David O'Halloran (manager) and Martin Buckley (the chef) it was an immediate success - so much so that in their second season they were already able to expand to add extra tables on a spacious terrace across the road. With lovely views over the water, it's a perfect place to enjoy a meal in fine summer weather - and, on chillier days, the cosy nautically themed pub is equally appealing, making it a terrific all year dining destination.
Local seafood stars, of course, but Martin's compact menus also offer a balanced range of meats, poultry and vegetarian dishes that stand out for the quality of ingredients and attention to detail.
Popular starters like Spicy Chicken Wings, Baked Goats Cheese Tartlet and Crab Claws cooked in garlic butter, or mains like Haddock fish and chips or Beef Burger in a brioche bun, may not sound unusual - but the pair brought plenty of experience with them when deciding to open their own business in Courtmacsherry, and it shows in excellent cooking of dishes that would not be out of place in far more sophisticated surroundings, and warmly professional service.
To fnish there are some old favoiurites like Guinness chocolate cake, Stewed Bramley Apple Crumble, Lemon Posset (with new season strawberries perhaps) among the choices, and an Irish Cheese Plate, which is highly recommended: three superb Irish cheeses - Milleens, Hegarty's Cheddar and Cashel Blue - come with a gorgeous pear and fig chutney and generous amounts of crackers and toast...
To accompany the food, some excellent wines are offered on a list which is very impressive for a gastro pub - and of course there's a full bar, where the wide choice includes the local craft beer (Black’s) on draught among a wide range of craft drinks, so there are plenty of variations ponder before your selecting your after dinner tipple.
