Friendly Folks at the Cliff Town House

Cliff Town House (Dublin)

Chicken parfait

 I was back in Dublin last week for the friendly international against Poland and my base was the Cliff Town House  in St Stephen’s Green. And a fine base it was.

It is in a terrific location, for the Aviva (a brisk twenty minute walk away but also a line of taxis just outside the hotel door), and more so for some of the main city attractions including St Stephen’s Green itself. The Little Museum of Dublin is almost next door. Leinster House and the National Gallery are nearby with Trinity College and the Book of Kells a little further. Dublin Castle, now (Jan-Jun) busy with EU 2013, is also within walking distance and I haven’t even mentioned the shops!

Breakfast

 We were welcomed warmly as we arrived on Wednesday afternoon and the same friendliness continued throughout the stay. The room was fine and comfortable and well equipped. With the game on that evening, we didn’t really have time for the big dinner but we were glad to see a pre-theatre menu on offer between 5.30 and 6.30pm.

We took the two course option for twenty euro and were very happy with it. CL enjoyed her Chicken Liver Parfait, Madeira Jelly, Vanilla Puree, with toasted Brioche while the Donegal Fish Soup (with Saffron and Garlic Mayonnaise) was unexpectedly spicy and exactly what was required to put the taste buds on full alert in the cold weather.

Donegal Soup

 And no shortage of heat either in the main dish: Cod, Puy Lentils, Bacon and (a spicy) Salsa Verde. Really enjoyed this, the soft freshness of the fish and the contrasting crunch of the lentils and the bacon. Off to the Aviva then. On our return, the bar was very quiet but I did enjoy a bottle of Blackrock Stout from Dungarvan (Town House is closely related to Ardmore’s Cliff House Hotel).

There was a good choice for breakfast but I passed on the traditional Dubliner offering (a.k.a. the full Irish) and followed a bowl of fruit and a glass of juice with a delicious plateful of smoked salmon and scrambled egg. Ready then for another day on the town!