Mayo Stop-over
I enjoyed my recent one night
in Ballina (County Mayo), especially the meal in the Market Kitchen and the overnight
stay at the nearby Quignalegan House. The Irish don’t seem to have discovered
Quignalegan yet as most of the guests come from the continent!
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| Amuse Bouche |
Met up with my Mayo relations
during the day and then checked in with Breege Padden at her Quignalegan House
just about a mile out the Sligo Road from the well known Ice Hotel. Breege runs
a four star guesthouse here and had the kettle on even before we thought of a
cuppa. We enjoyed the tea in her well equipped lounge which has comfortable
chairs, a TV and plenty of books.
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| Crab claws |
The bedroom too was
comfortable and spacious and had all the mod cons, including a flat screen TV.
All rooms are ensuite and you’ll also find information here on what to see and
do in the area. There is a breakfast menu. Cereals and fruits and yoghurts are
on side tables and you might need to give Breege your cooked breakfast
preferences in advance – otherwise it is the full Irish!
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| Scallops |
Had heard only good things
about the Market Kitchen, the restaurant that is on the floor above the Murphy
Brothers Bar in Clare Street in the town. The kitchen is a big supporter of local
producers and they are listed on the menu.
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| Duck |
It comfortably seats 80 and
it was busy on the Saturday night. We really enjoyed our dinner there. The local
produce stood out in the starters, both top class. CL went for the Seared
Scallops (pan-fried, with asparagus, chorizo, béarnaise, and Kelly’s black
pudding crumbled). Mine was one of their signature dishes: the Achill Island
crab claws (baked, with roast baby potatoes, garlic, chilli and lime cream).
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| Salmon |
The main courses were also local,
also superb. Mine was the Roast Breast of Silver hill Duck while CL went for
the Grilled Fillet of Clare Island Salmon. The restaurant, as I said, was busy,
but the bar was positively abuzz as we walked down the stairs and most of the
punters seemed to be eating. Highly recommended!
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| River Moy, Ballina |
