First, please allow me to state I don't write that many reviews. I tend to think, albeit quite cynically, many (most?) reviews are written by people who have an ax to grind or think they have to be gregariously generous with their positive review. So, to be clear, I have nothing to gain from this review.
*whew*
Now that that's out of the way...
You know that bar/restaurant/coffee shop/whatever you go to regularly and often, and have for years, because the people who work there are genuine and amazing and personable as all get out? The food is always fresh and fantastic and you just look forward to the great experience you just know you're going to have because of how they treat you and the food they serve? Kelly's is that place. Our group of four stopped by last week during our trip of Southern Ireland. We were there for a mid-afternoon lunch/dinner and more or less had the place to ourselves. We were immediately seated and greeted by a friendly and engaging young woman named Joanne. After just a few minutes of chatting with her and perusing the menu we all felt like she was an old friend we'd known a while. Two of us had wanted the Shepard's Pie and she told us there wasn't any available yet and just as we were about to order something else she beamed that it had just come up and we could order it, which we did. The other two in our group ordered hamburgers. Our meals were swiftly served and... just wow. WOW! I'm no connoisseur of Shepard's Pie but if there's a better one out there I'll never find it. It was simply stellar. The hamburgers were also incredible. We learned, quickly, Irish food is usually served unseasoned or seasoned very little and it's up to the person eating to season it to their taste. Both the ladies in our group added a little salt to their burgers and fries and said their fresh burgers were awesome.
The owner, Ginny, came out and joined our conversation. We learned she was from the states and she told us some about her experiences in Ireland. All in all, it was just a super nice visit and meal. We all wished we could visit again soon. If you're in the area, and you can make the time, please do yourself a favor and swing by. I can't imagine how you could possibly be disappointed and you certainly won't leave hungry! read more