Oh we do love village Ireland - it has a uniquely warm charm. Most tourists head for Dublin,…read moreGalway, Cork and while they are wonderful in themselves, getting away from big populations is a joy. So we ambled out of Galway through Ireland's ancient history: to Athenry. This is a medieval town that has its town wall, it's priory, Athenry Castle, and its 13th century Anglo-Norman street - plan yet most Irish know it from the song 'The Fields of Athenry' likely the country's real national anthem. We were in the vicinity of Aughrim - one of the battle sites 1690/91 with the sister battle of the Boyne being the one that is still celebrated by one of the two divided communities in Northern Ireland. Next on our radar came Moate in the county of Westmeath. A one street town essentially. The name An Móta derives from the term motte and bailey. The Normans built an example of this type of fortification here and the earthwork is still visible behind the buildings on the main street. The town later became an important marketplace and Quaker village with several extant examples of Quaker houses on the main street, which itself is typical of an Irish marketplace. So, surrounded by living history in a land with some rocks 1.7 billion years old and the limestone we stood on 350 million years old we decided on good coffee and this place looked ideal. It was ideal. There was a chap a walking/talking waiter/chef/pastry cook/barista serving anyone who came in range whether they wanted served or not. We only wanted coffees but I spied the rhubarb tart which brought out his genuine Irish charm. I baked it myself this morning it's the best rhubarb tart you'll taste. I grow the rhubarb in my back garden. Sold says I. He was right on all counts. The taste of a piece of tart brought me back to my childhood. This tart was undoubtedly home made and had no muck added. The coffees - flat white and cappuccino - were excellent too and generous portions. It wouldn't be Ireland though as at the next table was a chap with an all day fry up. He had 2 of sausages, bacon, eggs, then black and white pudding, beans and half a loaf of toasted bread and copious butter. He said to his companion 'it's a bit light' pronounced 'tis a bi loigh' he focussed on the absence of mushrooms. So as the walking/talking waiter/chef/pastry cook/barista came with our coffees Mr Greedy announced tis a bi loigh there's no mushrooms to hear they didn't come in the deal but cost extra. The thought of having to pay a bit more when he had enough food to keep him fed three days made him say tis alroig but the walking/talking waiter/chef/pastry cook/barista brought him mushrooms anyway at no extra cost with the other half of the toasted loaf. He thanked him for his generosity and as the walking/talking waiter/chef/pastry cook/barista walked away Mr Greedy said under his breath to his embarrassed companion told ye it was a bi loigh Good coffee with light entertainment and a greedy bastard thrown in.

Great stop on our way to Galway from Dublin! Site was originally a church. Very pretty and quaint…read more What a nice little spot for a homey lunch. Our small tour group was met by a lovely woman who came out in the rain to meet us. Husband had the triple decker club sandwich, which was good. Nice sized serving, good bread. I ordered the soup of the day, which was carrot & coconut, with a little too much pepper. I hadn't planned on saying anything, as the bread that came with it was so tasty I didn't mind, however a staff member- perhaps the owner?- came and noticed I hadn't eaten much. She inquired as to why I hadn't eaten much then went to check on it, saying there would be no charge, because the soup was too spicy. I never would have expected this. Everyone was so very friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this Cafe to anyone driving through in need of a spot of tea, a hearty breakfast, or sandwich and chips.

The only place in town that has soya and lactose free milk. Love the cappuccino! Nice Irish…read morebreakfast and friendly staff. Don't forget to get the loyalty card!

stayed 3 nights at the barracks inn! ate here every morning with no hesitation among my group. Do…read moreyourself a favor and do not underestimate the bagel. I love bagel sandwiches. This bagel beat out every other i've had, new york included. The mini fry was also awesome. loved th white pudding and hash and bacon and all of it! not pictured but the waffles are real good too! not as jawdropping but a good belgian waffle nonetheless. But go with the bagel or the fry. It'll change you. Every morning i drank a whole tea and it was always incredible. Strongly recommend this place to any and every traveler. Great atmosphere, music selection, kind staff, and wonderful rooms if you're staying overnight. :)

On vacation for 8 days in Ireland with my girlfriend and stayed 6 nights at The Lodge at the Old…read moreBarracks and couldn't have been more happy with my choice. The room was well updated and cozy. Each morning we had full complimentary breakfast across the street at the Barracks restaurant that was included with our room. Scott runs a very hospitable business and his passion for customer service shows through his staff. Michael was awesome, not only was he the one received us at 7pm, checked us in and showed us our room, he was also working each morning in the restaurant and helped us plan our daily journeys around the Galway area. Everyone we met were very attentive , kind and helpful. Next door to the Lodge, The Stone House Pizza had awesome food as well and is the one place we found that serves a true cocktail. I highly recommend staying at the Lodge at The Old Barracks to anyone who likes a local vibe and hospitality. After our fantastic experience I would never consider staying anywhere else when visiting the Galway area.

Always have got food here, especially the breakfasts for me. It's located in a garden centre on…read morethe Ashbourne to Ratoath Road with loads of parking.

Wildflower is a beautiful establishment !! Very relaxing in its surroundings and friendly staff…read more I've been there more than a few times now and strongly recommend this little gem. The food is excellent and if you have a sweet tooth.. I'll say no more :-)

Found this on yelp on our way back from Galway. Echo all the other reviewers comments re quality…read moreof food and quick service. Had a grilled ham panini that was made with their own homemade baguette. The deserts look divine! 1000% worth the detour.

Stopped here on our way from Galway to Dublin. It was such a cute little place and the menu had…read morelots of options. The food was awesome and came out quick. They also have a bakery there with delicious pastries and desserts! Would totally recommend this place if your passing through!

Have been coming here for about 10 years as it has a range of dinners (lasagne, cottage pie etc) as…read morewell as some in between stuff (big chicken vol-au-vents) down to a full sandwich bar. Currently eating breaded chicken in a baguette, which is good and solid, fresh and tasty! They also have bagels, wraps and good old sliced bread. A good antidote to prefabricated standardised lunches elsewhere. A few years ago it was redecorated in 'tea room' style and it suits it.

Excellent find ! Best coffee Shop in the town . Lovely clean premises with fabulous variety on…read moremenu open from 7:30am for full breakfast to scramble Eggs or local Kilbeggan porridge ! Homemade Scones and lovely mixed brown breads! To homemade soups and hot lunches. If cream desserts is your thing you should call . The biggest Rhurbarb Pie I've ever seen. Will defo be back again ! Loved Jenny's kitchen.

Olivia took great care of us as we were desperately looking for breakfast in Anthlone! The food was…read moredelicious and really hit the spot!

Ample seating upstairs for our party of six. Friendly fast service. Excellent food. Highly…read morerecommend.

Cute little cafe! We got some coffee and chai latte to go with the healthy high proten muffin and…read morethe decadent almond flour pistachio cake. Everything tasted really yummy!

We made a stop here for lunch on our way from Dublin to Galway, and it was such a great experience!…read moreExcellent vegan options, generous portion sizes, super friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Just had delicious lunch. Lovely food and lovely service…read more Great buzz in the place, busy busy. Duck salad was yum, real good selection of food in one salad. Loved it. Will. Definitely return for more.

I am sorry to say that Corner House Bistro is permanently closed, so those looking at Athlone…read moreoptions should be aware.

This spot is a little gem. Stopped here for a quick coffee a cake after an afternoon of shopping …read more We got lemon drizzle cake .... Enough said. Still warm and whopper zingy taste of lemon ( which most lemon cakes lack ) . Service was quick and smiley. Decor cute and homely with solid wood furniture and fresh daisies in the windows. Seating area in the hidden garden out the back and if it's sunny there is plenty of room out front. Love it..... Feeling whopper chilled

Great choice of good food. They cater for allergies. Homemade cakes & bakes. Very well presented &…read morelovely helpful staff. Great for morning coffee, lunches & afternoon snacks.