Jennifer M.
Yelp
During a two week visit with my in-laws, my husband and I decided to take our two kids out to visit Glendalough and the monastary/round tower complex located there. The walk around the historic sight and constant sprinting near the lake to avoid swarms of midges (damn, those things are vicious!) worked up a pretty ferocious appetite. My husband quickly hopped on Yelp! to see what he could find in the way of a decent lunch and that's how we ended up at Byrne & Woods.
This is where I feel compelled to make a public service announcement about Irish cuisine. Perhaps there was a time when the food in Ireland left much to be desired. But those days are LONG gone, my friend. Long gone.
Back to the review.
The restaurant/pub is well appointed in traditional pub style (dark wood, fireplace, comfy seats) without the grime found in some older establishments. The decor was quite warm and cozy and, dare I say, modern which lent the place an upscale air. We were the only patrons aside from a table of older ladies who were having some sort of club meeting. Our server also appeared to be the manager and he was very gracious and friendly and immediately brought black currant cordials for the girls and grown up drinks for my husband and I. As for the food....
....it was excellent. The fish was fresh, the chips were crispy and tender and flavorful, the smoked salmon/arugula (aka rocket) starter was delicious and everything smoked salmon should be but never is in the States (sadly). The bread was out of this world... and my after-lunch tea was, as always, a much anticipated treat. The kids each got a bowl of strawberry ice cream and while I'm tempted to wax rhapsodic about how fabulous the dairy is in Ireland, I shall stop here and hopefully entice you to come in for a taste yourself.
Seriously folks, do yourselves a favor and ditch the touristy places near Glendalough and make the short drive out to this establishment. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.