Hope C.
Yelp
Wow. This might be one of my favorite pubs in Ireland. Somewhat hidden off the main drag in Lisdoonvarna, the place completely took me by surprise. There's a Wild West feel to the pub that I can't quite explain - the lure of a frontier that's comfortable but also pushing boundaries. The pub is affiliated with the Burren Smokehouse and has its own brewery as well. Does it get better?
Rather than your typical bar food, this tavern serves freshly smoked salmon (or course), entrees that are upscale iterations of pub food and delicious home brews (get the stout, it's actually VERY GOOD). I'd call it a gastropub except that there's nothing modern about it and this, my friends, is one of the very best parts.
We walked in and were told to find a seat in the front or back dining rooms -- spaces with simple wooden furniture so casually arranged, there's almost an old schoolhouse or library ambiance to it. The waiter we had was spectacular -- passionate about the food, full of excellent recommendations, and clearly invested in making sure that we enjoyed the experience. We settled on the seafood chowder, slow-roasted pork belly and hot smoked salmon. The seafood chowder was creamy with a full, rich smoky flavor imparted by the bits of salmon. The slow-roasted pork belly had heavenly chunks of figs to offset the saltiness of the tender, cut-with-your-fork meat. And the hot smoked salmon was a gorgeous filet of salmon with the most amazing smoked flavor I've had in a piece of seafood before, I must say. It was all very, very good and totally relaxed.
The Roadside Tavern is a County Clare gem. Shh! Don't tell everyone! ;)