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Does anything taste better than a good feed after a long day outdoors? We certainly don’t think so and that’s why we always ensure we have sought out the very best places to fill our hungry bellies when we are out adventuring. We recently had the pleasure of spending an action-packed weekend in Ballyhoura and while we couldn’t get over the plethora of incredible activities on offer, we were equally as impressed with the delicious food on offer. From fine dining to hearty pub grub and scrumptious bakeries, Ballyhoura has it all. Here are some of our favourite places to get food in Ballyhoura.
1. The Thatch and Thyme
Located on the main street in Kildorrery this quaint cafe is the place to go if you are looking for top-quality home-cooked fare. Our mouths were watering as we watched food being delivered to the tables around us and our own food certainly didn’t disappoint.
We were there for lunch so opted for soup and sandwiches (the coronation chicken sandwich was divine!). Despite our best intentions to be good, we just couldn’t resist some home-baked treats for afters. And we are very glad we didn’t deny ourselves. These guys can bake! Their carrot cake might just be the best we’ve ever had and we take our carrot cake very seriously.
The Thatch and Thyme serves hearty breakfasts and both light and more hearty options for lunch.
2. Spruce and Willow
Mountain Bikers can rejoice as this little slice of heaven is located right at the trailhead of the world-class Ballyhoura Mountain Biking trails. Spruce and Willow offers up Badger and Dodo coffee along with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes, that emphasise fresh and local produce. This is the perfect place to refuel pre or post-ride. During the winter the wood-burning stove is always on to warm up cold hands and dry wet jackets too which adds to the allure!
Open Wednesday to Sunday, this cafe transforms into a lively bar by night with a good lineup of live music throughout the year. Not one to miss!
3. Deebert House Hotel
If it’s a warm welcome you’re after then a visit to Deebert House should be at the top of your list. Using locally grown ingredients, including some from their own garden, the food at the hotel’s Cloister Bar and Grill is hearty and delicious with a nice local vibe.
The hotel itself is set up for adventure lovers with complimentary bike storage, drying facilities and walking and biking maps for the Ballyhoura region! They even offer special adventure packages which include bed, breakfast, evening meals and packed lunches.
4. O’Callaghan’s
Established in 1988, O’Callaghan’s Cafe and Delicatessen is a firm favourite place to get food in Ballyhoura with Mitchelstown locals. No matter what time you visit there is always a buzz in this place and it’s not hard to see why. The food is good old fashioned grub, made the way your mum makes it. Hearty main dishes are followed by a good strong pot of tea and homemade cake.
5. Townhouse Café in Doneraile
If you love the outdoors and care about sustainability, Townhouse Café in Doneraile is the perfect place to grab a bite. Nestled in a beautifully restored 1880s building, this café blends eco-conscious practices with delicious, locally sourced meals. Their commitment to the environment shines through every aspect—from repurposed furniture to produce sourced from nearby Kilbrack Organic Farm and home gardens. With a mission to reduce waste, conserve water, and support local biodiversity, Townhouse Doneraile invites you to enjoy fresh, wholesome food while being part of their inspiring journey toward a greener future. Experience a taste of eco-tourism in the heart of Doneraile!
6. The Town Coffee Co.
If you are a fan of outrageously good coffee and top-notch toasties then this is the place for you. Oh, and the baked goods are definitely worth a mention too – they are exceptional! The counter is packed with freshly baked doughnuts, cinnamon buns, cakes and so much more!
The Town Coffee Co has a really fun vibe with its chic decor and it even claims to make the best cup of coffee in Ireland…we definitely thought it was up there with the best! It is rare to find a coffee shop this good in big cities let alone sandwiched between the Ballyhouras and the Galtees!
7. Praline
This is definitely one for the chocolate lovers out there. Serving a selection of individual French pastries and cake slices, Praline has also recently added handmade artisan truffles and bars to their offering which are nothing short of melt-in-the-mouth. We picked some up on our way through Mitchelstown and they were devoured within seconds of getting back in the car!
The cafe also serves up a good selection of homemade sandwiches making it an ideal stop for those passing through Mitchelstown on the way to Ballyhoura.
8. Hunter’s Rest
Friendly, filling food at very reasonable prices in the heart of Mitchelstown. The last time we visited the Hunter’s Rest we had been outdoors all day and were ravenous. Fortunately, the portion sizes here were tremendous. They had multiple vegetarian options which isn’t always the case in Irish country pubs! We went for the curry and the pasta, both of which were hearty and filling, just what we needed after a day on the hills. The apple crumble, which was served with custard, cream and ice cream, was the perfect finish to a delicious meal.
The staff in the Hunter’s Rest were so welcoming and attentive which has made us want to return ever since.
9. The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed needs little introduction for many as it is somewhat of an Irish institution. Situated 30km from the Ballyhoura Mountains the restaurant has a strong focus on farm to table, seasonal fare. The upmarket restaurant is open to both residents of this quaint country lodge and non-residents who travel from far and wide to sample Head Chef, Angel Pirev’s incredible dishes.
There is a certain old-world charm to this restaurant as it’s located in the grand reception rooms of this country house. Expect white-pressed tablecloths and impeccable service with food that really did live up to expectations.
A full listing of places to eat in Ballyhoura
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