You know what they say – food is the way to a person’s heart! And there’s research to back that up!
Research of 2,000 adults by brioche experts St Pierre revealed more than half believe the age-old phrase ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ does ring true. And when asked if this applies to themselves, 57% of women and 62% of men agreed. Almost three-in-five admitted their mood can be improved with good food.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your lover or ‘Galentine’s’ Day with your pals, there are plenty of fab cuisine options around Offaly to mark the occasion.
Here are some of our recommendations to check out over the month of love!
For that special meal
If you’re looking for a meal that’s of Michelin-star quality, then Blue Apron in Tullamore is sure to impress! The award-winning restaurant was even featured in the Michelin Guide in 2022 and has won awards over the years for Best Chef and Best Restaurant.
Their À La Carte features delicious starters including a seafood plate with prawns and scallops and for mains, you can choose from dishes like Honey and Thyme Glazed Silverhill Duck Breast and Slow Roasted Shoulder of Grennan’s Lamb. All washed down with a glass of wine!
Another fine dining experience is at Kinnitty Castle’s award-winning Slí Dala Restaurant. Under candlelight, enjoy a fabulous three-course meal in an intimate, medieval setting. And alongside dessert, try a glass of whiskey from the castle’s own brand, Kinnitty Castle Spirit.
Let’s just hope you don’t bump into a real spirit afterwards, as the castle guests are said to have spotted ghostly presences in the past!
Top tip: Do make sure to book ahead, as these restaurants can get busy.
Coffee date
Whether it’s a first date or a 50th date, a café is the perfect place for a casual meet-up or to spend some quality time with a loved one, friends or even yourself. It’s also an ideal option if you’re strapped for time too, as you can just grab a coffee and go!
Chocolate Brown is a cosy café based in the heart of Tullamore, with everything from cappuccinos, flat whites and tea to tasty pastries and rich, gooey brownies. There’s also a buzzing atmosphere in here too – good vibes all around!
Ballycommon Bakehouse in Daingean is a hidden gem in the midlands, serving good coffee and even better baked treats! Ballycommon Bakehouse is situated on the Ballycommon Grand Canal Greenway, so you could combine your coffee stop with a bike trip. After a fun cycle along the canal, end the afternoon with a light lunch or treat and tea or coffee.
Top tip: You can hire bikes next door to Ballycommon Bakehouse at Dick’s Bike Hire.
Lunchtime love
For an indulgent brunch or lunch, there’s a wide range of options in Offaly. In Birr, stop by Emma’s Cafe on Main Street, which serves great coffee, tea, hot chocolate and freshly baked scones, as well as lunch options such as soup, paninis, sandwiches and more.
The Stables, located near Birr Castle, is set in a lovely Georgian House and has some great brunch dishes, including poached eggs, pancakes and sandwiches. Wander around their on-site homeware and fashion store afterwards and you might even get a nice gift from or for your loved one!
Jenny’s Kitchen in Tullamore has a great selection of brunch and lunch dishes featuring the best of local produce and there are two locations to choose from – one café is based in The Mall, William Street, and the other is in The Bridge Centre. The menus feature a full Irish and half Irish breakfast, veggie omelette, homemade soup, chicken goujons, chicken Caesar salad, as well as plenty of sweet treats!
Top tip: If you have a sweet tooth, try Jenny’s famous cheesecake, with various flavours daily such as Biscoff, or deep-dish apple or rhubarb pie at Jenny’s Kitchen.
Dinner and a drink
If you’re looking for a laid-back evening dinner with a drink, head to the boating village of Shannonbridge. JJ Killeen’s is a popular pub offering bar food such as steak, burgers and fish and chips.
The traditional bar and grocery has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike for years and has many quirky signs hanging around the walls – you can’t miss the hundreds of business cards that have been put up on the walls and roof by visitors who came through the doors! The pub also hosts live music.
Just across the road from JJ Killeen’s is another terrific traditional pub, Fallon’s Bar. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a pint and a burger from The Organic Kitchen.
Top tip: If you want to make a day trip of your visit to Shannonbridge, consider visiting Clonmacnoise. You could explore The Pilgrims Path route, which runs past the Nun’s graveyard. This quiet country road, offering great vistas of the Shannon, its callows and Mongan Bog SAC to the south.
Local love
Flowers are often associated with Valentine’s, so for something a little different, stop by SOLAS Eco Garden Centre Portarlington, just a 30-minute drive from Tullamore. The Centre stocks a range of plants, garden furniture, gifts and artisan foods, so you might find something special to take home. But there’s also a heated outdoor food court, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. A lovely way to spend the day.
Or, escape with art and coffee at Urban Oasis on Church Street, Tullamore. Open Thursday to Saturday 11am – 5pm, Urban Oasis shines a light on local talent, allowing artists and crafters to showcase their work. This Valentine’s Day, grab a coffee and browse their range of gifts, including handmade jewellery, chocolates, artwork, cards and candles. Make your significant other smile with something beautiful!
Top tip: SOLAS Eco Garden Centre also hosts a farmer’s market every Saturday from 10am-2pm, and a craft market on the first Sunday of every month from 11am-4pm.