If you’re looking for where to eat in County Leitrim, get ready as this northwest region of Ireland surprises with its calm lakes, endless greenery, and generous tables.
During my trip, I came across food made with soul, the kind that tells stories of those who plant, fish, or cook with passion.
I tasted dishes with fresh fish, tender meats from the hills, and vegetables that truly tasted of the fields. Also, I also enjoyed lunch with a view of the River Bonet, had dinner in a castle, and fully embraced the slow food philosophy.
I discovered creative cafés, elegant restaurants, and chefs who turn simple ingredients into memorable experiences, such as at The Red Bank Restaurant and The Landmark Hotel.
From the Riverbank Restaurant in Dromahair, to Jackalope Café in Drumshanbo, and the refined Sandstone Restaurant inside Lough Rynn Castle, there’s plenty to taste and savor.
And if you think nothing can surprise you anymore, wait until you meet Chef Selina from Private Chef Ireland, who prepared a slow food dinner with local ingredients and incredibly tender meats. An intimate, flavorful, and unforgettable experience.
In this article, I share my suggestions for where to eat in County Leitrim, including restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences that showcase the best of this Irish region.
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Where to Eat in Leitrim, Ireland?
Riverbank Restaurant
The Riverbank Restaurant in Dromahair was one of the pleasant surprises of my trip. Situated by the River Bonet, the setting is relaxing and the atmosphere welcoming, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
The menu changes with the seasons and highlights local producers. Fresh fish, Irish meats, and regional vegetables take center stage in simple yet flavorful dishes.
The service is friendly and unpretentious, the kind that makes you feel at home. I went for a classic Irish pub dish, fish and chips, and it was delicious. Overall, a homely meal in a relaxed environment.
📍The Clubhouse Bar, Dromahair, Killananima, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
Private Dinner with Chef Selina from Private Chef Ireland
This dinner was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Chef Selina, from Private Chef Ireland, brought the slow food concept to the table, with a menu crafted from local ingredients.
The meal took place in an intimate, almost family-like setting, as we were staying at the Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway.
There was no rush. Each bite invited you to slow down, listen, and truly taste. It was a dinner that went beyond food, a celebration of rural Ireland and the people who live there.
💡 Tip: You can book private experiences with Chef Selina through the Private Chef Ireland social media channels .
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Jackalope Café
The Jackalope Café in Drumshanbo is one of those places where you want to stay longer than planned. The décor is eclectic and vibrant, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food… simply delightful.
Also, the menu combines healthy and comforting dishes: creamy soups, seasonal salads, and generous sandwiches, all with a creative twist.
Homemade cakes and coffee are a must, especially on a rainy day, which in Leitrim is almost guaranteed. It’s the kind of place that feeds the soul.
📍The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.
The Red Bank Restaurant
In Carrick-on-Shannon, The Red Bank Restaurant is a culinary highlight of the county. The kitchen is modern, focusing on local ingredients with careful presentation that respects each component.
I started with the West Coast Seafood Chowder, creamy and full of ocean flavor, perfect for warming up on a chilly Irish day.
Next came a slow-cooked meat dish, prepared for 12 hours, so tender it practically melted on the fork, pure comfort on a plate. To finish, a Crème Brûlée with just the right amount of sweetness and a perfect texture.
The wine list is well-balanced, and the atmosphere is sophisticated without being pretentious, making it ideal for a special dinner or for anyone wanting to explore Irish flavors with a contemporary twist.
📍The Red Bank, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
The Landmark Hotel
Still in Carrick-on-Shannon, The Landmark Hotel offers an excellent option for lunch. The hotel’s restaurant combines good food with attentive and efficient service.
The menu includes traditional Irish dishes, such as meat options and stews, along with some international choices that add variety to the offerings.
I tried the chicken curry, full of flavor and perfectly balanced, paired with an espresso martini that brought just the right touch of energy and sweetness to the meal.
Portions are generous, and the view of the River Shannon adds charm to the experience. A reliable, practical, and consistently good stop, ideal for a relaxed lunch in Carrick-on-Shannon.
📍Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
Sandstone Restaurant, Lough Rynn Castle
Dinner at Sandstone Restaurant, located inside Lough Rynn Castle, was the highlight of my culinary journey.
Entering the castle is already an experience. The atmosphere is elegant, with soft lighting and attention to every detail. The menu reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: local ingredients prepared with skill and respect for tradition.
I enjoyed scallop tempura and a tender veal loin, served with creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked vegetables. Every element on the plate made sense. Dessert, a chocolate fondant, ended the evening flawlessly.
This is the kind of place to celebrate all the best moments of a road trip in Northern Ireland: the food, the journey, the life.
📍Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim.
💡Tip: Book a table in advance, especially on weekends.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Restaurants in Leitrim
- Choose places that use local ingredients, as the flavors are different and more authentic.
- Don’t rush. Here, eating is part of the experience, and time moves slowly.
- Try slow food, even if it’s not usually your style. You’ll understand why.
- Cafés are perfect for observing daily life. Stop by, order a cake and a hot drink, and watch the rain fall.
- And most importantly: talk to the people who cook. In Leitrim, every dish has a story, so make the most of it!
*I visited Leitrim County by invitation of Donegal Tourism CLG and Enjoy Leitrim, as part of TBEX Europe. Follow @enjoyleitrim to discover everything about this amazing region.
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
