Vegan dining in Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Kenmare, “The Jewel on the Ring of Kerry” nestles on the seashore at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains. The town is vibrant and colourful and bustles with over 30 restaurants, bars, craft shops, hotels (two are 5*), guesthouses and hostels and offers a host of activities for your enjoyment. Although Kenmare does not have an exclusively vegetarian restaurant, the choice of veggie and vegan food is diverse. The standard and quality of the restaurants will leave you spoilt for choice.

It is difficult to pick one over another but Mulcahy’s (my favourite!, on Henry Street, phone: 064 42383) has to be one of the best in the country. Bruce and his team indulge the senses with their outstanding cuisine. The vegan sushi, served with pickled ginger salad, wasabi paste and Japanese dipping sauce is delicious. It is served with a choice of homemade breads and olive tapenade. Then comes the miniature glass of pea soup drizzled with truffle oil to delight the taste buds. The choice of vegan main courses varies so often that it would be an injustice to try to describe them! Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

The Horseshoe Bar (Main Street, phone: 064 41553) cooks a fabulous herby polenta main course, served with roasted vegetables and a pepper sauce. A veggie option is always available.

The Lime Tree (Shelbourne Street, phone: 064 41225) is another great place for vegan food. The tofu main course is delicious and they serve vegetarian options.

The Old Bank House (at the top of Main Street, phone: 064 41589) is another favourite. The vegan dish is cooked on request, but there is always a vegetarian choice on the menu.

For lunch and dinner, McCarthy’s Bar (on Main Street, phone: 064 41516) has an excellent choice, the soup is always veggie, the salads, rolls and breads are always fresh, hearty and filling. For dinner, they offer a varied choice.

Mickey Ned’s Bar (in the Square, phone: 064 40200) has a varied menu running from 12 – 9 most days and offers really good value for money. A choice of paninis, salads, sandwiches and the fabulous vegan falafel dish are not to be missed!

Overall, Kenmare is a great place to be a vegan. The restaurants go out of their way to try to accommodate all diets and tastes and there is never a problem with changing the menu to suit your palate. ENJOY!
Jill Kenny

 

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