The Boathouse Bistro Dromquinna Manor
The Boathouse Bistro Dromquinna Manor
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+353 64 664 2889+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:30 - 21:00
Mon
12:30 - 21:00
Tue
12:30 - 21:00
Wed
12:30 - 21:00
Thu
12:30 - 21:00
Fri
12:30 - 21:00
Sat
12:30 - 21:00
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
€15.00 – €40.00
CUISINES
Irish, Seafood, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for special occasions?
Details
About
Wonderful waterfront restaurant with tasty dishes and good wine list. Located just outside Kenmare on the Dromquinna Manor estate.
PRICE RANGE
€15.00 – €40.00
CUISINES
Irish, Seafood, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
466 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
96
Average
44
Poor
25
Terrible
18
Bedouin29
Sydney384 contributions
Favourite Review
Aug 2022 • none
When our hosts pulled in the gated driveway I thought "money", we drove past the manor (which we were told was once owned by the owner of Aldi) and down to the boat ramp/house. The setting was ideal, peaceful and relaxing. There is a pizzeria attched if you just wanted an inexpensive meal in a fine dinning location. We went for the full diner, it wasn't actually as expensive I I would have thought. The service was precise and friendly, the food was excellent, we had one of Irelands top chefs with us and he thought the food was excellent as well. I would recommend this stop to anyone who wants to be spoilt in luxury. It is sad some people have mistaken the pizzaria with this restaurant in reviews.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peckish
Ireland20 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
We booked an evening meal at Shutters Pizza on the pier. It's offers a beautiful airy and picturesque interior and exterior setting, the service was friendly and relaxed, exactly what you want, room to breathe once you have all you require. I ordered the Pil Pil prawn seafood pizza and it was cooked to perfection the base was deliciously crunchy and I really really enjoyed it. I ordered the 'Best' red wine, I didn't need to ask what it was exactly but it worked out swimmingly. We had no concerns over how COVID was being addressed at all, we were very far away from others and the doors were open to the beautiful evening. Well worth the trip when in Kenmare.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you for visiting and delighted you enjoyed. Shutters Pizza is new this year so it is wonderful for all the team to get such comments. Hope to see you again soon,
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CiaraFitzG
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • family
We had lunch in the Boathouse again today. We make it part of our annual trip to Kenmare. This venue never fails to impress. Food is excellent. Service is attentive. They are welcoming to families.
We had pizza in Shutters pizza hut on Tuesday evening and similarly we had an excellent experience from dining to service to a very friendly welcome. I'm looking forward to my next visit already.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Dear Ciara,
Many thanks for visiting Kenmare again this year and great to have you return to Dromquinna. We are delighted you enjoyed and particularly our new addition Shutters Pizza on the Pier. Hope to see you again.
Written 26 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hugh C
Rathangan58 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I have been a member of TA for over 12 years, and to date have never left a bad review, but unfortunately, I now feel like I have to leave one in respect of Shutters Pizza on the Pier. My family and I left it to the last night of our week-long stay in Kenmare to eat her. I was aware the establishment was set up by the Brennan's and so had high hopes.
Let me start with the positives, the setting couldn't be nicer. Beautifully situated at the water's edge looking across Kenmare Bay to the Caha mountains opposite, absolutely idyllic. The restaurant itself is tastefully decorated and captures the relaxed feel it's looking to achieve. The staff were attentive and our drinks and food order was taken without delay. Unfortunately, that is the end of the positives.
To start, when we reached the front door there was no hand sanitizer in the unit attached to wall at the entrance, there was another one inside so we used that. But this was quickly followed by somewhat of a shock when I saw that none of the staff were wearing any masks. There were three chefs in an open kitchen area, very confined and again neither of them were wearing masks. When our waitress came to take our order she leaned into the table to listen and this was unsettling due to the lack of masks and social distancing. I observed numerous conversations between staff who were right next to each other, and orders being taken at other tables in the same manner which ours was. We had spent the week in Kenmare eating in different restaurants each evening, and every one of them the staff wore masks. Its important to note that this was the same evening that it was announced that three counties were returning to lockdown due to spikes in infections, but you would be forgiven in thinking that covid didn't exist at Shutters.
Onto the food. The pizzas were fine. but this is a pizza restaurant that only serves pizza, they should be better than fine. They reminded me of the type of pizza you would get in a restaurant that serves a multiude of different dishes, not specializing in anything in particular, and with some token pizzas on the menu. This coupled with the fact that two of our pizzas were €18.50 each and our kids had margarita's at €13 each, this is a large price tag for pizza. In saying that, if the pizza had been of a better standard I would have accepted the high price due to the ambiance of the location. All in all, 4 pizzas, 2 glasses of wine, 1 Guinness, a bowl of olives came to €90, which was extremely overprised for what we had, and we felt we were paying for the setting and not the food. To be honest, I can't forgive a restuarant that charges nearly €20 a pizza, has only pizza on the menu and so should specialise in it, but then serves up mediocre pies.
Shutters could be great if a number of the basics could be nailed down. And while we are experiencing a national health emergenry staff wore masks and observed social distancing.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you Hugh for visiting with your family and naturally disappointed your experience for your last night was not what was expected. All our pizza bases are homemade in our kitchen at Shutters as is our tomato sauce. Our gardens produce all our herbs and leaves with other ingrediants coming from the surrounding area as much as possible. Gubbeen, Toonsbridge, Organico and Peter Sullivan to name a few. I do not know what element of the pizza you did not like but everything is fresh, wood fired and served by locals. The location is indeed special but so should our pizzas so disappointing you did not like.
As you correctly state we have a sanitising station just outside the entrance door, inside the entrance door at at the toilets. If the one at the door was empty this could, and I suspect did, just empty before your arrival as the are checked regularly. This can happen easily and you were covered by the one inside so were not left without sanitiser. We have opted for a blackboard style menu to eliminate paper or plastic covered menus. All tables are a minimum of 1.5mts (minimum requirement 1mt) apart and we do not have any groups of over 8 to reduce the time our team are at a table taking an order. All our staff are provided with masks, screens, gloves and sanitising stations in addition to a system of regular washing of hands. Washing your hands is crucial as is evident from the constant message from the HSE since the start of this pandemic. Masks are not compulsory in restaurants and as a business we are not in a position to insist our team wear them without HSE or Government instruction, which there is none. Likewise customers are not required to wear masks and I suspect you didn't wear one as very few if any customers do. We do not know where customers come from, what they did, who they met or if they traveled from overseas. This is a bigger threat to our team than our team are to customers. We have asked staff not to come to work if we know they have attended house parties and the like and are very cognisant of our responsibility to our customers and community in general. There are many new aspects of life we all need to grasp in the coming months but it is important to keep everything in perspective. There are many overnight experts out there but the truth is once we go out our front door, we take a risk. No garage that I know has provided a petrol attendant to fill your tank to eliminate the constant touch point for hundreds of customers hourly, the tolls on motorways still handle cash and the pint of Guinness you had has to be handled by us so there are many many touch points, critical areas that we all have to come to terms with. We will continue to implement HSE guidelines and strive to provide our customers a quality service that we would be both proud of.
Again I am sorry you were not fully satisfied and hope on your next trip to Kenmare you will visit again and have a memorable time. Sincerely,
Written 9 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AMO
26 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Was delighted to get a dinner booking for the Boathouse, during our recent trip to Kenmare. We were last there over 25 years ago and attended one of their famous Sunday bbqs. The management have decided against masks / shields for their staff instead they are trying to keep 2 m social distance. This, I feel affected the overall service. The waiting staff asked for us to hand them some of our plates, the salt and pepper has to be put on by the staff (we weren’t allowed touch it) which was kinda comical trying to do it at a distance ! The food was good, it is on the expensive side but Kenmare is a pricey spot. When we were leaving we asked for our bill and then asked for the card machine to which we were told “you can pay on the way out” something u might say after spending a tenner on lunch not a 3 course dinner for 3 !!!
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you for visiting and dining with us during your time in Kenmare. We are delighted you enjoyed your meal and hope it will not be another 25 years before we see you again. Regarding the current unprecedented worldwide circumstances where everyone has an opinion but no one has a definitive answer we can only do our best by the protocols in place. On arrival you were asked to sanitise your hands. This is an action on our behalf to ensure whatever surfaces a guest will touch the opportunity for contamination is reduced. We no longer pull chairs out for guests to be seated as again it reduces the touch points. At the Boathouse we have introduced single use paper menus which we now remove from the tables following a comment from another guest. These are shredded after use. Large 2ft long salt and pepper mills were introduced as again it removes touch points for guests with traditional cruets on the tables. There is no evidence whatsoever a brief visit to a table by a waiter results in increased risk to anyone. We have visors and masks for all staff. Some wish to wear them and some don't. As a business at this time we are not in a position to insist that they do, as we are not in a position that we insist guests wear them either. Legally there is no direction on same. The waiter may have asked for you to hand a plate to them as we do not reach in over people/tables currently. I am sorry if this offended you but it is a small request given all that is happening. Again the credit card machine is kept at the desk as it is cleaned before and after use in front of the guest. Just another one of the procedures and policies we have implemented for your and our safety. I hope your onwards travels were safe and enjoyable. Sincerely,
Written 26 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HamiltonCork
Dublin4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Amazing setting and helpful friendly staff but the food was disappointing. We don't mind paying a little extra these days in appreciation of more difficult working conditions for staff but the standard of food should not suffer. All four of us had fish, accompanied by eyewateringly hot chilli roasted mixed veg, at a time when there is an abundance of lovely light summer vegetables everywhere. My fish was meagre, tepid and overcooked, but in fairness my dining companions' fish was absolutely fine We were offered a green salad instead, but with mashed/roasted potato? A couple of tweaks would have made this a very nice meal. I wish them the best and I'll give it another go!
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni
County Meath60 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
The setting for this restaurant is beautiful. Our initial experience was great, helped by a friendly smiling English waitress who was so welcoming. The starters were really good especially the Tiger Prawns and Chorizo but the mains were very disappointing. Halibut mains overcooked and a requested medium rare steak arrived well done on far too many mushrooms and the potato order forgotten. We felt it was a bit of a let down really and was overpriced considering how we felt about the mains. We didn’t stay for dessert so can’t comment. I think this restaurant could make just a few small changes to be so much better but maybe this was just an off night. Simple things need to be done really well here and across the menu.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you for your honest and balanced comments. We are sorry our service was not what any of us would like to deliver and we will address same with the team. Thank you for visiting and hope the remainder of your time in Kenmare was enjoyable. Safe travels.
Written 26 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer434879
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • family
Family dinner this evening, Wine way overpriced, fish overcooked, no lemon sole as per menu for an early dinner Cheap accompaniments with meal.
Service however was very professional.
Totally disappointed with overall experience compared to other restaurants visited in Kenmare which offered much better value for money. Will not be returning.
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
We are naturally disappointed to learn of your experience with us. Not what either of us would have wished for. With the sudden increase in business it is hard to source fresh fish on certain days and the Lemon Sole on the Bone was not available for two days last week. We did however have Halibut, Turbot, Salmon and Hake. Our wines commence at €26 for a European 100% grape variety with a good selection below €35. Again I am sorry and hope you will give us a second chance and hopefully be fully satisfied with your experience. Thank you.
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Road50889
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • family
If I could give it 0 stars I would. The worst staff I have ever come across. Food was amazing, compliments to the kitchen BUT all of this was ruined because of the waiting staff (except for one young boy with curly blonde hair). From the very beginning we were spoken to rudely, or otherwise ignored. No atmosphere at all. Otherwise a very dull one. We felt extremely rushed from the beginning although the restaurant was half empty. Half of our table were still just halfway through our meals, but the table was being cleared therefore we had to stuff ourselves to actually finish the food before they took our plates or else they stood over us and waited for us to finish eating with a handful of other plates. I don’t mean to be “that person” but I am a waitress myself and I would never dream of acting like that waiting staff did especially the manager. I would of been fired immediately. In no way did anyone from my table feel in any way welcome or comfortable. I would never recommend the boathouse bistro to anyone mearly just because of how terrible the waiters were ( not because of the food).
Hope this helped you with making a decision with where to eat!! Natasha :)
Written 11 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guest Relations
Thank you for choosing The Boathouse as your first review on TripAdvisor. We are disappointed to hear of your feelings but there is two sides to your story. Under current regulations the largest table we can cater for is 6. Booking two tables of 6 and a table of 2 does not give you the permission to move the tables on arrival to create a table of 14. We have to have respect for our other customers and staff and it is simply selfish to do this. In the restaurant you must wear a mask and while one person in your group said they had a medical exemption, no proof showed, that does not allow for the remainder of your group to refuse to wear them. There is also a limit on the time you are allowed sit at a table in the current situation and we are adhering to the guidelines in the interest of everyones safety and comfort. Those things aside I am pleased you enjoyed your food and perhaps if you did adhere to the guidelines and had respect for others the whole experience for you may have been different.
Written 12 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen Daly
4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Food was just lovely- both fish and steak.. but service was lacking, menus left with us, wine glasses left on table when we weren't having any wine ...plus waiting at least 25 mins for plates to be cleared , in the end we had to call waitress for to clear table plus give us dessert menu!!
Also toilet facilities were not the best in light of covid -19, no sanitiser in bathroom , no paper towelling and electric hand dryer not working ,all disappointing in light of such a popular spot ! Looked as though they were only getting going after lockdown but surely get it right before opening up to the public !!
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to review.
In the world we are in it is hard to know what is the best thing to do. Our approach is to have minimum contact with the table as much as possible. Having discussed all we decided to introduce single use menus that we leave with you, we do not remove glasses as it is time at the table with staff stretching over guests and most people have wine or decide during their meal to order a glass. There should not have been an overly long delay in clearing your table and 25 minutes is 15 minutes too long. Sorry this was the case.
At all entry points and outside our toilets we have sanitising stations. Inside the toilets we have soap dispensers and Z towels. The electric dryer is working but in light of guidelines we have removed the fuse as use of same spreads germs and the virus uncontrollably.
As you can see we have considered all but in the current environment where everyone has an opinion but there is no definitive right or wrong we can only implement best practice and HSE guidelines.
We are sorry you felt precautions were not as you would have liked but we have exceeded the requirements outlined to us by the HSE. We do hope you will return to enjoy another meal with us knowing some of the procedures implemented. Sincerely,
Written 18 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary S
Leixlip5 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We had dinner here last week. The food was good but the service was very poor. We waited 40 minutes for a starter and another 45 minutes for our main course.
We chose to sit outside as it was a nice evening but were advised that, if we wanted to move indoors later, there might not be a table available!! I thought this was a bit strange.
Because we had to wait so long for our food, we did ask if there was availability indoors; however our server did not even do us the courtesy of coming back to tell us if there was or not!!
The main course was very good and we did enjoy it but as it was getting very cold and breezy by the time we finished it, we couldn't be bothered having desserts and coffee and decided to go elsewhere.
On checking our bill before we paid, we noticed that we were being charged for an extra Gin that we had not ordered. When I pointed this out to the person on the till, he did not even apologise, nor did he question it with our server; he just printed another till receipt.
The location is beautiful overlooking the bay but it just lacks atmosphere.
I wouldn't be returning. There are lots of much better places to go to.
Overall it was disappointing.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret R
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
We visited for lunch on Friday.We had made a reservation a week earlier as we guessed the August Bank Holiday would be busy. We were seated inside the door and just amazed at the number of people who arrived & thought they could just walk in , in the midst of a pandemic.We both had scampi and it was delicious. We also had salad which was so fresh.The tables were well spaced apart & staff very careful when serving.There was sanitizer at the entrance & from where we were sitting the card machine was been constantly cleaned.We had a few glasses of wine, would loved to have stayed longer but understand sometimes this is not possible. We will return & hope to get good weather and an outside table the next time.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you and especially for your comments regarding people management in the current environment. We have many systems in place but need everyone to take responsibility for the betterment of all. 99% of people do and it is lovely when all works as everyone enjoyed themselves in a safe environment. Also delighted you enjoyed your meal.
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
icscorp
Shannon4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
A July day a special day for 6 diners 3 female 3 male.This is an overpriced and
a poor food restaurant. Noisy, no ambiance,just a cold plastic place.The staff
were pleasant and did their tasks.Tiger prawns and for some of us Shrimp, toasted
close to burn out with fries laying nourish famished beside a fistful of greenery.
It demanded a 26 euros bill.The bad taste of such a demand is with me still.
The wine was above in price and it would have to be heavenly in taste to undo
the high cost.I have eaten in many places some were bad but rare the one to leave
memories so bare. Traveler pass by!!
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Dear Happy, so sorry you found another place you did not like. Having looked at your profile you might enlighten the world to a place you do like. Trip Advisor is a wonderful resource and not a platform to constantly post negative reviews. We can learn from all reviews posted as no place is 100% and people do have very valid points to make of there experience with us but with your history I am sorry to say we will keep smiling and move on. Sincerely,
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve Connolly
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Totally overrated and over priced. We waited 45 mins for 2 main courses. Salmon was over cooked and dry as was the cous cous. No one asked was our meal satisfactory, as is usual custom. I made my feelings known when paying the bill, but the person I complained to did not seem to care. Overall not an enjoyable dining experience. We did not feel very welcome upon arrival, staff had no personality, restaurant lacked atmosphere. Would never go again or recommend. Only good thing is the lovely setting on Kenmare Bay.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you for choosing us as your first Tripadvisor review. Safe onward travels.
Written 24 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tmch
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
In this restaurant face coverings are optional for staff. While we were there we saw no staff wearing masks or visors. It is impossible to maintain 2m distance when serving food in a restaurant. This restaurant is not prioritising the health and safety of its customers. We have been in 6 restaurants in the Cork/Kerry area this week, all of which had staff wearing masks or visors. Leaving was not an option as we booked ahead and had no alternatives; otherwise we would have left immediately. We always leave a tip but did not in this circumstance and we
will not be back.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuestReception
Thank you indeed for dining with us. Until Monday of this week masks/visors were not a recommendation by government for restaurants. All our people are wearing them since the guidelines were implemented this week. Everyone has their opinion of what is right but we must adhere to the guidelines by he experts and government and this is what we are doing. It is a strange place we all find ourselves.
Written 29 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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