Dillons Bar & Restaurant
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Dillons Bar & Restaurant
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town, you'll find the atmospheric Dillons courtyard an ideal place in which to unwind.We pride ourselves on delivering Restaurant food in a relaxed casual setting.Our motto is simple 'Quality Food at a Reasonable Price'.Whether it's a casual meal by the fireside or a more formal dinner in the restaurant you can be guaranteed of top quality fayre and friendly and efficient service.We are renown for our Sunday evening ballad session by the fire.Ballina was originally one of Ireland's major ports. The Bond Store Warehouse (now Dillons) was built in the early 1800s beside the river Moy. It stored the imported liquor and porter that had been placed under Custom Seals until the appropriate duty had been paid. Dillons Terrace was of significant commercial importance and is steeped in local history. The stone floor in Dillons Bar originated from Kilmainham Gaol and a huge chimney breast in the bar was once used as a hopper to process grain.
Features
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, International, European, Pub, Gastropub
Meal types
Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Takeout
Television
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Street Parking
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:00 PM
Sunday
14:30 - 20:00
Monday
17:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
17:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
17:00 - 21:00
Thursday
17:00 - 21:00
Friday
17:00 - 21:00
Saturday
17:00 - 21:00
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4.6
(856)
Excellent
633
Good
163
Average
35
Poor
18
Terrible
7
876537
9 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Went for Dinner here October Bank Holiday Monday night.
A beautiful setting with lots of warmth and charm and a great atmosphere.The staff were all so friendly ,accommodating and very nice,certainly makes a huge difference when the staff in a place are pleasant and sincere. The menu here is excellent,a superb choice.
The lady managing the tables could not have been more helpful or friendly and very attentive. The young lady serving our table ( Amy I think was her name ) couldn't have been more helpful ,friendly and had a constant smile, a credit to Dillons. The food was excellent, gorgeous Chicken wings to start and my wife had the prawn starter with noodles ,also excellent. We both ordered Fillet Steaks which were cooked to perfection , beautiful sauces and flavours and plenty of extras came with it , mushrooms,onions, chips and mash. A proper feed, a proper price, and beautiful steak.
Keep up the good work here. Cannot wait to return again some time in future, compliments to all the staff. Have been to so many restaurants where the staff really do not go that extra mile, rarely smile and where prices are so exorbitant ( Mainly in Leinster region ) but we left here with renewed faith in hospitality sector. Thanks to all the staff and chef's for a really enjoyable evening in Ballina.A fantastic restaurant and fantastic friendly staff where the food is excellent.
Written 31 October 2024
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.
Dee E
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Amazing food , decent portions . My dad found the fillet steak melt in the mouth , I had the duck 2 ways it was amazing my husband had the burger which he loved and my mum had the steak sandwich which was grand . Overall class food we will defiantly be back ten out of ten ⭐️👌🏻
Written 5 August 2024
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.
David
Ireland17 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We visited Dillons during a two day stay at The Ice House.
The staff were friendly,efficient and very welcoming.Dillons has a cosy,relaxed atmosphere which we really enjoyed.
We both ordered herb crusted salmon and warm spiced apple crumble.Both dishes were delicious.It is one of the few restaurants I have been to that serve a decent cappuccino!
The staff of Dillons really travel the extra mile to make sure you enjoy your meal.
We will definitely return on our next visit to Ballina.
Written 14 March 2024
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.
Travel30WAW
Sligo83 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
Not sure why people love this place. Starting off with the positive all the staff were amazing and friendly.
The food was atrocious! The batter on the fish was only half cooked my friend had the taste of raw flour in their mouth for ages and could only eat some of it, same with the onion rings. The chips tasted like nothing and the „fresh“ cream on the Eton mess was out of a can.
Written 29 July 2024
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.
Kevin L
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • business
We decided to go here because it was reported as the best vegetarian friendly restaurant in Ballina. Unfortunately there were no vegetarian main options though a limited number of dishes could be served without meat but no plant protein added as an alternative. As a positive staff and location were very good, but certainly not vegetarian friendly.
Written 22 March 2024
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.
Kavi1987
Coventry42 contributions
May 2022 • family
We ate here after reading some of the reviews on here and we weren’t disappointed. The restaurant itself is really lovely and the staff couldn’t do enough for you! The food was absolutely delicious- piping hot with very generous portions. The drinks were very reasonably priced- and not charging for the children’s squash was a nice touch. Would definitely recommend and will definitely eat here again when we’re in town!
Written 1 June 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.
Del S
United Kingdom1 contribution
Jul 2022 • friends
Myself and three others went to Ballina for a fishing weekend on the 01/07/2022 and on the Sunday our last night we took a trip to Dillon's Bar and Restaurant.
As we walked in we was pleasantly greeted by the manager a delightful chap who showed us to our table as we walked through there was 2 gents singing soft Irish music entertaining the guests in the bar area. (Great vocals wow).
Once seated we was introduced to our waitress for the evening (Rebecca) lovely young lady always smiling extremely polite and very professional to say the least.
Whilst we waited on a friends arrival we requested drinks much to our surprise we got our own Barman too (Iain).
Another great addition to Dillon's dressed very smart standing tall and proud and also only to happy to wear that smile. Took our orders with minimal fuss was returning promptly with some of the best guiness and red wine I personally have ever tasted.
Having sat and had a few drinks it was time for the food to arrive the recommendations was the stake and wow this did not disappoint what so ever.
We went for the 10z sirloin it was seriously huge and was so beautifully cooked not just looking at it from the outside but the inside was to die for.
It was the same colour of pink from left to right top to bottom and just oozing with flavour soft and tender. Now I'm no expert but never have I had a stake like it before.
Whilst I didn't get to personally thank the chef who I believe to be called (Ciara) I'd like to say wow girl you can certainly cook and are Doing Dillon's proud as are the rest of the staff who are not mentioned.
The restaurant and bar is beautifully decorated with nice cozy lighting and fine seating overall a beautiful place for any occasion Needless to say I will definitely be back for another visit here when I'm back in Ballina.
P.s Baby Guinness all around for the team please I'll pick up the bill on the next visit ... cheers 🍻
Written 5 July 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.
Christy_Luv2
Gorey1869 contributions
Sept 2023 • friends
How Dillons fed a group of 42 people in such a short time has to be commended. The food was superb and plentiful. I had the lamb and it was succulent and tasty. No complaints were heard at all from the group and even when everyone paid separately, it was all dealt with in an efficient manner. Every member of staff was friendly and efficient. It was a great meal- thank you to Chef and everyone who served. We would highly recommend DILLONS to visit. Thank You!
Written 11 September 2023
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.
Laser60
9 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
the atmosphere was superb and we enjoyed a quiet drink outside before our dinner. Menu was fab and the helpings were huge. We shared a crab and salmoon started which was delicious, hubbby had the most enormous fish pie, full of goodies. I had the bacon wrapped chicken with a glorious wine sauce. No room for dessert. The bottle of pinot grigio which accompanied was a good price and full of flavour.
Written 14 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.
Lucy B
12 contributions
Jun 2021 • friends
We had an amazing experience in Dillons last night. There was 10 of us out for a friends birthday. We were sat at 2 separate tables because of covid restrictions but staff made sure the tables were directly beside each other. They also had little heaters and a large umbrella covering the table so you felt warm and cosy while outdoor dining. The food was really great I had the Brie and the steak sandwich, the sumo fries are an absolute must! The best part of the whole experience was the staff who went above and beyond throughout the whole night! They were so pleasant and accommodating to us and were completely on the ball. They arranged a dessert plate for the birthday girl which is always such a lovely touch! Finally to mention it was so reasonable - we had starters and mains and 7/8 drinks each for 76€ per head (this included a tip). I would definitely recommend Dillons if you are visiting Ballina/Mayo! Thanks to staff for a gorgeous night.
Written 3 July 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.
Shay B
Washington DC170 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
My son and I had a nice meal at Dillons while on an 8 day golf trip in Ireland. If in the area of Ballina, you must stop here for a pint of Guinness or a meal. We did both and had a nice bottle of Malbec. We started with a Caesar salad and fried Brie, both delicious! I had the herb crusted salmon and my son had the fajita. I could eat that salmon every night, but my son wasn’t impressed by the fajita - too soupy. We finished with the Warm Spiced Apple And Custard Crumble - crazy good! If in Ballina, put this restaurant on your dining list. You won’t regret it. And the design of the restaurant is terrific!
Written 28 July 2024
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.
travel
Paris12 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Our family had a terrible experience at this place when we visited Ireland. We were excited to try it after reading the reviews. When we first entered the door at 9:15 pm, the waitress told us the kitchen was closed and told us there was no more food. When I asked her why (the working hours show the restaurant was open till midnight), we were told only the bar was open till 11:30 pm. My husband and I went back to the bar at 10:30 after our family ate at a different place. We were refused service again. The bartender told us they were closed since they had no other customers. We were very surprised by the answer since we were their customers. We left again disappointed. To make the matter worse, we saw a new customer sitting at the bar when we passed by the place a few minutes later after my husband and I took a short walk. I went inside and questioned them. It was clear to me then that the obvious reason we were refused service twice is our skin color.
Our family loves to travel, and we have been to many places. This place shocked us with their rudeness and racism.
Written 29 June 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.
Bernie H
Ennis193 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Four of us ate here early on a Saturday night & the place was buzzing. The menu choice was very extensive and all of us enjoyed our choices. The portion sizes are very generous and most did not manage to finish their meal. This is good quality, good value food and it is easy to see why it is so popular
Written 7 December 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.
FrankieG
Atherstone16 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Simply fantastic! The Quality of food, value for money, generous portions & the young lady (Shona teacher to be)who served us is credit to the business & her parents.! In fact all staff& manager Brill..
Written 21 June 2023
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.
liam s
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
I went here with my wife, kids and in laws. The food was excellent and that was coming from every one of us. The staff were young but seemed very experienced and were so friendly and the owner was just brilliant and a real peoples person.
I couldn’t recommend here for food and drinks any more, we’ve been twice in the past 3 years and it was 5 stars every time.
We went on a Thursday night and it was so busy which is a testament to the quality of food and service that is on offer.
Written 29 July 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.
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