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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.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
€10.00 – €29.00
CUISINES
Irish, Brew Pub, Bar, European, Contemporary, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
This more than 150 year old gastro-pub is know all over the area for its amazing food, its micro-brewery beers and the traditional music sessions that happen every night in summer. In spring 2011, pub owner Peter Curtin set up the Burren Brewery in the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna. So now, the building, which in 1865 started off as a pub, then was expanded into a bakery, also hosts a micro-brewery under its roof. His Burren Gold (lager), Burren Red (ale) and Burren Black (stout) are one of only three micro-breweries mentioned in the Lonely Planet Global Craft Beer Guide! At the same time it is serving the best food from locally sourced ingredients. It is also a renowned music venue for traditional music. The Roadside Tavern and the Burren Storehouse are under the new management of chef Peter Jackson.
PRICE RANGE
€10.00 – €29.00
CUISINES
Irish, Brew Pub, Bar, European, Contemporary, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
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4.5
904 reviews
Excellent
594
Very good
218
Average
48
Poor
29
Terrible
15
cliona m
Ballybunion58 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
We were staying in Lisdoonvarna for two nights, and unusually for us, we ate here both nights. Before our trip I did some research and came across this restaurant and booked ahead for night one. On arrival all was as it should be in regard to Covid - 19 safety guidelines. We got a nice corner table and we were looked after in an excellent manner by the wizard-like Garrett; he is a treasure and any request is granted just like a wish. My husband is a real ale snob and Garrett, very kindly and with great patience brought us a number of samples of the excellent beer they brew themselves. We had fab pizza; best base ever and a nice bottle of Rioja without a great big greedy mark up. We asked his advice for a place to eat the following night and he recommended their pub next door. The menu here is a bit more extensive and we had lovely tasty Burren smoked salmon which came with gorgeous pickled red onion to start, then a superb lamb stew with root vegetables and a salmon, pea and Parmesan risotto which was really tasty. They make their own brown bread with their black beer....yummy. This place should be on your list if you are in the area. Great food, excellent service and great value for money. Overall, a winning formula, especially with Garrett in the mix.
Written 18 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.
Niall G
Killaloe3 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Taking french friends around the Burren we decided to stop for lunch in Lisdoonvarna and we were blown away by the quality of food, friendly service and authentic atmosphere not to mention the home brewed stout and beers at the Roadside tavern, we had the fish & chips scampi and slow cooked beef cheek … all dishes were quality local product cooked to perfection. The bread was also amazing made using the house stout and the batter for the fish made using the house beer … dessert was delicious homemade dessert with local ice cream.
Altogether it was great value for money and perfectly located when touring the Burren … car park out the back also … Would highly recommend discovering this gem next time your near lisdoonvarna. You will not be disappointed.
Written 31 May 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.
SMM
Wicklow4 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
Food was really good. Pizza was made in a wood fired oven and there was live music. The beer on tap was tasty and service was quick. Unfortunately I was sat by the window which was a bit cold. Manager was very friendly and did close the curtains to warm it up but it didnt make much of a difference. I assume the tables are only in those positions to cater for social distancing but would be nice to move them away from the doors if possible.
Written 10 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.
Niamh B
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
The photos of the food they serve at this restaurant are completely deceiving and by no means what they are currently serving. The food is way over priced!
We ordered the scampi €16, fish and chips €14, and baked salmon €20. The baked salmon was the best thing ordered. The salmon was over cooked and the veg was two pieces of rocket on top. The scampi just came as about 6 pieces of burnt breaded scampi with chips only. The fish and chips literally just came with a tiny tub of peas. The worst part was that the chips came cold so we told the waiter immediately. The waiter apologised and returned no more than a minute later with chips. These were also cold and we informed the waiter immediately of this, he apologised again and returned again a minute later with chips which were burnt and oily.
When the manager asked us how the meal was we told him that is wasn't very good and he said "oh really" and walked away.
We were very disappointed and annoyed with this meal, it was completely overpriced! I do not recommend this place to anyone!!
Written 23 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.
Ger O Rourke
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Our Trip to Lisdoonvarna was in July 2021. We rang ahead to book a table, we discussed their menu and we were informed that it was outdoor dining only per covid regulations, this we already knew.
The person whom we spoke with gave us the impression that she was the owner and she informed us that the outdoor seating area was in front of the adjoining restaurant the Burren smokehouse which she informed us that she also owned ! The burren smokehouse is a pizza/fastfood place which is not what we were looking for. We looked for clarification that it was the Roadside tavern menu that we were interested in and received that clarification.
We arrived there and we could clearly see that none of the tables were reserved, the young waiter informen us that our restaurant next door was closed, when we told him that we had a booking he disappeared and returned with the pizza menu for the the restaurant that we were now sitting outside.
In short, we got the impression from the young waiter that this had happened before. Wet now having purchased a drink had to pay for that and then search for a restaurant at 8:30pm. We felt mislead and cheated and hungry.
We arr
Written 6 August 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.
Derek C
28 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
I find that I get annoyed when I recall our recent experience at the Road Side Pub/Restaurant. There were two options recommended to us by our accommodation to have dinner in Lisdoonvarna. We chose the Road Side because they also said there would be music, and there was. Let me start by saying that business is difficult for everyone during these times of Covid restrictions. Having said that, there are opportunities as well, things that can be done differently to encourage commerce activity and just as important, if not more, is customer retention.
This was our first week long “staycacation” in Ireland in over 30 years, travelling across Kerry to Cong all along the Wild Atlantic Way and stopping off in a number of places including Lisdoonvarna. We had a great time and had great service. Ok service was non-traditional with masks etc but that did not stop us from enjoying Ireland.
We arrived at the Road Side at 19:45 and after placing a drinks order we looked through the menu. We did not have lunch during the day so we were very much looking forward to a nice dinner. My wife is vegetarian and while I ordered the fish, she enquired about the vegetarian options as described on the menu, the response was SOUP. There was a Salmon risotto and we asked if he could just supply the risotto which they couldn’t. So there were no Vegetarian options despite what the menu suggested.
Not wanting go out in the rain and go to the alternative my wife had the soup and by all accounts it was nice as was my fish, but that’s not the point. We had travelled over 200km that day to get there and picked the Road Side to have dinner. When I asked why they could not offer anything other than soup we were told that the Chief said “he had no vegetables”. I find that bizarre and maybe there is a really good reason for a kitchen on a Saturday night not to have ingredients to make a simple Vegetarian dinner. If that indeed was the case, the management had an opportunity to make a massive positive impression on us by going 30mts to the local shop which was open and buying some. We would have gladly waited and grateful for the effort, reinforcing the message that Ireland has the best hospitality.
The staff serving us could not have been nicer or more apologetic but I think the Chief fell short of being creative where NO was the simpler option for him. The end result is a very poor customer experience and memory of the Road Side. I think Hotels, Bars and Restaurants in particular should be doing everything they can right now to ensure that post Covid, people will remember the great time they had on holidays in Ireland first before booking any foreign holiday.
Written 6 October 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.
Nick B
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Had a meal in the Storehouse last night, great setting , nice atmosphere with traditional music. Food quality was poor and overpriced for what you get. It looks as if the oil in the fryer needs changing judging by the colour of my scampi and chips. Dark brown and greasy!
Staff friendly but not organised. Delay in arrival of all meals, 5 of us eating and we all got our meals at different times.
Unfortunately I won't be returning.
Written 16 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.
Rebecca V
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • family
Peter is the new owner and is not only an incredible chef, but one of the kindest most helpful individuals you could meet. My family and I were just driving through Lisdoonvarna and stopped for a quick bite to eat, not knowing anything about the Roadside Tavern. When we left we felt like we had just dined with a friend. Peter gave us tips about other places in the area to see and visit, shared fun stories about his knowledge of the area, and made us food I will be dreaming about until my next trip to Ireland. All of his ingredients are locally sourced and fresh. My cousin is vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her as well. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we made the hour drive from where we staying in Adare just to go enjoy the food and Peter’s company again. I will definitely be returning to the Roadside Tavern on my next trip to Ireland. Thank you Peter! :)
Written 16 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.
Patricia V
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • none
After a long hike on the Cliffs of Moher, we needed a beer, and were lucky enough to come upon the Roadside Tavern. The food is even better than the beer, which was terrific. Peter, the owner and the chef, clearly enjoys meeting the folks and talking about the menu, and the menu is comparable to any exclusive, high-end restaurant. You should definitely order the beet and goat cheese salad and the vegetarian soup, made with locally grown vegetables. If you are anywhere near Lisdoonvarna, make it a point to stop at the Roadside Tavern, an authentic family friendly pub in the heart of the Burren.
Written 16 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.
Owen G
Northampton1 contribution
Sept 2023 • family
I highly recommend The Roadside Tavern for great food and drink, traditional music and good craic. Chef Peter Jackson does a fantastic job in the kitchen serving high quality, delicious food. We enjoyed every bite and are still talking about our sumptuous meals. Legendary! Bar Manager Bridie takes great care of her guests, making sure they feel the warm welcome of true Irish hospitality from the moment they step foot in this fine Irish pub . We even witnessed Bridie call local hotels/B&Bs for a party who was shut our during the Matchmaking Festival - and found them a room at a great rate. A true gem and fine colleen! Thanks to everyone at The Roadside Tavern for such a wonderful experience our family will remember for a long time to come. Sláinte!
Written 18 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.
Galwaygael
Galway40 contributions
Aug 2022 • couples
Dropped in here for a bit of lunch. It's an old style bar which is beside and serves some dishes based on produce from the Burren Smokehouse. Also on the day was soup, chowder, bacon and cabbage, seafood platters, fish and chips etc. A good selection. All the food our group ordered was delicious, good ingredients, perfectly cooked, really tasty and satisfying. The bar also serves its own craft beer, indeed the bread served with the starters is flavoured with the stout made in house. The hostess was very pleasant, chatty and helpful and all in all we really enjoyed our time here. Definitely will be back.
Written 11 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.
reginashanta
Riverside6 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
I have been to Ireland 5 times and this has to be my favorite pub on all my travels and that is entirely due to the charming owner, Peter! We happened upon this spot while making our way back to Adare from the Cliffs of Mother. We were immedietly taken by the welcoming ambience and quintessenial decor. As luck would have it we over heard that the ferries to the Aran Islands were canceled the next day and seeing as that was our plan the following afternoon we began to ask questions...this led to meeting Peter.
He not only answered our questions and gave us incredible advice but he also shared stories and anecdotes about the pub, the surrounding area and so much more. He was such a true delight to chat with that we made the journey back to Lisdoovarna to visit again before we left Ireland. The second time at the Tavern was equally as special a treat as the first. We met his son, heard more stories, got a tour of the space he also own next door and left absolutely charmed by both him and his wonderful pub.
Aside from the conversations and atmosphere being amazing the food is to die for. Everything is locally grown and sourced and it it absolutely deliscious! The beet salad can not be missed, we shared the first time but had to get two servings the second. The soup and chowder were divine as were some of the daily specials we sampled. They also brew their own beer and the Red Ale is the best I have ever had.
If there is one spot to go out of your way to visit this is it, honetsly do not miss a meal at the Roadside Tavern!! Slainte!!
Written 16 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.
Howard P
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
Visiting from Canada, we stopped by the Roadside Tavern for lunch after visiting the nearby Cliffs of Moher. The food was delicious! After finishing our meal we struck up a conversation with the proprietor about the next leg of our trip to Galway. He suggested we take the highway along the coast and provided us with a map. What a gem!!. Incredible scenery, more cliffs, surfers on a beach, and lots more. Huge kudos to the proprietor for his suggestion that created a highlight of the trip.
Written 13 October 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.
Chris D
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
My wife and I stopped in for lunch today. We were greeted by a cheerful barkeep by the name of Shanna (probably spelled that wrong) and dismissed after a specular meal by Bridey (excuse that spelling as well). Our server, Tina, (I think I got that one) was extremely attentive and just plain fun. We were in a playful spirit (heck, we’re in Ireland after all) and she joined right in. All-in-all, it was a fantastic experience. And the smoked salmon is heavenly.
Written 20 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.
Kristin S
4 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
We were sent in for the music and this stop ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Roadside Tavern is a gem and not to be missed! It began with incredible food. Everyone at our table ordered something different and experienced an explosion of flavor with each bite. Food is locally sourced and dishes are meticulously created. We stayed for the music. Group offerings were based in traditional and singer/songwriter formats. It was a warm and welcoming group of musicians who encouraged others to participate. PURE JOY. Finally, we met the proprietor of Roadside Tavern - Peter - OH my! What delight it was talking to Peter. Not only is Peter the gifted chef and proprietor of this wonderful establishment, he is an avid fan of JRR Tolkien, who was a patron at Roadside Tavern as he wrote "Lord of the Rings". My husband is also a huge fan of Tolkien. What a delight of nostalgic information and conversation. We did not want to leave!!! PS. Steve will always treasure the Burren Tolkien Society T-shirt from Roadside Tavern. It was the last night in our trip in County Clare but we are aching for a return to this glorious pub and restaurant!
Written 18 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.
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