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.
Carlingford Arms
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
The Carlingford Arms, a long established bar, seafood and traditional Irish restaurant is situated in the heart of medieval Carlingford. The Carlingford Arms Menus are available throughout the week (we are open 7 days a week) in our restaurant, Bar & Lounge serving local CARLINGFORD OYSTERS, freshly caught seafood, prime cuts of locally sourced beef as well as our delicious CARLINGFORD SEAFOOD CHOWDER. The selection of food also includes a full children's menu, vegetarian alternatives and our homemade desserts. Our wine list is constantly being updated with new and exiting flavours to complement the menu. The restaurant enjoys full bar facilities.
Features
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, European, Pub
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Television
Wheelchair Accessible
Is this restaurant good for local cuisine?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:30 PM
Sunday
12:30 - 23:30
Monday
12:30 - 23:30
Tuesday
12:30 - 23:30
Wednesday
12:30 - 23:30
Thursday
12:30 - 23:30
Friday
12:30 - 23:30
Saturday
12:30 - 23:30
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4.1
640 reviews
Excellent
366
Very good
139
Average
46
Poor
38
Terrible
51
carolmorgan109
Armagh26 contributions
Feb 2025 • family
The food and ambiance at the carlingford arms was first class Although very busy the service was impeccable and friendly
Food was top class and I’m very fussy
Was accompanied by award winning student chef who also agreed food was excellent We had a great choice of traditional Sunday Fayre tasty deserts and all at competitive prices
Boss on the floor makes all the difference
Great experience Will definitely return
Written 2 February 2025
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.
Irene M
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
We returned to the Carlingford Arms for yet another delicious Sunday lunch. The electricity was off in certain parts of locality, and the restaurant was busy supplying carry out lunches for the locals. We received top quality food, served by top quality staff. Adam, one of our waiters, went out of his way to ensure that we had everything we could possibly need. Many thanks Sharon and all your staff.
Written 30 January 2025
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.
Amy S
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
I booked here for my sisters Hen party meal. The food was excellent and the staff were so so pleasant. Conor and his team were so accommodating from start to finish and all requirements were catered for. Everyone was delighted with their food and thought the value for money was exceptional. Definitely worth a visit. Bar prices are extremely reasonable and the bar staff were very friendly. An amazing time was had and the bride was smiling from ear to ear. The offer of doing the processo and card for a fee is a lovely touch and highly recommended doing this for any special occasion. I look forward to returning I'm the future
Written 21 February 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.
Mangement Carlingford Arms
We are absolutely delighted you enjoyed your evening here at Carlingford Arms. We really do aim to please and make sure each customer gets the highest level of service and attention. Thanks for your lovely review and we really do hope you all return to us in the near future! From all the team at the Carlingford Arms
Written 22 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William P
40 contributions
May 2024 • friends
We were a large group of 12 who had booked this restaurant weeks in advance - we were one of many large groups that evening. We were sat at three separate tables defeating the point of a group booking. We waited one hour before we were served our starters and another 45 minutes before our main. Most of the serving staff seemed badly trained with one notable exception. The front of house lady seemed to be unable to manage or co-ordinate the tables. For those of us who ordered steaks none came as ordered. When politely asked to change them we were told by one waitress that ‘I’d eat it’. The white wine we ordered was warm. In addition this restaurant badly needs to invest in air conditioning- for a cool May evening it was uncomfortably warm. No apology was offered. There are lots of lovely spots to eat in Carlingford. This is not one of them.
Written 5 May 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.
Mangement Carlingford Arms
We are very sorry to hear that you did not have a good experience here with us in the Carlingford Arms. We do take all comments on board in order that will not happen again.
If you would like to contact us for anything further please do so on admin@carlingfordarms.com
Thank you for your review and once again we do apologise for your experience.
Written 30 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vincent P
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • friends
New Years Eve at Carlingford Arms. We had a fantastic night. Even though the restaurant was booked out, they still managed to get us a table at the last minute. The food was excellent. I'd particularly recommend the baked oysters. After dinner, we headed into the bar for drinks. A proper quaint little Irish pub, the fire was lit and there was singer to entertain us. This is where the locals go. A slightly older crowd, and whoever is standing beside you at the bar is sure to chat away to you. Later that evening, as we were waiting for the clock to strike 12 and ring in the new year, the owner, Sharon, provided the whole bar with a huge buffet free of charge. It was quite a spread! I can't think of a better night out. Between the locals and the amazing staff, this is the most welcoming bar in Carlingford. Can't wait for our next trip!
Written 3 January 2025
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.
Mangement Carlingford Arms
We are absolutely delighted to hear How much you enjoyed your New Years Eve here at Carlingford Arms. We really do aim to please and make sure each customer gets the highest level of service and attention. Thanks for your lovely review and we really do hope you return to us in the near future! From all the team at the Carlingford Arms
Written 10 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SecretLOC
Cork25 contributions
Sept 2023 • friends
Warning they charge €3.50 for peas with your fish & chips. When asked if you’d like peas with that be careful cos this is where they catch you with sly hidden charges! A bit of coleslaw is also €3.50.
Club orange in a pint glass with loads of ice is €6.80!
If you choose a table outside, you won’t have anyone come to take your order but be prepared to stand at the bar for 10-15 minutes just to order.
Those of us waiting to be served (wasn’t even busy) were wondering do they get a kick out of letting people wait?
If you want cutlery, salt & vinegar, sauce be prepared to go back to the bar area to get these and wait again!!
We ate similar meal across the road in PJs the day before and the plate was loaded with everything you’d expect with no extra charges, speedy & friendly service.
Btw if you ask for a receipt with vat - you’ll be waiting for that too!!
Rip off
Written 4 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.
Paula W
Dublin6 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
Myself and my husband are regular visitors to carlingford. We only ever eat in there restaurant because the staff are so lovely and the manager goes above and beyond to make sure we are looked after. The food is delishious and very reasonably priced. We always leave with a full belly. We were there just last night and the manager gave us a complimentary bowl of onion rings.i can honestly I give this place a 10/10 for the food service and lovely staff.
Written 3 March 2025
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.
Mordack W
Roscommon161 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Some how we managed 3 courses of fine food. Sharing oysters to start, we had chicken vol au vent and homemade burger, followed by trifle for my trifle connoisseur. All dishes were devine.
If you are tempted, you should try something from their cocktail menu.
Staff were friendly, interactive and attentive.
Nice spot to chill out, lots of bits and pieces adorm the walls for visitors to admire
Written 18 May 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.
Mangement Carlingford Arms
We at the Carlingford Arms would will to thank you for your review and we are delighted to hear you had such a good experience here with us.
We hope to see you again.
Written 30 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • friends
We had a booking with the Carlingford arms 6 months in advance of dining here (deposit paid) for my daughters 30th Birthday. The service here was nothing short of abysmal. We were rushed in and shoved into the smallest corner in the room. Once we had eaten we were hurried along to get the table cleared. To make the experience all the worse, we were charged for a full meal that was not served due to a Covid case in the family the day previous. There was no recognition of how far in advance we had the meal booked and deposit paid. A joke, regardless of policy, human decency should always come first. Pathetic.
Written 11 August 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.
Mangement Carlingford Arms
We are so sorry K6871DLks you did not have a good experience here in Carlingford Arms. We have a very strict cancellation policy to which we have to adhere to. You could see how busy our restaurant was on the night in question, it was crazy busy. Again our apologies.
Written 16 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eco
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • friends
We were here for a hen weekend dinner, we had preordered food several days before we arrived as we were told they were going to be very busy, a large number of us ordered the chicken strips with chips and when the main course arrived it was a lump of chicken breast on top of a big pile of mash potato which was not what we had ordered at all. When we questioned this we were told they had run out of chicken strips even though we ordered in advance and we were told very rudely by a waiter that this was what we were getting and that we would have to put up with it, we were also given chips with this main course to share with the person next to us and when we asked could we have our own chips the waiter was very rude and asked could we not just share. The food was very average the chicken was mediocre and the mash potato was very dry. We were also told that we would be getting a round of shots after our dinner and when we asked the waiter about this he told us that he didn’t think we were supposed to get any, when asked could we speak to a manager we were told that they don’t deal with customers. Found the overall experience very disappointing and some staff were very rude. The restaurant should of been prepared for the food that we ordered especially as we ordered in advance so they’re was no excuse for it and we weren’t even offered an apology. I would not recommend the carlingford arms, steer clear.
Written 6 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.
Alibroon
Wishaw581 contributions
Aug 2022 • couples
Tasty enough pub grub. Good portions, sides were great, garlic potatoes were excellent. Busy pub, lots of diners so may have to wait a wee while for a table.
Sharon, the hostess seemed very organised and made sure all were seated and served, staff were all great.
The dessert was massive and very tasty, great to get an apple pie that came with cream and ice cream and custard. Perfect.
Downside was getting overcharged on the bill, charged double drinks and mains. I pointed it out, new bill arrived and I paid then noticed the extra drinks were still on so asked for a revised bill.
Staff had to get Sharon as I'd paid with card, she never even looked my way, I was standing right beside her, never apologised and couldn't be bothered sorting out the card issue so instructed the waitress to give be cash from the till instead. Bit of a disappointing end to an enjoyable pub dinner.
Written 12 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.
Clare
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • couples
My partner and I visited the Carlingford Arms on 19 September 2021. The service was poor for many reasons:
1. We sat outside and all available tables had not been cleared & cleaned. Food was left on our table from the previous customers - yet we were told only food would be served indoors.
2. Obvious staff shortage and those who were working did not pay any attention to customer needs. We had to ask twice to place an order and we noticed other customers having a similar experience.
3. Ordered 2 drinks & it took 20 minutes to arrive - plus they forgot half of the order. Staff came out to confirm the drink order again and then brought out the wrong drink anyway. We asked for straws because the glasses provided were visibly dirty & staff never came back with the straws.
4. No covid compliance in place - staff did not check covid certificates, no staff wearing face masks, no available sanitiser for customers etc.
Written 20 September 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.
Helena M
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • family
Avoid - attended as a party off four, having been a few times in the past. Massively went down hill, restaurant felt grubby and unclean. Large party off locals in for a birthday party, who where very obviously the main focus. We felt like a hassle. We were seated in a table at the corner beside a doorway that led upstairs, the draft the was blowing in was absolutely freezing, the radiators was off and cold. Food wasn’t great. Staff were uninterested and one (blonde middle aged) was extremely rude. Young male waiter came to remove our dinner plates, I asked could we pick on at them as my four year old wasn’t finished. My request was ignored, the young fella continued by swiftly clearing the plates despite our request (very uncomfortable) . We asked for dessert menus, waited 15 mins to receive. After another 20 min wait we approached staff to order. After waiting a further 25 mins for our desert, we cancelled and settled the bill. No apology or explanation from staff, I might also add that at this point there was ourselves and one other table in the restaurant. There was more staff than customers.
Covid measures are a disgrace, a couple were seated what felt like on top off us at a little makeshift table for two.
I would strongly advise people to avoid this place at all costs
Written 30 October 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.
Erin L
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • family
The Carlingford Arms is a brilliant spot for a meal, a dessert, tea, coffee or drinks! I'm a celiac and so is my mother and we were absolutely delighted that we could have their desserts, and that we had a choice of desserts we could have. The banoffie pie and the cheesecake are brilliant, we can't recommend them strongly enough, absolutely delicious. We were at a wedding in a four star hotel a few days ago, and hand on my heart the Carlingford Arms was 20 times better for gluten free options in both variety and quality of the food. The staff are great and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. Brilliant place.
Written 24 July 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.
Sharon McGuigan
In this day and age I think its good to have a selection of all our people needs and cater for them! Delighted to see our menus stand out! We really do aim to please! Thanks so much for your kind words! Delighted to read such a raving review!
Written 26 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah D
Belfast3 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
Went to Carlingford arms for a hen party of 13 people and we were sat at two different tables instead of one as booked, then charged 25 euro each for our mains which were listed as 10-14 euro on the menu. Manager was hostile when we queried why we were paying more than every other customer there. Tried to say the menu hadn’t been updated and everyone was paying that price (this was a lie) Overall the food was below average and the staff were rude and forgot half of our ordered drinks - would not recommend!
Written 5 October 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.
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