Helen's Bar
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+353 64 668 3104+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 20:00
Mon
15:30 - 20:00
Tue
15:30 - 20:00
Wed
15:30 - 20:00
Thu
15:30 - 20:00
Fri
15:30 - 20:00
Sat
12:00 - 20:00
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.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, European, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, European, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service
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5.0
183 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
22
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
iseult f
9 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
This place was recommended to me by a server in Kenmare restaurant as we told her we were driving through northern side of the Beara peninsula the next day. As the weather was fine and warm we decided to divert (about 6 km off main road) to discover this place, it was thronged with people dining outside but luckily as we arrived an outside table became available. The location is very scenic and Helen herself was out serving tables, moving tables and just totally hands on. Two of us had open crab which was delicious, one person had scampi and fries which they really enjoyed and the other person had a very generous starter bowl of mussels which he loved. Servers were very attentive and pleasant. Well worth the detour on a nice day.
Written 21 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.
Gary2340
Hawaii143 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
DO NOT MISS this place! Wow! Ok so this place is a bit out of the way BUT so worth h going! On a Sunday afternoon there was 100 people outside and inside was packed. Do yourself the favor and go! Also I didn’t know they only took cash, so they simply gave me the receipt and told me to take it into Kenmare and pay at a local food market so they let me leave with an 80 euro bill to pay later. Great place!!!
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.
Matthew R
Templemore4 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
I hope Helen and her staff read these reviews as they deserve every compliment coming to them. I visited here after a trip to Dursey Island a few weeks ago.
On arrival I ordered a pint and a glass of Guinness for my wife and I and was pleasantly surprised by the price. I would have stayed for the day if I could have!! The porter was perfection.
We then ordered a seafood platter to share, a bowl of soup for our young daughter and a bowl of chips. Our daughter unfortunately got upset when she was told the chips weren't for her; Helen had seen all this sort of thing before I'm sure and came out with lollipops for her. Apologies Helen for the scene caused and thanks for dimming the fires for us. As stated by other reviewers, the food is magnificent; beautiful fresh fish that hopefully I get back to sample soon (along with the Guinness).
The setting and food make this wonderful place extra special, with the Caha Mountains and the inlet of Kenmare Bay provide a stunning backdrop.
It is a throwback to an old Ireland which resonates with me. however. A rural pub on the crossroads which were ten a penny not too long ago. Despite the success that has came it's way, Helen's Bar maintains all the delightful character of a rural Irish pub.
Sláinte go Helen agus a foireann.
Written 28 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.
Margaret D
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • family
As Helen's bar was highly recommended to us I decided to book it in advance to ensure getting a table in a nice setting. When we arrived I went inside to check and see where we were going to be seated. I spoke to a member of staff who informed me that we'd have to wait for 10 /15 minutes. I was with my husband, my 4 year old daughter and my 8 month old son who was in a baby chair. My brother and his 4 daughters were also with us. I specifically asked for a table inside as it was very busy outdoors. Again I'd to keep asking staff members if and when our table would be ready. When we finally got seated and given a menu, we ordered our food. We looked forward to it but were so disappointed when it arrived. My brother in particular was disgusted as he was served Donegal catch with chips which we could have bought at the supermarket. In general my sense was that the place is completely disorganised and could do with a lot of improvement. A staff member rolled his eyes when asked for drinks. We were informed that they had ran out of tomato ketchup and had no dessert. Definitely one of the most unusual establishments that we've visited over the years. We won't return
Written 19 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.
C_and_H_11
Dublin783 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
The panoramic views here are second to none, absolutely amazing. It's in such a peaceful setting & this is one of the main attractions at Helen's Bar. There were 2 lovely guys behind the bar when we were there & Helen herself is an absolute gem, a lovely lady who loves a chat & is so well informed about the local area & it's history. The food was good but there was a lot of deep fried food with just side salads, & after a couple of times visiting here you really want a bit of variety. Although it's very enjoyable in the bar as it is authentic, & the outside seating captures the views, we would definitely not recommend staying in the B&B as the rooms need a lot of work & unless you really want to rough it then avoid at all costs. Otherwise stopping off for a quick bite here is fine.
Written 20 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.
P OR
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • friends
Setting is gorgeous, the staff are feisty and entertaining and the open crab sandwich was delicious with our pints of Guinness. The shock was the price.. A seafood lunch for three with a pint each cost less than a single meal for one in Kenmare town
Written 14 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.
Marie L
Cork24 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Dinner for all
What can I say brilliant . Helen is a super Lady of the u can be assured . Love the whole setting there & if I could I would stay there forever . Speaking of which u can actually get B&an there so how about that ...
place to stay overlooking the sea & watch ur food being caught fresh & all u have to do is eat & drink 🍷
cheers Helen go ahead & make ur Day
Lovely staff great craic
Free Parking fresh Air in Buckets
What’s not to like
Don’t forget Deserts Apple & Rhubarb Tarts to die for & Ice-Cream
Yummy
Written 8 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.
Fiona D
Dublin160 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
What a drive ! It is off the beaten track but the view is beautiful . Staff lovely and service excellent. We had the Seafood platter . Helen is dedicated to supplying the freshest fish sourced locally. The salmon crab and smoked salmon were exceptional. My mother had the scallops in batter - outstanding . The teen had the fresh cod ( she said) a huge portion and she devoured it . Also beautiful side salads . Attention to detail . You can eat inside or outside overlooking the pier .
Written 17 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.
gringottsgoblin
558 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
Helens Bar is located beside Bunaw Pier half way between Kenmare and Allihies close to Lauragh so a perfect spot to break the drive along North Beara and also is not far from Dereen Gardens and the Tim Healy Pass. It’s a lovely spot and it seems it’s quite popular as a location for the Motor Home fraternity as there is a large very potholed parking area to the front often frequented by a Winnebago or two. Kerry County Council please take note of the pothole comment and fix it. It is very scruffy looking. Helens Bar itself is very much an out of the way stand-alone pub. The food is honest plentiful and tasty.. not fancy. It’s a family affair and well run but slightly chaotic and always charming. Be patient if an order might be a bit wrong the charming staff will always respond well to those that treat them well. It is not the Savoy Grill and is honestly not a place to get hung up on silly detail. Just go with the flow. You need to understand that it can be busy and It is isolated so they can run out of things. It’s not the end of the world just get something else (no one died). It is a great little spot unpretentious honest and a bit of craic and good grub.
Written 22 April 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.
Tessandom
Killarney72 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We visited Helen's on a friend's recommendation on a glorious sunny Saturday and we certainly were not disappointed. We both had the Seafood Platter and it was excellent, and such value. The staff were lovely, then we got to meet Helen! She is an amazing character, warm, witty, generous and probably the best ambassador for Ireland I have met in a very long time. Another reviewer described her "as the best there is" and that just sums her up perfectly. I absolutely loved every minute of my time there - I can't wait to go back. In these horrible Covid times I felt safe - everything was spotless - and all the guidelines were adhered to,
Written 14 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.
FarranBoy62
Dublin136 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Stopped off during a motoring trip along the northern coast road of the Beara peninsula. Lovely welcome and could sit inside or outside along the pier, weather permitting. My wife and I both had mussels - locally supplied so utterly fresh and they seemed to be a very popular dish. Seemed to be cooked in brime with no additional sauce and a little sparse too with the accompanying brown bread. Bracing walk up the road behind the pub with wonderful views back down to the pier and out over Kenmare Bay.
Written 21 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.
Truth
Ireland27 contributions
Sept 2022 • family
We visited here on Sunday 4th September. This place is so relaxed and easy going. Everybody is made feel at home. Lovely atmosphere and the staff are very nice.
We had a portion of Mussels to start with followed by Seafood Platter x 2, Chicken Burger x 2, Open Brown Bread Crab Sandwich and Goujons & Chips. For Dessert we had Apple Tart x 2, Chocolate Fudge x 2 and Icecream & Chocolate Sauce. All of the above were nice and tasty. The Guiness was perfect as was the Pinot and soft drinks for our kids.
Altogether we were a party of 6, 2 Adults, 2 Teenagers and 2 kids. The total bill will surprise anybody who goes there (in a good way ☺️)
I would recommend going here by taking the coastal route. The other route suggested by Google Maps is a very narrow road with lovely grass growing in the middle, a typical Irish Super Highway...
Off course this was all made the better when United beat Arsenal which was shown in the bar. Great day!!
Written 5 September 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.
Maurice M
7 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We happened by this venue on our holidays. What a setting/view on a sunny evening to eat outdoors. We had excellent fresh juicy Hake caught earlier that day as well as scallops and the Guinness was great. Helen is a pleasure to chat with and the atmosphere was super with small boats pulling in for food all evening . We also had a helicopter land on a grassy knoll - it's passengers stopping off for food/drink. Super spot well worth a visit and I'll be returning.
Written 1 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.
Grainne D
Dublin36 contributions
Sept 2022 • family
Our holiday is replete getting to visit Helen Moriarty at her famous pub at Kilmackillogue.My aunt discovered this little gem back in 1954.She was staying at Parknasilla Hotel and she took a boat trip across the Kenmare estuary and landed at Kilmackillogue harbour and the rest is history! Its like a pleasant pilgrimage and we are never disappointed .We get such a friendly welcome from Helen and her team. It is even more popular now that cycleing has taken off in Ireland, and the Guinness is the cheapest in the country. We dined out on delicious fresh smoked salmon and crab meat was another popular choice.My niece Roisin had a fabulous plate of battered scallops. Irish cuisine at its best and excellent value. A perfect end to a lovely holiday , fantastic scenery on the Beara peninsula. Thank you Helen!
Written 17 September 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.
BALLYWILLIAM2002
Limerick47 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
Happened upon Helen's en-route to Allihies on Saturday last. We had the most surprising and wonderful experience from the moment we entered the door! Amazing, efficient and friendly staff with a wonderful menu. I have never come across battered scallops anywhere before and my partner chose these and I chose the open crab sandwich so we could share and get to experience both! I'll start with the scallops - beautifully cooked and served with really nice chips and salad with the most amazing dressing I have ever had! The open crab sandwich didn't disappoint either served on a lovely brown bread along with the same salad and dressing.
My partner enjoyed the carrot cake for desert and I had the chocolate cake. Everything was beautiful and we will certainly ensure we stop here again. HIGHLY recommend!
Written 27 March 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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