Best Fine Dining in Ashbourne

"Michelin star awarded since 2007, Chapter One is one of the finest restaurants in the city and an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion. The food is insanely good – so much so that Chef Ross Lewis was invited to oversee the banquet held in Queen Elizabeth II’s honour during her 2011 state visit. Housed in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum, the room is minimal but elegant."

"As far as fine dining establishments go, Chapter One is arguably the best that Dublin has to offer. This place is a Michelin-starred restaurant set in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum. While it’s housed in an elegant and modern dining room, the atmosphere in Chapter One is surprisingly relaxed."

"This wonderful, culture-vulture favorite gets its name from its location, downstairs in the vaulted, stone-wall basement of the Dublin Writers...Read More"

"For a warm welcome and its menu, we have to add Rosa Madre to this list. This authentic Italian seafood restaurant will complement a nice evening in the heart of the city, with delicious seafood. The house speciality is fresh Calamari and Gamberi served with spicy spinach, and for the pasta lovers, why not give the Ravioli Al Tartufo or the Lobster Tonnareli a try?"

"Why: If you’re a fan of Italian seafood, Rosa Madre is the perfect place for you. With a menu centred around fish, the Temple Bar restaurant is also never short on theatre. Dishes such as gratinated Wexford scallops come served on loudly patterned plates, while whole fishes are filleted at the side of your table."

"Style / Ambiance: Arguably the most respected restaurant in Ireland, the legendary Patrick Guilbaud’s opened in 1981 and since then has won every major food award going. Currently in the hands of chef Guillaume Lebrun, the restaurant has held two Michelin stars for a number of years, and has long set the standard to which others aspire. It remains the only two-star restaurant in the country and with a wine list every bit as impressive as the food, you’ll be talking about this place for some time after."

"Offering up the fanciest French food in Dublin, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is a two Michelin star spot in the centre of town. The dining room is as refined as you’d expect, with layers of linens, crockery and cutlery expertly arranged for that signature fine-dining feeling. While the menus change regularly, you can expect appetisers like oyster with lovage, horseradish and sour apple followed by mains such as squab pigeon with cevenne onions, sweet peas and a verbena pearled jus."

"Patrick Guilbaud's certainly has the credentials of a top Irish restaurant, sporting our country's only two star Michelin kitchen. If opulence and fine dining to the extreme is your bag then make sure to sample this mix of contemporary Irish, French and classical roots. Guilbaud's has been at the centre of Irish fine dining for thirty years and is somewhat of an institution."

"On the Michelin guide for 2020, Pearl Brasserie is an award-winning find dining restaurant that specialises in French food (naturally). The basement setting is surprisingly light, while the interiors are dressed in a modern yet formal style. Classic French ingredients are employed to fill the tempting menu which showcases produce like quail, crab and foie gras."

"Our Christmas🎄Lunch and Group Dinner menu: #PearlBrasserie #FineDining #Restaurant #MerrionStreetUpper #Dublin. A post shared by Pearl Brasserie (@pearlbrasserie) on Dec 22, 2018 at 4:48am PST. One of Dublin’s top-rated restaurants, Pearl Brasserie will ensure you a magical night with your romantic interest."

"What’s more romantic than a single table for two in a wine cellar?. Take your seat in their intimate wine cellar or have a cosy meal by their fireplace. Either way, you’re sure to wow your date with their innovative cuisine and romantic setting."

"Located in the opulent surroundings of Dublin's Mansion House on Dawson Street, Fire has been built in what was originally the Lord Mayor's supper room and is now a magnificent space with stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. The food is all locally sourced and cooked to a high standard with a good mix of meat, vegetarian options and seafood - the jumbo prawn starter is the house speciality. There is also a special steak menu with a variety of cuts of ages, marinated beef that are sure to make a meat-lover's mouth water."

"FIRE Steakhouse boast possibly the best outdoor dining terrace in Dublin City. This stunning space overlooks the beautiful Lord Mayor’s garden and is great for a bit of people watching on Dawson Street. The terrace is large so there’s plenty of room for safe, social distancing and features a retractable roof and a glass balcony, ensuring that you can enjoy a meal and drinks with friends whatever the weather."

"BANG Restaurant, recommended by the Michelin Guide, offers discerning diners exquisite culinary experiences. From the unique experience of 'The Gathering' Tasting Menu, a seven course meal proudly showcasing the very best of Ireland, to the long-established pre-theatre menu, these dishes are synonymous with local culture and high quality. Passionate about food, menus are seasonal, fresh and locally sourced."

"The first bit of good news is that Glovers Alley is new but already one of the most acclaimed fine dining restaurants in Dublin. The second bit of good news is that you don’t even have to leave the hotel to get there – it’s right next door. And the best bit is as a resident of the Fitzwilliam hotel, you can enjoy a wonderful dining experience and not even leave the building."

"Glovers Alley is a swanky Millennial pink fine-dining restaurant on the first floor of the Fitzwilliam hotel. Dubliner Andy McFadden is the executive chef, having moved from London where he lived for 12 years, working in the prestigious Pied à Terre restaurant. Fun fact: At age 25, Andy was the youngest chef in London to hold a Michelin star, so you know he means business."

"A baby pink restaurant that is home to one of the most talented chefs in the country right now - Mr Andy McFadden. Gourmet food and a luxurious venue - what more could you want?"

"This 12 room 16th century castle sits on nearly 600 acres and has its own 18 hole golf course. Visit the place where soccer super star David Beckham and Posh Spice tied the knot."

"Liath, the Irish word for grey, is a fine dining restaurant created by chef Damien Grey. Grey was the co-owner of the one-star Michelin Star Restaurant, 'Heron And Grey' which closed at the start of the year. Right now, getting a booking here is like gold dust."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Many of the best castles near Dublin have a stony gray appearance because they date back to medieval times. Grand Rathfarnham Castle is different because it dates back to Elizabethan times. The building is the earliest example of a fortified house in Ireland and was constructed around the time of the Norman invasion."

"It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, a Yorkshire man who came to Ireland as Lord Deputy. He would eventually become Lord Chancellor of Ireland and was heavily- involved in the opening of Trinity College. The castle is now open as The Office of Public Works."

"St. Teresa’s Church in Dublin is a quaint church for the worshippers of Christianity. Located in Clarendon Street, this church has been serving the people of Dublin for over two centuries. Considered to be the busiest church in the whole of Dublin, this church is a haven of serenity amidst the bustling designer showrooms and market."

"Situated between Grafton Street and Clarendon Street, St. Teresa’s Church is a haven of peace amidst the bustle of Dublin’s city centre."

"Located in temple bar, right in the centre of Dublin, The Ark is a space dedicated to teaching art to children. A good address especially on a wet day, their programme involves workshops for kids to familiarise and experience theater, literature, art and creative endeavours of all types. A wonderful creative space just for kids with amazing facilitators."

"The Ark is a fantastic creative hub and dedicated cultural centre for children, located in Temple Bar. It hosts performances of music, theatre and dance, including workshops and exhibitions for kids. Go there, and create opportunities for children, families and friends to discover and love art."

"The Doorway Gallery can be found on Frederick Street in Dublin City. A wide range of well renowned Irish artists have exhibited at the Doorway Gallery."

"This restored soldiers barracks is today a state-of-the-art exhibition space and venue that pays tribute to its colourful history and Ireland’s heritage."

"Dublin's 'Dead Zoo' – officially the city's Natural History establishment – has been preserved as a classic Victorian mausoleum-of-a-museum. Inside, you'll find a building filled to the rafters with all manner of stuffed animals large and small, preserved insects and spiders – in short, every species under the sun. It's unendingly fascinating, in a horrifying sort of way."

"Another amazing attraction just 10 minutes’ walk from Maldron Pearse Street. Known affectionately by Dubliners as “the dead zoo”, a visit to the Natural History Museum is a must for all families but make sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy this great attraction."

"Collins Barracks as it's popularly known is a very child friendly museum. The huge central square in the barracks is a massive hit and is frequently as popular as anything inside. The Museum is rich with artefacts and is a treasure trove of past centuries."