Derby - Kells

Overall, we had a delightful dining experience at this restaurant. With the weather being perfect, we chose to sit outside on the spacious terrace. While the staff guided us to our table, they appeared to be a bit preoccupied. Gavin went inside to order our drinks and pick up the menus. Despite the bustling atmosphere, especially with a staff wedding taking place, there was some enjoyable live music that added to the ambiance. Once we placed our dinner orders, the staff became more attentive. The food was delicious and arrived promptly, greatly surpassing typical bar fare. We particularly enjoyed the chicken tacos and BBQ pork ribs, both of which were outstanding. For dessert, we decided to share the apple pie. Initially, it seemed a bit unremarkable when it was served, but it turned out to be incredibly tasty and perfectly portioned. If we find ourselves in the area again, we would definitely love to return to this restaurant.

We had a wonderful experience thanks to our amazing waitress, Marta, who took excellent care of us. She was incredibly kind and friendly, and we really enjoyed chatting with her. The food selections were great, and the portions were generous. I would rate this place 5 stars, but unfortunately, it was packed when we arrived, and we had to wait 2 hours for a table. It would be nice if there were additional areas in the hotel open for guests to relax and enjoy a drink while waiting. Alternatively, a lounge area where guests could have coffee and unwind would be fantastic. Thanks to Marta, our initial impression improved significantly.

We visited the Derby Bar for dinner on Sunday. There were many activities happening around the castle, with plenty of hotel guests and other diners, but we felt very safe knowing that they were following all current COVID guidelines. We were seated right away and placed our orders for the menu items and drinks. A few minutes later, our food order was taken, and shortly after, our appetizers arrived. They were delicious! The staff was all very friendly and attentive. We would definitely recommend the Derby Bar for its great food and service, and we look forward to our next visit.

My parents and I truly enjoy Cabra Castle for its charming ambiance, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff. Unfortunately, we find the food to be quite disappointing. While the pub grub generally hits the mark, the paninis, sandwiches, and soups tend to be bland and uninspiring. The wings lack flavor, making the overall dining experience feel underwhelming. The restaurant on the top floor is a slight improvement, but still serves very ordinary dishes that aren't worth their prices. Although Cabra Castle is beautiful, it might be a better idea to pack a lunch to enjoy on the grounds and just have a drink at the bar instead.

It might have just been an off day, but the fish and chips I ordered were disappointing. The fish was overcooked and looked more like square pieces of bait. I felt it necessary to send it back, but the staff managed the situation very well and I didn’t feel at fault.