This month, on a quick trip to your country, my wife and I were invited to dine in Tullamore. Our host had telephoned us in the United States specifically to tell us we must dine at a favorite spot in the center of the city. We were taken to a smallish (perhaps 45 – 50 seats) restaurant, The Acorn, at 16 Harbour Street (Tel: 0506 24700) and had a most satisfying experience.

Five of us entered the restaurant just after 7 pm on a Saturday evening. The owners greeted us as if we were regular patrons or old friends. That was just the start of a wonderful evening. The decoration was elegant but not to the extreme that would have limited our exuberant conversation. An exciting menu with a wide variety of courses to suit every appetite (including vegetarians), a full wine list and service and cuisine that did more than justify the hype given by our host. Service was just at the right level of friendliness (without being obtrusive) and the speed that dishes appeared was just right. We were never hurried even though the restaurant was to fill. Each dish, from appetizers, main course and dessert was a treat to see and taste. No wonder the restaurant was full by 8 pm – this oasis is obviously the place to be when visiting Co. Offaly.

I have been operating 4- and 5- star hotels (with top level restaurants), in 34 countries and 5 continents, for over 30 years. And of course it is easy to become jaded. But I was so pleasantly surprised with The Acorn that I wanted to share my experience with you. I will doubtless dine there again on my next visit to the Emerald Isle in July of this year.