THIRTY PUBS IN both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have been listed in the newly published Michelin Eating Out In Pubs 2018 guide.

Of the 22 pubs in the south and eight in the north, one is a new listing – the Bull and Ram, in Ballynahinch, Co Down.

The Bull and Ram is situated in an old Edwardian butcher’s shop that has been fully restored back to its original cream and emerald tiles, meat hanging rail and a herringbone oak ceiling.

Lisdoonvarna’s Wild Honey Inn is Ireland’s only Michelin-starred location to feature in this year’s guide. The inn already held a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, but it was upgraded to the coveted Michelin Star earlier this month.

Having held a listing in the Eating Out In Pubs guide since 2014, this year sees Morrissey’s in Doonbeg become the only Bib Gourmand establishment listed in the guide.

Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise restaurants “offering good food at affordable prices of €40 or less for a three-course meal”.

Overall, county Down leads the list with seven listings, while Clare and Cork have four each and Kildare three.

• Clare: Morrissey’s (Doonbeg), Vaughan’s Anchor Inn (Liscannor), Wild Honey Inn (Lisdoonvarna) and Linnane’s Lobster Bar (New Quay)
• Cork: Poacher’s Inn (Bandon), Deasy’s (Clonakilty), Cronin’s (Crosshaven) and Toddies at The Bulman (Kinsale)
• Down: Bull & Ram (Ballynahinch), Pheasant (Annahilt), Poacher’s Pocket (Comber), Parson’s Nose and Plough Inn (both in Hillsborough) Pier 36 (Donaghadee) and Balloo House (Killinchy).
• Kildare: Harte’s (Kildare), Ballymore Inn (Ballymore Eustace) and Fallon’s (Kilcullen)

This year’s guide recommends 470 top dining locations spread across Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Speaking at its launch, editor Rebecca Burr said: “This year we have seen so many pubs get a new lease of life by placing greater emphasis on food. It’s great to see pubs being rejuvenated this way as they are often the heartbeat of our towns and villages.”

A full list of the featured Irish restaurants is available in the guide.

Read: A Lisdoonvarna inn becomes the first pub in Ireland to win a Michelin Star

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