Courthouse

The story

Courthouse Carrickmacross – Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant in Monaghan

Great food, music plays, drinks flow

That’s the invitation from Courthouse on Monaghan Street in Carrickmacross. Housed in a handsome building, this 60-seat dining room welcomes guests for dinner Thursday through Sunday. The spirit is generous and unfussy: pets are welcome, walk-ins are encouraged, and the atmosphere leans toward the kind of easy, family-style gathering where everyone feels at home.

What’s on the plate

The menu is built around bold, well-executed cooking. Starters might include Kilkeel crab and red prawn with chilli mayo, radish and lime, or a plate of fried Ardsallagh goat cheese with piquillo pepper, honey and pistachio. Tempura green beans with Goatsbridge smoked trout, ricotta and hazelnuts is another sharp, balanced opener.

Mains range from Korean fried chicken with pickles and chips to roast cod with creamed greens and ham sauce. Duck breast comes with smoked black pudding, apple and prune ketchup, and celeriac purée; sirloin steak is served with mushrooms, chips and pepper sauce. For something more vegetable-forward, there’s a risotto with greens, smoked ham, olive dressing and Parmesan, or roast monkfish with cauliflower and curry.

The kitchen also offers a thoughtful children’s menu, and sides like grilled broccoli with mustard and Parmesan or simple chips are available.

A wine list to match

Courthouse’s wine list is carefully selected, with a strong showing from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, South Africa and New Zealand. By the glass options include a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from France, a Tempranillo from Spain, or a rosé from Pesquié. There are also plenty of half bottles and full bottles for those who want to linger.

Michelin-recognised quality

In 2026, Courthouse was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which recognises good quality, good value cooking. It’s an accolade that speaks directly to what this restaurant does: produce generous, flavourful food in a relaxed setting, without pretence.

The full experience

Beyond the main dining room, Courthouse also runs Alfie’s Den and offers accommodation, making it easy to turn dinner into a proper evening out. Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-dinner cocktail (the Courthouse Cocktail or a Seedlip G&T if you’re skipping alcohol) or settling in for a Sunday roast, the message is the same: come on in, and come back again soon.