Oar

The story

Oar Restaurant and Rooms in Ennistimon, Ireland – Rustic Fine Dining with Michelin Recognition

Oar Restaurant and Rooms

In the heart of Doolin, along the Wild Atlantic Way, Oar Restaurant and Rooms offers rustic fine dining that has earned a place in the Michelin Guide since 2021. Owned by well-known restaurateur Kieran O’Halloran, the restaurant is a testament to his decades of experience in kitchens around the world, from London to New York, Australia, and Africa.

Head chef Cezary Sodel, who came to Ireland in 2010 and worked at Gregans Castle before joining Oar in 2019, crafts a menu built on the finest local produce. The kitchen sources ingredients from local butchers, fishmongers, fishermen, cheese makers, and farmers, turning them into dishes that reflect the best of County Clare. The emphasis is on a relaxed, sociable environment where guests can connect with both the food and each other—there is no formal dress code, and the atmosphere is welcoming to all.

The menu changes regularly, but recent offerings give a clear sense of the kitchen’s ambition. Starters might include pheasant with chou farci, carrots, and peanut, or a tuna and salmon carpaccio with toasted nori, anchovy, and capers. Mains range from Hereford prime rib eye with caramelised onions and pepper sauce to monkfish with mango, cannellini bean, and coconut beurre monte, and venison with parsnip, chocolate, and Jerusalem artichoke. A tasting menu is also available, featuring courses such as foie gras royal, halibut, venison, and chocolate, priced at €120 per person.

Oar’s modern cuisine is matched by a carefully curated wine list, reflecting O’Halloran’s passion for fine wines. The restaurant also offers four rooms and one suite for those who wish to stay, providing a comfortable base for exploring the nearby Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Cave.