Celtic Sea Coast: Where to Eat in Dunmore East

The Celtic Sea meets the River Suir at Dunmore East, and the harbour here pulls in fishing boats every morning. If you want to eat what came off those boats the same day, The Spinnaker Bar, Lower Village, Dunmore East is where you go. Peter runs the kitchen and the bar himself, and the menu follows what the day-boats land. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book, or walk in most days.

Celtic Sea Fishing Grounds and Dunmore East

Dunmore East sits at the mouth of Waterford Harbour, where the River Suir opens into the Celtic Sea. The fishing fleet here works grounds within 20 nautical miles — prawns, crab, pollock, haddock, monkfish. The boats tie up at the harbour wall, and the catch moves straight to buyers. Some of it goes to The Spinnaker Bar, where Peter runs the kitchen. The seafood chowder (€13.50) and the mussels (€14 — chorizo, sherry, cream, garlic bread) come from what landed that week. The beer-battered fish (€22.50) is day-boat white fish. You're eating Celtic Sea catch within hours of it coming off the boat.

Peter posts this week's menu on Facebook, because what's available changes with the landings. Email Peter at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com or ring (051) 383 133 to check what's on before you come.

The Spinnaker Bar: Harbour Location and Atmosphere

The Spinnaker Bar is on the harbour in Lower Village, Dunmore East. You can see the fishing boats from the deck. The building faces the water, and on Friday and Saturday evenings in season, Ash and Laura play live music outside (check Facebook for the current schedule). Inside, the bar shows every Premier League match and every GAA game on the big screen. The atmosphere is working harbour pub — fishermen, sailors, walkers coming off the Doneraile cliff path, families down from Waterford City. Peter pours the pints himself. Walk-in welcome most days. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for Friday and Sunday evenings, or any group of six or more.

Menu: Seafood, Steaks, Sunday Roast

The menu at The Spinnaker Bar covers seafood, meat, vegetarian. Start with prawn cocktail (€12) or mussels (€14). Mains include seafood pie (€23), lamb shank (€27), 8oz striploin steak (€37), chicken korma (€22 with rice and naan), vegetable korma (€20). The beef burger is €20. Pizzas run €13.50 to €21. Desserts are €8.95 — cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart. Sunday roast is on the day, whatever Peter is cooking that week. Sides are €5 — chips, mash, vegetables, salad.

Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to ask about specials or to book a table. Email spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com for group enquiries.

Dunmore East Village and the Celtic Sea

Dunmore East is a working fishing village, population around 1,500. Thatched cottages and pastel-painted houses line the streets. The Doneraile cliff walk starts at the eastern end of the village and runs along the Celtic Sea coast — about 5 km round trip, with views over the shipping channel and out to Hook Head. Counsellor's Strand is the main beach, sheltered and family-friendly. The lifeboat station is active, and the harbour hosts sailing clubs and charter boats. Waterford City is 12 km north-west. The village has a post office, a couple of shops, and a handful of pubs. The Spinnaker Bar is the one on the harbour, run by Peter.

Getting to The Spinnaker Bar

From Waterford City, take the R683 south-east through Passage East. The drive is 20 minutes. Park near the harbour in Lower Village — the car park is a two-minute walk to The Spinnaker Bar. If you're walking the Doneraile cliff path, the pub is at the western end of the harbour when you finish the loop. From Tramore, take the coast road east; it's 15 km. The address is Lower Village, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for directions if you need them, or message him on Facebook.