Dunmore East Mussels: Where, When & How to Eat Them

Dunmore East mussels come off day-boats that work the Celtic Sea and Waterford Harbour. They're landed at the working harbour in the village, sorted at the quayside, and cooked the same day. Peter at The Spinnaker Bar serves them four ways — chorizo, sherry, cream, or garlic bread — for €14. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book a table, or walk in most days and sit at the bar.

Where Dunmore East Mussels Come From

Mussels served in Dunmore East are landed at the harbour by day-boats working the Celtic Sea and the mouth of the River Suir. The fleet ties up at the quayside in Lower Village — you'll see the boats from the harbour wall. Fishermen sort the catch on the pier, ice what needs icing, and sell to local buyers the same morning. Some go to restaurants in Waterford City, some stay in the village.

The Spinnaker Bar, Lower Village, Dunmore East sources mussels from this fleet. Peter runs the kitchen and the bar himself. He cooks mussels to order: chorizo, sherry, cream, or with garlic bread. All four come with fresh bread for mopping. The price is €14. Peter posts this week's food times on Facebook, or ring him on (051) 383 133 to check.

When Mussels Are Best in Dunmore East

Mussels are best from September through April — cooler months when they're plump and sweet. The old saying is "eat mussels when there's an R in the month." That's September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. Summer mussels are thinner because they spawn in warm water.

Peter at The Spinnaker Bar serves mussels year-round when the boats land them, but autumn and winter portions are heavier. If you're visiting Dunmore East between September and April, mussels are a safe bet. Walk-in is fine most days. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for Friday and Sunday evenings, or any group of six or more. The bar sits on the harbour — you'll see the boats that landed your dinner tied up outside.

How Peter Cooks Mussels at The Spinnaker

Peter cooks mussels four ways. Chorizo: Spanish sausage sliced thin, fried with garlic, white wine, mussels tossed in at the end. Sherry: dry sherry, butter, shallots, parsley, mussels steamed open. Cream: cream, white wine, garlic, mussels, finished with parsley. Garlic bread: mussels steamed in white wine and garlic, served with toasted garlic bread on the side.

All four come in a steel pot with fresh bread. The pot is big — a kilo and a half of mussels, shells on. You eat them with your hands, use the bread to soak the liquor, and order a cold pint of Guinness or lager to go with it. Peter doesn't do half portions. If you want to try mussels and share, order one pot between two and add wings or a burger for the second person. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 or email him at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com to book.

Other Seafood at The Spinnaker Bar

Peter's menu is half seafood, half pub classics. Seafood chowder is €13.50 — haddock, salmon, mussels, prawns, cream, brown bread. Prawn cocktail is €12 — Atlantic prawns, Marie Rose sauce, iceberg, brown bread. Beer-battered fish is €22.50 — haddock or cod off the day-boats, chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce. Seafood pie is €23 — haddock, salmon, prawns, white wine sauce, mash, vegetables.

The kitchen also does lamb shank (€27), 8oz striploin steak (€37), beef burger (€20), chicken korma (€22), and pizzas (€13.50–€21). Sunday roast is on the day — check what Peter's cooking on Facebook. Desserts are €8.95: cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart.

How to Get to The Spinnaker Bar

The Spinnaker Bar is in Lower Village, Dunmore East, on the harbour. If you're driving from Waterford City, take the R683 south-east for 12 km. Park in the village car park (free) and walk down to the harbour. The Spinnaker is the pub on the quayside — red and white painted, big deck out front.

If you're walking the Doneraile cliff path, the walk ends at Counsellor's Strand. From there, it's a ten-minute walk back to Lower Village along the coast road. The Spinnaker is the first pub you'll see when you reach the harbour. Walk-in is fine most days. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for Friday and Sunday evenings, or any group of six or more. Message Peter on Facebook if you want to check before you drive down.