Kids Eat Here: Family-Friendly Pub in Dunmore East
Yes, kids eat at The Spinnaker Bar in Dunmore East. Peter serves families every day — harbour views, high chairs, and food that works for children and adults. If you're looking for a pub in Dunmore East where you can bring the kids for lunch or dinner, The Spinnaker is the one. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book, especially Friday and Sunday evenings or groups of six or more.
What Kids Eat at The Spinnaker
Peter runs the kitchen at The Spinnaker Bar, Lower Village, Dunmore East, and he cooks for families. Kids order from the main menu or ask Peter for something simpler. Fish fingers, plain pasta, chips, chicken goujons — standard pub food that children actually eat. The pizzas (€13.50 to €21) work well for sharing or for a child who wants their own. The burger (€20) can be split. Peter doesn't print a separate kids' menu, but he'll sort out what your child needs. Just ask when you order.
High chairs are available. The pub sits right on the harbour in Dunmore East, so there's plenty to look at through the windows while you wait for food. Boats coming in, gulls on the water, the lifeboat station across the way. Keeps kids occupied.
Family Atmosphere at The Spinnaker
The Spinnaker is a working harbour pub. It's not a soft-play centre. Families come in, sit down, eat, and leave. No one minds children being children — this is Ireland, not a Michelin dining room. The pub gets busy on match days (Premier League and GAA on the big screen), so if you're bringing toddlers during a final, expect noise and crowds. Quieter times are mid-afternoon weekdays or early Sunday lunch before the roast rush.
The outdoor deck at the front is popular in good weather. Kids can move around a bit more out there, and parents can watch the harbour while they finish a pint. Live music happens on the deck at weekends sometimes (Ash & Laura play occasionally — Peter posts the schedule on Facebook). If you're bringing very young children, the indoor seating might be easier to manage.
Booking with Peter for Families
Walk-ins are fine most days, but ring Peter on (051) 383 133 if you're coming Friday or Sunday evening, or if you've got a group of six or more. He needs to know numbers so he can set up a table that works for prams, high chairs, or a family spread. If you've got specific timing needs (kids eat early, bedtime routines), tell Peter when you book. He'll sort it.
You can also email Peter at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com or message him on Facebook. Phone is fastest. Peter runs the bar and kitchen himself, so he's the one who'll answer and take your booking. No middle layers.
What to Do in Dunmore East with Kids Before or After
Dunmore East is a small fishing village at the mouth of Waterford Harbour, about 12 km south-east of Waterford City. Population around 1,500. If you're bringing kids to eat at The Spinnaker, there's plenty to fill an hour or two before or after. Counsellor's Strand is the beach — safe swimming, sand, rock pools at low tide. The Doneraile cliff walk starts near the harbour and loops around the headland (about 5 km, paved and dirt sections, coastal views). Shorter walks along the harbour wall work for toddlers.
The village has thatched cottages, pastel-painted houses, a lifeboat station the kids can see from the pub. Boats come and go all day. If your children are into boats or the sea, Dunmore East holds their attention. After a walk or the beach, Peter's food at The Spinnaker is the logical next step.
Why Families Pick The Spinnaker
Families eat at The Spinnaker Bar because Peter runs a proper pub that doesn't exclude children. The food is solid, the location is right on the harbour, and the atmosphere is relaxed. No one's going to stare at your toddler if they drop a fork or get loud. It's a village pub in a working fishing village. Kids are part of the fabric.
The reviews (818 on Google Places, around 4.5 stars) mention families regularly. Parents talk about the seafood chowder (€13.50), the fish and chips (beer-battered fish €22.50), and the fact that Peter accommodates children without fuss. If you're staying in Dunmore East or visiting for the day, The Spinnaker is where you bring the kids to eat. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book your table.
Book a table — go straight to Peter
Peter is the new owner of The Spinnaker Bar in Dunmore East. He runs the kitchen and the bar himself, so booking goes direct to him — no app, no fee, no middleman.
Or message Peter on the Spinnaker Facebook page — he checks it daily.
Quick questions
Does The Spinnaker Bar have a kids' menu?
Peter doesn't print a separate kids' menu at The Spinnaker Bar, but he'll cook simpler options for children — fish fingers, plain pasta, chips, chicken goujons. Kids can also order from the main menu (pizzas, burgers). Just ask when you order, and Peter will sort it out.
Are high chairs available at The Spinnaker?
Yes, The Spinnaker Bar has high chairs for families. If you're booking a table, mention to Peter that you need one when you ring (051) 383 133, and he'll have it ready when you arrive.
Is The Spinnaker Bar family-friendly?
Yes. The Spinnaker Bar in Dunmore East welcomes families. It's a working harbour pub, so the atmosphere is relaxed and no one minds children being present. High chairs available, food that works for kids, and harbour views to keep them occupied while you eat.
Do I need to book if I'm bringing kids to The Spinnaker?
Walk-ins are usually fine, but ring Peter on (051) 383 133 if you're coming Friday or Sunday evening, or if you've got six or more people. Booking helps Peter set up a table that works for prams, high chairs, or a family group.