The Strand Cahore is a long-held dream realised for proprietors Aileen and Patrick Hanley. This stunning eatery sits atop a hill facing out towards the great Irish Sea, just outside the quiet seaside village of Ballygarrett, Co. Wexford and 1 hour from Dublin.
Aileen and Patrick, having both gained extensive experience in the food and hospitality industry had spent 5 years looking for the perfect location and property to realise their dream of opening their own establishment. Constant searches kept bringing their attention back to a pub located on Cahore Pier, that had a lot of potential. Aileen and Patrick trusted their intuition and took over the business in January 2018. Â Having been based in Co. Kerry, the couple moved their family to Wexford to begin their new and exciting endeavour. Thus, The Strand Cahore came to be.
It’s Aileen and Patrick’s experience in the food and hospitality industry that makes a dining experience at The Strand Cahore exceptional. Putting their hotelier stamp on the place, visitors are greeted with a display of fresh flowers in the entry and a warm and personable welcome. It’s those small yet thoughtful touches that are important and keep visitors coming back for more. The decor and ambiance of The Strand Cahore is influenced by that of a traditional Irish Pub, inviting locals or passers-by to sit back and relax in comfort with a good pint or glass of wine while they enjoy a meal of delicious local fayre.
When talking with the couple, you cannot help but be wowed by their passion and enthusiasm for showcasing the best Irish food in their cosy restaurant. They place their food offering at the heart of their operation.
So, what can visitors expect from a meal at The Strand Cahore? Aileen and Patrick are dedicated to bringing the best flavours to the plate and so have scoured the country for great tasting ingredients. These include a wonderful herb crusted Rack of Kerry Lamb. Kerry Lamb graze on heather and grasses giving an irresistible flavour, resulting in a simple yet carefully constructed dish that goes back to basics and goes down a treat with diners.
It would go without saying due to their seaside location that seafood also has special place on the menu at The Strand Cahore. People come from near and far for their delicious Castletownbere Crab dishes and Dover Sole also features on the menu.
A strong kitchen team has also attributed to the success of The Strand Cahore. Each chef brings their own flair and expertise that results in harmonious and balanced flavours in each and every dish. Everything on the menu is made from scratch including the first in the country, stock made from Macamore Buffalo. Â Sweet treats such as an irresistible zesty lemon tart, traditional shortbread biscuits or a fresh fruit trifle are just the things to finish off a meal expertly prepared by the team at The Strand Cahore.
While Aileen and Patrick have created a recipe for success with their seaside venture, carefully writing their owns menus, they’re not resting on their laurels. The couple finally purchased this iconic property in June of 2021, high praise indeed during a global pandemic and now that they have it lovingly in their hands, they hope to add to the experience of The Strand Cahore by offering accommodation in the coming few years. Whatever the future may hold it’s clear that a knack for hospitality and a passion for good food is a winning combination when it comes to The Strand Cahore.
