“The leash’s peculiarity is that a lot of people drive through it,” says David Walsh-Kemmis. “The trick is to stop them.”
I recently met David at the Ballykilcavan Brewery on his farm near Stradbally, about 10km from the M7 in Portrisé.
David offers brewery tours on specified dates or private tours for groups of 4 or more to get a fascinating perspective of craft beers, walled gardens, and 13 generations of farmhouses. I am taking it in.
Sure, you’ll need a designated driver if you’re planning on tasting, but it’s a novel way to break up the journey.
Last week we again bypassed the M7/M8 on our drive between Dublin and Cork and returned to Laesch. I had some extra time and wanted to skip the service station stops for better food, a smaller business and something new.
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David Walsh Chemis of Balikirkavan Brewery
After tweeting for tips, I boarded the N77 and stopped at Bowes in Darrow. There, dishes like the Katsu Chicken Burger and the Falafel and Wild Rice Tabouli Bowl were served by busy but smiling local staff, then we chose our treats from a counter stacked with cakes and pastries.
Most highway drivers want to get from point A to point B in the shortest possible time. Gas stations in Ireland are vastly improved and rarely need to be offline for fuel, food or toilets.
However, if you’re not in a hurry, it can yield great rewards and valuable boosts for local businesses.
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Bows of Darrow Tasty Treats
Besides M7/M8, Twitter users pointed out several options at Cashel and Care, Horse & Jockey Hotel, and O’Callaghan in Mitchellstown. It looked more delicious than McDonald’s at Exit 8.
The Store Yard in Portlaoise, about 10 minutes from the M7, consists of Aladdin’s cave-like architecture, antiques and second-hand clothing (“providers of strange things”), with a homey place in the middle. There is a cafe. We also enjoyed his hearty beef casserole lunch at Treacy’s of The Heath. Hardly any extra miles needed.
Other highways are worth the meander too. For example, Exit 27 on the M7 will take you to Matt the Thresher’s and Old Barracks Coffee Roastery (adults only due to mechanical issues). Both are located in Bird Hill, just minutes from Apple Green along the highway.
Athlone is another town to detour rather than browse, but an easy option off the M6.
If time and traffic aren’t an issue, browse the Left Bank or book a spot at Thyme or The Fat Calf for some of Midland’s best meals. If so, visit Savory Fare, followed by Mosey, at the Fernhill Garden Center just off Exit 10.
Other options along the M6 include Browne’s on the Green on Tyrellspass and Glasson, a small village with Grogan’s pub and Wineport Lodge, just five minutes from Exit 9.
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Traveling between Dublin and Belfast on the M1? My destination is Strandfield, a farmhouse café, shop and garden center just off the Carlingford roundabout.
Returning to Laish, I remembered that this was the only county not touched by the sea. “It’s not really a tour bus destination,” David said of his farm. “I’ll be the one to bring you…but people seem to like it.”
Sometimes it’s good to be offline.
