Accommodation and Dining

One thing is certain: in Aughrim, you will never go hungry. As a predominantly agricultural village, it comes as no surprise that locally sourced fresh ingredients are to be found in the various restaurants, hotels and bars dotted around the village.

One of the oldest of these is The Meath Arms —a beautiful country inn situated in the centre of Aughrim village, with a long tradition of hospitality. Established in 1728, the business is owned and run by the Phelan family. It offers accommodation in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There is entertainment in the lounge at the weekends, and a bar menu is available during the day. In the evenings, the highly acclaimed “Grain Store” restaurant offers excellent cuisine. For restaurant bookings phone the Grain Store on (0402) 94563.

Another historic building in Aughrim is Lawless’s Village Inn Hotel, a former stage-coach halting point. Established in 1787, it retains the charm of a bygone era, but with all the comforts of a top-class modern hotel. The hotel has undergone extensive renovation recently, and rooms are elegant and comfortable while its award-winning restaurant serves locally sourced vegetables, game, fish and meat and there is also an extensive wine list. If you wish, you can also avail of the tasty bar menu. Phone (0402) 36146 or visit their website for more information.

For a spot of breakfast, coffee or lunch, you can dine at The Harp Cafe, located in Market Square.

Ms. Hung's Chinese and Thai Take Away is located in Market Square. They operate a delivery service, phone (0402) 36699 or (0402) 36677 to place an order. You can also avail of Ms. Hung's Chinese and Thai fare, by dining in The Harp, which opens as a Chinese/Thai restaurant after 5.30pm.

Pescegrande Take Away is located in the Market Square also, serving high quality fast food and Pizza.

The award winning Brooklodge Hotel & Wells Spa, located 3 km from Aughrim, is just a short drive away in the neighboring village of Macreddin. There you can find Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, The Strawberry Tree, which serves only wild and organic foods sourced from local artisan suppliers. The Orchard Café at Brooklodge is also an organic haven — great for a light lunch or a coffee with friends — while the Waterside Lounge is the perfect spot for unwinding, with large comfy sofas, morning papers and a light menu during the day as well as evening entertainment.

If you prefer Italian cuisine, why not visit La Taverna Armento at the Brooklodge Hotel & Wells Spa. The restaurant has a full Southern Italian menu based around the finest organically produced foods available from Armento and Basilicata in Italy. For bookings phone (0402) 36444.

In terms of accommodation, the BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa comprises 66 bedrooms, ranging from traditional-style standard rooms to New-York style mezzanine suites. For true pampering, there’s also the Wells Spa, which offers stone, seaweed and body masks, the full Decleor skin care range as well as facilities such as a ‘Hammam’ massage room, Finnish baths and an outdoor hot tub.

If you want to stay in Aughrim in self catering accommodation, Aughrim Holiday Village is located in the village, and offers comfortable town houses with all mod cons. Alternatively Derrywater House is a Tudor-style house with charming features throughout which add to the house's atmosphere and character. The house is open all year round and is ideal for a family stay! There is plenty of space to accommodate up to twelve guests.

There are a number of fine establishments offering bed and breakfast accomodation in the Aughrim area. Click on the links below to get more information.

Macreddin Rock Bed & Breakfast
Kyrina Bed & Breakfast
Butlers Byrne Bed & Breakfast

Pubs in Aughrim

It may not be huge in size, but Aughrim has plenty to offer by way of nightlife. A good atmosphere can be found in Phelan’s Bar and Lounge, part of the Meath Arms, and known locally as ‘Paddy’s Bar’ where people can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and some low-key music, but nothing that will interfere with their conversation! It is also a popular venue for watching all the big GAA, rugby soccer golf and boxing live on the big screens while enjoying a pint. Phone (0402) 36460 for details.

Why not drop into O’Tooles Bar and Lounge in the centre of the village, where the warm Aughrim welcome and friendly atmosphere can be experienced by the open log fire. Live music is played every Friday night. All the big sports events can be watched live on the big screen in the lounge. The lounge is available for private parties and functions. There is also comfortable and spacious smoking area. For more details telephone (0402) 36104 or email O'Tooles

Actons’ Bar at the Brooklodge Hotel & Wells Spa in Macreddin is also a popular local spot, where you can sample lager and stout from the pub’s microbrewery. It also offers traditional Irish music all year round and outdoor barbecues during the summer.