The Spinnaker · Dunmore East

Fish and Chips in Dunmore East

Pilot boat at Dunmore East harbour
Pilot boat at Dunmore East harbour · Photo: David Hawgood, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Fish and chips in a working Irish fishing village should be the easy win. Here's what to know — and where The Spinnaker fits in.

What 'good fish and chips' means in Dunmore East

The fish should be fresh and named — cod, haddock, hake, plaice, whiting — not 'fish'. The batter should be light, not heavy and oily. The chips should be hand-cut, not factory frozen. The portion should be honest, not theatrical.

Where to find them

Most Dunmore East pubs that do food do a version of fish and chips. The Spinnaker Bar puts the day's catch in the batter — meaning it shifts with what the boats landed. The chalkboard is the menu. Ring (051) 383 133 to check what's on tonight.

Sit-down vs takeaway

Takeaway from the village shop has its summer place; for the proper plate sit down in the bar. Vinegar on the table, salt to taste, hot.

Pairing

A pint of stout or a crisp local lager. Tartare sauce on the side. Lemon. Done.

Book a table at The Spinnaker

Peter is doing food himself — fresh, simple, local. Ring or email direct, no app, no fee.

Quick questions

What's the best fish for fish and chips?

Cod, haddock or hake are the classics — light flesh, mild flavour, batters cleanly. Ask what's fresh in today.

Are the chips hand-cut?

At a proper kitchen, yes. Ask if you're not sure — kitchens that do it are proud of it.

Can I get fish and chips at lunch?

Yes — most Dunmore East kitchens run them through lunch and dinner. The Spinnaker keeps fish-and-chips on the lunch board most days.