Dining at its best along the Wild Atlantic Way

The Carol Restaurant, Enniscrone, is pure class

The culinary landscape of any region is akin to a window into its soul, offering insights into its culture, history, and tradition. Enniscrone, nestled along the gleaming Diamond Coast of Ireland, boasts not only breathtaking vistas but also a culinary gem that shines bright amidst its natural splendour - the Coral Restaurant.

For those seeking a gastronomic journey infused with creativity, flavour, and a dash of coastal charm, the Coral Restaurant stands as an unparalleled destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.

With its prime location overlooking the coast, diners are treated to a sensory experience that becomes a communion with nature's bounty.

At the heart of the Coral's allure lies its commitment to offering the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from local fishermen, farmers and artisans. Each dish is a testament to this dedication, a harmonious symphony of flavours that celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish produce.

To start, the Irish pork cheek was sumptuous and a nod to the mythological Black Pig renowned in Ennsicrone to this day with the annual festival and statue across from the hotel.

The cod and cranberry fish cake helped to set the tone for the evening, safe in the knowledge a splendid meal was being prepared with care and class.

The pork cheek was impeccably tender, slow-cooked to perfection, and bursting with rich, savoury notes. It was paired with a delicate jus that enhanced the meat’s natural flavours. The fishcake blended local seafood with an earthy kick from the cranberries.

Next came the seared scallops, a true testament to the bounty of the Atlantic. Each scallop was perfectly caramelised on the outside while remaining tender and succulent within.

They were served atop a bed of velvety parsnip puree, which added a subtle, nutty undertone to the dish. A drizzle of citrus-infused oil provided a refreshing zest that lifted the dish, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

For the main course, the Irish lamb shank took centre stage. This dish epitomised rustic elegance, with the lamb shank cooked to such perfection that the meat effortlessly fell off the bone.

The deep, robust flavours of the lamb were beautifully complemented by a serving of spiced couscous, which added a delightful textural contrast and a hint of exotic warmth. The couscous superbly balanced the richness of the lamb.

I cannot recommend enough staying for dessert in the Coral, as the final course was the epitome of comfort and indulgence: a delicious fruit crumble. This dessert was a nostalgic nod to home-cooked classics, yet elevated to fine dining standards.

The crumble featured a medley of seasonal fruits, their natural sweetness and tartness perfectly preserved and enhanced by gentle baking. The topping was golden and crispy, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.

Served with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, the warm, bubbling fruit contrasted beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream, making each mouthful a delightful play of temperatures and textures.