The Red Bank, Skerries, Ireland

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The Redbank Restaurant was founded by Terry & Margaret McCoy in 1983 and has since won many awards and citations for fine food including the Egon Ronay Seafood of the Year. Terry has represented Ireland at many international competitions.

When the local bank moved to new premises the McCoys bought the old building and created a superb restaurant, which is, both intimate and relaxed. The old bank vault was converted into a wellstocked wine cellar and they went on to forge a reputation as one of the best establishments of contempory Irish cuisine.

In 1997, the McCoys extended the Redbank’s hospitality by opening the Redbank House adjacent to the restaurant. These new individually decorated en-suite rooms offer a genuine welcome and a promise of comfort and relaxation in tranquil and pleasant surroundings. A perfect end to a perfect meal and without breaking the bank!

A tremendous enthusiast, Terry is an avid supporter of local produce and suppliers and is always keen to try out new ideas to make the most of them. Fresh seafood from Skerries Harbour the backbone to his menus, but without limiting the vision – this is a man who goes out at dawn to gather young nettles for soup and is equally appreciative of the efforts of the famous farm produce of the area. The luscious vegetables of this, the market gardening area of Ireland, feature large on his menus. Equally nurtured by this big hearted chef are the local millers who supply him with the stone ground flour for his delicious fresh brown bread and, of course, the farmhouse cheese-makers of Ireland who produce such mouthwatering cheeses.

Skerries nestles in the middle of Fingal (from the Gaelic-Fionn Gall – the fair-haired foreigner), 40 minutes from the centre of Dublin and just 20 minutes north of Dublin Airport. Despite this proximity to the capital city, it is also a tranquil fishing village and farming community, just proud of its uniqueness. In 1996 the town won gold prize in European-wide Entente Florale competition for the most beautiful town in Europe with the emphasis on floral decoration. During spring and summer, the riot of colour from the hanging baskets and window boxes warms the heart. The scenic harbour at dusk is truly delightful.

Skerries is an ideal spot for forays to explore Dublin, Europe’s most vibrant capital city. Whether you are a culture vulture who wants to follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom (the hero of Joyce’s Ulysses), to shop ’til you drop in the fine stores of Grafton Street, or drink coffee in the narrow streets of Temple Bar (Dublin’s equivalent of Left Bank of the Seine) Skerries is the perfect base.

Skerries offer a multitude of activities to keep the visitor occupied. The McCoy’s can provide their guests with maps detailing walks, whether it be an energetic 10km walk through the country lanes or a short stroll by the sea. The area is particularly rich in golf clubs, and many people use Skerries and the Redbank as a base from which to indulge that particular addiction. In fact there are more than twenty-five clubs within a “short drive and sand wedge.” Among the more famous clubs are Portmarnock and Baltry where the Irish Open has been held. The Redbank can organise Club Hire, Tuition and ‘Gourmet Golf Packages.’

If you would like to try your hand at sailing, Terry will be only too happy to arrange a course with the local sailing school. Leisure activities such as tennis, cycling, bowls or horse riding can be arranged.

If your passion is for stately homes and gardens, Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Demesne and Newbridge House at Donabate are all within a short driving distance. Of course, the archaeological monuments of the Boyne Valley, such as the Newgrange Megalithic Tomb are within easy range.

And after enjoying your day, finish it off with a superb dinner at the Redbank Restaurant. Tired and happy after a full day and a wonderful meal, it is only a few steps to your bedroom in the cosy and comfortable Redbank House, an exciting venture for the McCoys, one which they applied their own inimitable sense of comfort and style.

With eighteen double rooms all en-suite facilities, interactive television, Broadband and wireless internet access, direct dial telephone and the guarantee of a comfortable night’s sleep on the highest quality beds, the Redbank House is in constant demand. With excellent rates, which include a full and delicious Irish Breakfast and special packages available for those dining in the Restaurant: this is a winning combination. It is also the perfect base to enjoy the beautiful Fingal area and take advantage of all that Dublin has to offer.