Lir Coleraine is a special place. It sits by the River Bann. It serves fresh seafood. The views are beautiful. People love its cozy vibe. This article tells you about Lir. You’ll learn its story. You’ll know what to expect. You’ll see why it’s a hidden gem in Northern Ireland. I’m Warren Driscoll. I’ve traveled for seven years. I’ve stayed in fancy villas and chalets. I know great places. Let’s explore Lir together!
What Makes Lir Coleraine Special
Lir Coleraine is not just a restaurant. It has a unique story. Rebekah and Stevie McCarry started it. They love the sea. They wanted to share local fish. In 2020, they found an old yacht club. It was by the River Bann. They turned it into Lir. The name “Lir” means sea in old Irish. Their dream was big. But a pandemic hit. They got creative. They sold fish online. They delivered to homes. This kept their business alive.
Now, Lir is a dining spot. It opened in March 2023. The River Bann is its heart. The water flows to the sea. Local boats catch fish there. Lir uses that fish. The marina is nearby. Yachts float calmly. The setting feels peaceful. Visitors love this. It’s different from city restaurants. The location makes Lir a true gem.
The Seafood Experience at Lir
Lir’s menu changes every day. Why? It depends on the catch. Local boats bring fish. Farmers bring vegetables. The team forages herbs. This keeps dishes fresh. You might find cod. Or monkfish. Or mussels. Each dish is special. The fish tastes clean. It’s full of flavor.
Some dishes stand out. The haddock fish cake is crispy. It sits on tartare sauce. The fish chowder is creamy. It has mussels and dill. The monkfish sausage roll is unique. It comes with spicy ketchup. Portions are big. You won’t leave hungry. For a big meal, try the whole brill. It’s cooked perfectly. The tasting menu is another option. It has 9 or 10 courses. It takes three hours. You taste many flavors. Wine or juice pairings are available.
Lir cares about the planet. They use every part of the fish. They make stocks from bones. They create fish sausages. They even make fish charcuterie. Waste is rare. They work with local farms. Rhee River Organics grows their vegetables. Extra fish scraps feed the farm’s soil. This is called zero-waste. It’s good for the earth. It shows Lir’s care.
Ambiance and Views
Lir’s look is modern. The old yacht club got a makeover. The walls are sleek. The lights are soft. Art hangs on the walls. The Selkie Room is new. It’s a cozy space. Big windows show the river. You see water and yachts. The view is stunning. On sunny days, it’s magical.
There’s an outdoor deck. You can eat there. The river breeze feels nice. It’s great in summer. But the inside can be noisy. Many people talk. The chatter fills the room. If you like quiet, book early. The decor is simple. It’s not fancy. But it feels welcoming. The focus is on food and views.
Lir is easy to reach. It’s wheelchair-friendly. There’s an accessible toilet. This makes it open to all. The setting suits families. It’s also good for couples. The river views make any meal special.
Service and Hospitality
The staff at Lir is friendly. They know the menu well. They explain dishes clearly. They smile a lot. Clare Smyth runs the front. She worked at a top restaurant before. She’s calm and skilled. Jasmine is another star. She checks on guests often. She makes you feel at home.
Service is fast. But you don’t feel rushed. You can sip drinks on the terrace. The staff waits for you. They give you time. This is rare in busy places. They also help with special needs. For example, they warn about pork in dishes. This shows care. Guests feel valued. Small touches matter. Like a birthday card. Or a candle on dessert. These make Lir warm.
Lir in Coleraine’s Culinary Scene
Coleraine has many restaurants. Some serve fast food. Others offer Pakistani or Turkish dishes. Lir is different. It focuses on seafood. No one else in Coleraine does this so well. The town is small. But it’s growing. Tourists visit for beaches. Like Castlerock Beach. Or Downhill Beach. Lir adds to the food scene. It draws people in.
Lir has won awards. In 2020, it was the Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland by Slow Food. In 2022, Georgina Campbell called it the Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland. These show quality. They also build trust. People read about Lir. They want to try it. Even TV chef Rick Stein visited. He loved it. This makes Lir stand out.
Planning Your Visit to Lir
Want to eat at Lir? Book ahead. It’s busy. You can call or use their website. They’re open Wednesday to Saturday. Hours are 9 AM to 9 PM. Brunch is until noon. Lunch is until 3 PM. Dinner starts at 5 PM. Parties over eight need to phone.
Prices are fair. Starters cost £7–£11. Mains are £16–£29. Desserts are £7. A meal for two with wine is about £100. Portions are big. You get good value. Some say prices are high. But the quality matches. The tasting menu is pricier. It’s for special occasions.
Coleraine is easy to reach. It’s near Belfast. Drive or take a train. Lir is at the marina. Parking is free. Stay nearby at The Lodge Hotel. Or Ibis Coleraine Riverside. Visit Castlerock Beach after. Or Downhill Demesne. It’s a historic site. These make your trip fun.
Northern Ireland’s Seafood Culture
Northern Ireland loves seafood. The coast is long. Boats catch fish daily. Towns like Greencastle and Portstewart have fishermen. They bring cod, haddock, and monkfish. Mussels grow in the sea. Oysters are famous too. People eat fish at home. Or at restaurants. Seafood is part of life here.
Lir helps this tradition. They buy from local boats. They know the fishermen. This keeps money in the community. It also keeps fish fresh. Other restaurants use frozen fish. Not Lir. They care about quality. They also teach others. They offer fish filleting lessons. This shares their love for seafood. It makes Lir important to the region.
Conclusion
Lir Coleraine is a hidden gem. It serves fresh seafood. The River Bann views are lovely. The food is creative. The staff is kind. It’s part of Northern Ireland’s food story. Rebekah and Stevie McCarry built something special. Their care shows in every dish. Visit Lir for a meal you’ll remember. Have you been to Lir? Share your thoughts below!
Disclaimer: This article is just for sharing. It is not a paid ad. I don’t work for Lir. I don’t get money if you visit. I only share my own thoughts. Please check details with the restaurant before you go.
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.