JP Clarke's — Restaurant in County Clare

After our adventure to the foreboding Bunratty castle we called in at JP Clarkes Irish pub. It’s a large sprawling venue with indoor and outdoor space. Clearly it’s grown over the years due to its popularity and reputation.

Our host had made a reservation and we were quickly shown to our spacious booth, the interior is a mix of country pub and American dining, with plenty of booths, tables and small intimate spots if you’re looking for a little romantic spot..

The waiter was chatty and charming, cajoling us to order drinks and food quickly as it’s apparent this is a busy place, there were also some specials inc salmon with a chorizo crust but we all found dishes from the main menu.

Fish and chips, BBQ pulled pork tostadas, cheesy potatoes, salad and the chicken supreme was ordered. Being honest the fish possibly could have done with a little longer in the fryer and the mushy peas would have been heaps better home made, although top marks for serving Heinz ketchup ! The side salad was a little tired, however, my chums all remarked how yummy thier food was and their empty plates proved it.

It was my partners birthday, we were delighted (he was scarlet with embarrassment) as the team sung happy birthday whilst presenting a complimentary birthday plate complete with his name and birthday candle. Thank you very very much.

As we were leaving gentle live music was beginning in the bar which created a very nice ambiance- this place evidently runs like clockwork and they definitely know what they’re doing.

You could celebrate many occasions here and I’m sure JP Clarkes have many regulars to prove...

Friendly staff. Plenty of parking. Close to Bunratty Castle but far enough away not to be in too heavy traffic. For 20 years have enjoyed having lunch here, driving 40 miles to do so. But, there have been changes, not all desired by the old customers! Who are very much needed to keep places alive! New decor. Debatable. The place itself seems to have lost some of the warming spacious ambience. It was so open and welcoming before. But harsh high 'decor' between some of the tables enclose customers. Harsh wooden steps -too many straight lines not accentuated by the rhythms and patterns of more feminine lines. The friendly blackboard has gone that displayed great dishes. Now the lunch menu has had far too many of the delicious dishes removed . Perhaps to accommodate younger customers and tourists and provide cheaper meals. In the financial and commercial energy of catering I understand. But Don't lose your long term customers I had difficulty choosing a meal I really wanted. I hope you replace some of the wonderful dishes. You didn't have to go mad and replace everything for those who complained that the menu was never changed. Still a great place to eat but balance is needed both in some of the straight lined decor and menu dishes. The evening menu reads much better than lunch time. Maybe there were changes made that were...

An exceptional dining experience awaits at JP Clarke's Gastro Pub in Bunratty. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the evening.

For starters, we indulged in their mussels - both the children's and adult's portions were a hit. The goat cheese bonbon on beetroot carpaccio was a delightful surprise, balancing the rich cheese with the earthy beetroot perfectly.

Moving on to the main course, the children's burger and steak were well-received by our young ones. The surf & turf from the weekly menu was a standout, offering a harmonious blend of land and sea. The hake under the tomato crust, also from the weekly menu, was cooked to perfection, the tomato crust adding a delightful tanginess that complemented the fish beautifully.

The service was attentive and accommodating, ensuring our glasses were never empty and our needs were met. At the end of the meal, our server joked that we might not be pleased with the bill, but I believe that you get what you pay for, and the quality of the food and service at JP Clarke's is worth every penny.

If you find yourself in Bunratty, do yourself a favor and dine at JP Clarke's Gastro Pub. It's an experience you won't...