Lily House Thai & Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in Kenmare Municipal District

A Flavor Journey Across Thailand & China, Right Here in Ireland! We’ve had incredible food all over Ireland during our road trip, but this stop was something else entirely. When we visited Dursey Island, the lovely couple from Murphy’s Mobile Catering insisted we try this place — and oh boy, did we have a treat!

The Thai curry was the star of the table — rich, aromatic, and bursting with layers of flavor. Creamy coconut milk hugged tender vegetables and juicy pieces of meat, while the perfect balance of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and a gentle chili heat danced on the palate. Every spoonful was comfort and excitement in one.

The fried rice instantly transported me to the bustling streets of Thailand — perfectly stir-fried with just the right smokiness, flecked with vibrant veggies, and carrying that irresistible “wok hei” aroma.

Then came the Chinese-style chow mein — oh my my, those slippery, juicy noodles were so good that my kids and I were nearly fighting over the last bite. Each mouthful was coated in a savory soy-garlic sauce, with tender vegetables and just the right chew to the noodles.

The Tom Yum soup was pure comfort in the rainy Irish weather — tangy, spicy, fragrant, and soul-warming. It opened up our senses with every sip.

We also enjoyed crispy golden spring rolls — crunchy on the outside, filled with savory vegetables inside, and served with a sweet-chili dipping sauce that made them irresistible.

We finished with their fortune cookies, which were delightfully crisp, lightly sweet, and blissfully not eggy. A perfect ending to a truly memorable feast.

The pictures came out beautifully, so if my words aren’t enough, the photos will tell the story themselves.

If you love authentic Thai and Chinese flavors, this is not just a “good find” — it’s a must-visit culinary...

Sometimes, you decide to try out an unassuming restaurant and everything comes together: nice decor, fantastic food, and excellent service. Lily House is such a place.

You enter the door and it looks just like a nice takeaway, which it is, as well. Turn left through a curtain and enter a small and cosy restaurant, tastefully decorated. Once seated you’re looked after by exceedingly friendly waitresses who will not only recommend dishes but personalise them, for example in terms of spiciness or having the hot sauce on the side for our son.

Once the food arrives, any doubts disappear that this might not be a first class restaurant. The individual dishes are nicely presented, use fresh ingredients and all taste delicious. In fact, the food was so great, we visited a second time. Had we discovered it earlier, we would likely have come at least a third time.

The food is excellent, the restaurant stylish and have I mentioned the exceedingly friendly staff yet? Absolutely...

OK - first time here, so let’s give this restaurant a review. Initial image as you approach the restaurant from outside is a standard Chinese restaurant- ho no it’s not !! Once inside you receive a warm and friendly welcome, greeted by your name and straight to your table - No waiting. The restaurant itself was the surprise, very niche with only circa 20 covers, not a commercial experience but more of a personal one. The menu wasn’t Chinese centric but more Asian. The food was amazing, Cooked with great spices, providing fabulous flavours. Catering for all - vegetarian- meat eaters with full guidance on spice volume and potential allergies. Price - great value for money. Cleanliness - top marks 👍 Friendliness- so welcoming and friendly. The waitress was just so lovely. Parking- free on street parking. Conclusion: first visit - yes I’ll definitely revisit - the choice of menus needs further...