The Snailbox

We were recently in Ireland and enjoyed our recent visit to the highly recommended Snailbox. The owner came by to greet us, and we discovered we may indeed have some family connections. We also read many of the reviews before coming here, in addition to keeping in mind the verbal recommendations that we had personally received from others, including a friend from Britain and one from South Africa — so I am guessing it’s safe to say we were at a place with International reputation! We also had no issue with the staff, unlike some of the reviews. But maybe it was because we came in the earlier part of the week and they were not terribly overrun.
As we don’t have small children, I can’t verify the recommendations for the children’s menu, but we enjoyed the soup, salad, burgers and other foods we received. I had enquired about a hard cider (as I’m not up to trying the
Guinness’s again!!), and one was recommended. Wish I could remember what brand it was! But it was very tasty and on tap!
We went at early evening time just after sundown, but I could see it would be a great place to eat outside on nice days, and photos on site showed umbrellas available to enjoy even in rainy weather.
Oh — and bring your ball caps! They will accept them and hang it on their ceiling (and will give you one of theirs in exchange.).
If we ever go back to Ireland again, we’ll definitely come here again.

First impressions really cool! Walked in to a very old style looking pub with a collection of world caps! The service is fast and they have a pretty good breakfast menu! The place is also spotless. If you’re ever out in this neck of the woods it’s definitely worth a visit. The collection of caps on the ceiling is really interesting! I think it’s the owners own collection and customers who’ve also left their own here.

Even the first time I came here the staff made me feel like a regular. The steak is lovely and if you have room finish it off with some home made banoffi pie.

A must try for people who have not been very good rates.

Great steak and fantastic desserts! great service and comfy setting. Well worth a trip out to it.

The name makes me laugh. I was quietly wishing to see live-​snail racing (and betting) inside.
Instead, it was a decent enough pub with hundreds of hats pinned to the wall.
I came here on a random occasion with my relations. We have varied tastes and this lovely place catered to them all.
Service: Was very friendly and efficient. It is as you’d expect in a place like this… happy and busy.
Price: I thought the prices were steep for what you receive. I think they are at least 30% too high on the mains and starters. If the prices were more reasonable, it easily of earned another star. 24 Euros for 10 oz of sirloin is way too high, when at least 2 oz of it are going to be gristle and fat.
Atmosphere: I found it a bit unusual. It had a lodge-​feel, yet with «TGIF Flair».
Food: The food was fairly good. The chips were nice, the meal was cooked as requested. The portions were fair, though the side of chips could of been larger. Red sauce was given to you in packets, I personally despise this. The desserts were lovely.
My experience:
I wanted to try the buffalo wing starter, but at the price they were asking I opted out and ordered a sirloin. One of my companions did as well. I ordered medium rare, he ordered well done. I was nervous they’d cook them both in a compromise, but they got the order right.
On a side note, their menu was a bit out of pub-​character. They had a lot of stir-​fry options that day. Perhaps this is typical of the place, I’m unsure, but it did strike me funny.
His steak had considerably less fat than mine — the quality control seems to be a bit hit and miss.
The desserts were gorgeous, I have to say. They ranged from 6 to 7 Euros, there about, but were definitely a delight to devour.