Located on Main Street, Kinnegad (N91 NXH9, Ireland), Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant stands as one of the most beloved establishments in the Midlands — a true Irish treasure where traditional food, friendly service, and a warm pub atmosphere come together perfectly. Recognized as the #1 restaurant in Kinnegad and a Travelers’ Choice 2025 award winner, it’s a place that represents everything travelers love about Ireland: hearty home-cooked meals, authentic charm, and genuine hospitality.
Whether you’re stopping off the motorway from Dublin to Galway, meeting friends for a pint, or enjoying a family meal, Scanlon’s offers that unmistakable Irish feeling of comfort and connection — a spot where laughter, good food, and warm welcomes fill the air.
Ambience & Atmosphere
The moment you walk into Scanlon’s, you’re greeted by the inviting aroma of home-style Irish cooking and the buzz of conversation that fills the cozy, wood-paneled dining room. The décor combines rustic pub character with modern touches, creating a space that feels equally right for a casual lunch or a Sunday family dinner.
The bar area, with its Guinness on tap and friendly locals chatting away, gives a true sense of Ireland’s spirit. For families, travelers, and couples alike, Scanlon’s feels like home — a place where strangers become friends over a plate of roast beef or a warm apple crumble.
Menu – Traditional Irish Food with a Modern Touch 🍽️
The menu at Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant celebrates the best of Irish cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and generous portions that guarantee you’ll never leave hungry.
Breakfasts & Brunch:
- Full Irish Breakfast with bacon, sausage, black & white pudding, eggs, hash browns, and homemade brown bread.
- Lighter options like scrambled eggs on toast or fruit & yogurt, all served with freshly brewed tea or coffee.
Lunch & Main Courses:
- Roast Beef with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy – a crowd favorite often praised for its tenderness and flavor.
- Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent – flaky pastry filled with creamy chicken, served piping hot.
- Fish & Chips – golden, crispy, and served with tartar sauce and hand-cut fries.
- Homemade Beef Lasagna or Lamb Liver with onions and gravy – comforting classics that taste like Sunday at home.
- Stir-Fry Chicken in Hoisin Sauce – a popular lighter dish that still delivers big flavor.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options:
There’s something for everyone at Scanlon’s — from bruschetta starters to salads and soups of the day, with gluten-free and vegan-friendly choices clearly marked on the menu.
Desserts:
- Apple Crumble with custard – legendary among locals and visitors, often described as “the best in Ireland.”
- Sticky Toffee Pudding, Eton Mess, and homemade cheesecake complete the sweet experience.
Each dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed Irish coffee or tea.
Drinks & Bar Selection:
No Irish experience would be complete without a drink. At Scanlon’s, you’ll find:
- A wide range of Irish beers, including Guinness, Smithwick’s, and Harp Lager.
- A curated selection of Irish whiskeys and local gins.
- A solid wine list for those preferring something more refined.
Service & Hospitality 💚
If there’s one thing visitors remember most about Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant, it’s the people. Reviews consistently highlight the friendliness of the staff and the owner, Trevor, whose warm welcome sets the tone for the entire experience.
From the kitchen to the bar, every team member brings energy, kindness, and efficiency. Even during busy hours, guests are made to feel seen, valued, and cared for. Large groups — including families of 20 or more — are served quickly and professionally, often within minutes.
As one guest described it: “We were welcomed in and served a fabulous breakfast for 26 people in 15 minutes — that’s Irish hospitality at its finest.”
Customer Highlights
⭐ “Fantastic food and great prices! We stopped on our way from Dublin to Mayo and couldn’t believe the quality and portion sizes. The roast beef was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.”
⭐ “Best apple crumble and custard I’ve ever had. The service was friendly and quick — you can’t beat it.”
⭐ “Stopped here by chance and had one of the best meals of our trip. The shredded chicken dish was fabulous, and the staff were so accommodating even as the kitchen was closing.”
⭐ “The Irish breakfast was perfect — hot, fresh, and plentiful. They handled our large group effortlessly. The tea and coffee kept flowing!”
⭐ “Scanlon’s is the definition of an Irish pub: hearty food, good prices, and locals chatting at the bar. Trevor and his team are wonderful hosts.”
Some reviews mention occasional menu item unavailability or slightly dry dishes during busy rushes, but these are far outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive experiences and the restaurant’s constant effort to improve and maintain high standards.
Why People Love Scanlon’s
✅ Authentic Irish recipes, cooked fresh daily.
✅ Generous portions and fair prices that surprise travelers.
✅ Friendly, family-run atmosphere — hospitality straight from the heart.
✅ Comfortable and clean setting for families, couples, and groups.
✅ Perfect stopover between Dublin and Galway.
✅ Traditional Irish desserts made in-house.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Scanlon’s is not just a restaurant — it’s a community hub. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast, celebrating Sunday lunch with family, or catching up with friends over a pint, you’ll always find warmth and conversation here.
It’s also a great choice for travelers on the road, located conveniently off the motorway, with ample parking and quick service that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Conclusion
Scanlon’s Bar & Restaurant captures everything that makes Irish dining special — hearty meals, welcoming faces, and that unmistakable feeling of belonging. It’s where locals gather, travelers refuel, and everyone leaves with a full stomach and a smile.