The Wicklow Heather Restaurant Laragh

We had a wonderful experience! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The location is perfect, and the food was absolutely delicious.

A special thank you to the owner, who kindly picked us up from our accommodation free of charge and even drove us back after our meal. That level of hospitality is rare and was truly appreciated.

We highly recommend this place and would happily return!

One of the most atmospheric dining experiences I’ve had in Ireland is at Wicklow Heather Restaurant in the village of Laragh (A98 D983), near the historic monastery at Glendalough. The venue combines rustic Irish charm with more refined presentation; inside there’s warm lighting, wooden beams and antique details that make you want to linger.

The cuisine blends traditional Irish dishes with continental influences. The menu offers à‑la‑carte lunch and dinner as well as daily specials; signature dishes include panko‑coated fish cakes made with fresh and smoked fish, roasted lamb fillet and crispy chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce . All dishes are prepared from locally sourced organic produce where possible, prices are mid‑range and the style of service remains relaxed .

I tried the creamy seafood chowder – rich, thick and packed with fresh fish; even half a portion was generous. The pork belly stood out with its perfectly crispy crust and tender meat inside. Everything was thoughtfully composed and beautifully plated, without excessive fuss; the portions are large but the presentation is restaurant‑quality . For dessert we had a chocolate‑berry cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce – as delicious as it looked.

The bar deserves special mention. One of the rooms houses a small Irish whiskey bar with a huge selection of Irish whiskeys . Drinks focus on local products: you can order a tasting flight of Glendalough whiskey or Irish coffee made with whiskey from the nearby Glendalough Distillery  . Craft beer lovers will also find Wicklow Wolf IPA and other local brews .

Service deserves separate praise: the staff are polite, attentive and work very smoothly, as other reviews also confirm  . There are vegetarian and vegan options , and the drinks list allows everyone to find something they like. Because of its popularity I recommend booking in advance.

Special thanks to Alena, our waitress, Chef Daniel and Nadiia, who made the desserts. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the evening memorable not just for the food, but also for the emotions.

Overall, Wicklow Heather is not just a tourist spot but a restaurant worth visiting for its atmosphere and the quality of its food. The combination of a cosy interior, fresh local produce, its own whiskey bar and professional service makes it the perfect choice after a walk in Wicklow or a visit to Glendalough. I’ll definitely return here again.

As soon as we arrived there was a very warm welcome by a few ladies! We were celebrating our wedding anniversary. We were looked after by Avinash who was just excellent in service and recommendations. The food was absolutely gorgeous and I especially loved the special of 16 hour cooked corn beef! Compliments to the chef's! They made it extra special and gave us a celebratory desert. Thank you all so much. We will be back!