Poachers (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Poachers?
What makes it 87% Couple-Friendly: Upstairs Little Poachers room, shared seafood plates and candlelit garden create romance; whiskey paddles and live music add fun; weekend crowds mean booking needed.
Positives:
- Romantic Atmosphere: Fairy-lit garden and intimate upstairs dining create a cozy date-night setting.
- Live Local Music: Free traditional music sessions add authentic Irish charm to your evening.
Challenges:
- Limited Outdoor Seating: Garden tables fill up quickly on warm evenings, so booking or early arrival is essential.
- Noise Levels: Music nights can be loud, which may make conversation challenging for quieter dates.
What is Poachers?
- A seafood bar and restaurant in Bandon, County Cork, specializing in fresh West Cork shellfish and fish sourced from nearby waters
- Housed in a restored 18th-century riverside building featuring a casual-chic dining room, garden terrace and intimate upstairs tapas lounge
- Operates an on-site cookery school offering hands-on West Cork seafood classes in a purpose-built demonstration kitchen
What is so special about Poachers for couple trip?
- Sample Irish whiskey and tapas in an intimate upstairs setting
- Share seafood highlights like rock oysters and chili crab claws
- Enjoy candlelit garden seating beside the river at twilight
- Experience free live traditional music nights for authentic ambiance
- Combine dinner with nearby woodland walks for a romantic outing
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can enjoy tapas, whiskey sampling, seafood dishes, and live music in a single evening without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Poachers
Tapas & Whiskey Paddle in Little Poachers:
Share three 20 ml whiskey samples paired with small tapas-style plates in the upstairs intimate room.
Tip: Call ahead to reserve your spot and arrive early to claim a cozy corner table.
Grilled Rock Oysters & Hot Crab Claws:
Order three oysters with bacon-parmesan cream followed by chili-ginger crab claws served with rice.
Tip: Start with oysters to cleanse your palate, then sip chilled white wine with the crab claws.
Candlelit Garden Dinner:
Dine outdoors under fairy lights in the summer garden beside the Bandon River.
Tip: Request a riverside table at booking and time your visit for twilight views.
Trad Music Evenings:
Enjoy live Irish music nights with no cover charge while you dine.
Tip: Check Poachers’ social channels for the music schedule and arrive before 8 PM.
Angelsea Woods Riverside Walk:
Take a romantic stroll on signposted forest trails by the river before or after your meal.
Tip: Pick up a trail map at the bar and wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Poachers
- Reserve Ahead: Call Poachers in advance to book a table in Little Poachers or the garden.
- Timing Your Visit: Arrive before 7 PM to avoid the dinner rush and enjoy more attentive service.
- Plan a Walk: Combine your meal with a riverside stroll along Angelsea Woods for a full evening outing.
Reviews of Poachers
Phillip O'Brien
We had dinner here last week. We had been here a number of years ago and the standard has gone down a lot. I had seafood chowder which was full of potatoes and very little seafood and came with a skin on top. The turkey was dry and the ham looked like it was out of a packet, there was no stuffing which is very odd with a turkey and ham meal. The potatoes and gravy were nice. Side order of chips we...
Damian Zapart
Food was OK but a bit pricey. Staff was great. They lost Michelin's recommendation for a reason.
Angi B
We stopped here on the way to the ferry and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious. We had a starter and main course and all of our dishes were excellent. This pub offers exceptional value for money, whoever is in the kitchen knows what they are doing. The service staff were also lovely and attentive. Will definitely return.
Hetty IRL
I always wanted to eat here and I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was wonderful food was tasty and more than enough to eat . The service was excellent and very pleasant and friendly most of all very professional. They had a wonder stove and the place was lovely and warm . 🥰
Assunta D
Excellent Sunday Lunch: great food in a nice cosy atmosphere. The service was quick, the staff were friendly and polite, Oliver has been amazing! I was very impressed with the fish pie at a reasonable price. We stopped here on the way back to Cork. Highly recommended it!
When is the best time to visit Poachers (Cork, Ireland)?
In summer, reserve garden tables early for glowing twilight dinners. In cooler months, opt for the cozy tapas room upstairs with warm lighting and hearty dishes.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Whiskey Paddle | EUR 15 |
| Grilled Rock Oysters (3 pcs) | EUR 9 |
| Hot Crab Claws | EUR 17.95 |
| Glass of Wine (2) | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 51.95 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Poachers
Address: Clonakilty Rd, Gully, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland
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About Poachers
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 23 884 115910 BEST nearby Activities
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