Day 239 - Saturday, August 27th, 2011

After a relaxed morning and afternoon, including watching Ireland conclude their pre-World Cup Rugby campaign with a poor and sizeable defeat at home to England, I headed to Stoneybatter, to get a lift with Olivia and Joan to O'Dwyer's restaurant on the shores of Lough Ramor in County Cavan, where the whole family was gathering to celebrate Mum and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary - what a fantastic achievement!

Making his social debut was nephew Adam McEvoy who behaved impeccably throughout the evening, clearly satisfied with the multi-directional attention being fawned upon him and the top-quality nourishment being provided by his mother Joanne. For the rest of us, the cuisine was equally superb. My starter was Confit of Duck with puy lentils, black pudding and walnuts, whilst main course was fillet of monkfish with skate wing and pork belly - an unconventional but fantastic combination. Dessert should not have been countenanced but the Lemon Tart was gleefully wolfed, together with a French Coffee (cognac being the additive). Superb food with outstanding service in a picturesque setting - foodies should check this place out tout-de-suite!

Lodgings for the night were provided by Shane & Suzetta in their amazing self-built 5-bedroom 3-storey castle, and were comfortable as ever.

A blurry family photo - will be replaced anon!

Contentment : 18 / 25

Excitement :    5 / 10

Memorability : 8 / 15

Overall Score : 62% (2nd out of 239)