The Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna

A tour through the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, coupled with a delectable tasting, is a gourmand’s dream.   And it is offered only in conjunction with Authentic Ireland.

Lisdooonvarna is a small village but even if you were in bustling New York, you’d know you were somewhere extraordinary as soon as you arrived.  Rising from cobbled stones is a sculpted, mosaic salmon.  Tall and glorious, he flips his tail in the air.  The Great Salmon, almost mythic, bounces opalescent sea colors off his skin, swirling them in the light. The sight will stop you in your tracks.  Perfect...  Turn toward the door of the Burren Smokehouse and step inside.  You’ve entered an element of delicious taste, beauty, and scent.

The Burren Smokehouse was opened in 1989 by Birgitta and Peter Curtin.  As with most family businesses, you’ll immediately become aware of the pride and attention to detail that sets their products apart.  They carefully source organic, raw materials for their smoked salmon, mackerel, trout, eel and fresh farm cheese.  Winning awards, year after year, their products are the finest of their kind in Europe and North America

After a tour, there’s a tasting.  This is an exceptional experience for those with a trained palate, and for those who simply delight in exquisite food that’s lovingly prepared.   You’ll also find local crafts and a visitor’s center here.  Upon leaving the Smokehouse, you’ll walk with the owner to the nearby, historic roadside tavern and dine together. 

Looking for renewal of your senses, and an overall feeling of well-being?  Come to Lisdoonvarna with Authentic Ireland, and delight in this hidden gem.

Welcome to the Burren Smokehouse

One or both owners of the Burren Smokehouse will lead you on a behind-the-scenes tour of their unique facilities.   Using only the freshest fish, organically raised, you’ll be welcomed into the business as you see where the fish is filleted, salted and specially smoked.  (You’ll even learn a bit of history about Ireland and how the process came about!) 

Knowing where our food comes from, and how it’s prepared, increases our appreciation of its flavor. Because of the care with which the food is handled, you’ll understand why the smokehouse has won accolades throughout gourmet food circles.

Now that your senses have been warmed by the Great Salmon outside, and your mind is full of details after tour, you are ready for the tasting...

Sample Local Fish & Cheese

You will be presented with the finest organic salmon from the world’s best fisheries, just four miles off the wild coast at Clare Island.  Swept by strong currents, the fish reflect that spectacular ocean in the savor of their taste.  First... Bite.  Chew slowly.  Close your eyes.  Allow yourself the chance to truly luxuriate in what you’re eating.  No need to hurry.  

You’re free to sample cold smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon or the spiced variety.  Directly from the wild, west coast of Ireland, the smoked mackerel, eel, trout and arctic charr are also famous in their own right. They are a fantastic accompaniment to any seafood dish.

With a variety of sample dishes, The Moher, Aran Fisherman's and Doolin platters are mixed trays that offer a variety of fish. Ideal if you want to try out different fish products.  And if you’re looking for a gift, look no further—the smokehouse can arrange shipping.  After this first-hand experience with perfection, you may want to gift yourself with one of these platters!

Smokehouse Products, Awards, and Visitors Center

A County Clare Hidden Gem

When you’ve finished visiting the Smokehouse Burren, walk with one of the owners to their other family establishment—The Roadside Tavern. 

The historic Roadside Tavern in Lisdooonvarna is near the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Lahinch.  People have been gathering here for well over a century.

The Roadside Tavern has been run by the Curtin Family since 1893, making it one of the oldest pubs in the Burren area. The current proprietary is Peter Curtin who continues the high standards of hospitality and service set by his grandparents Christopher and Nora, and his parents John and Mary.

It’s famously laid-back atmosphere and guaranteed good cheer makes it as attractive to visitors as it is to the locals. Here’s another plus:  Its atmosphere draws the musicians of the area. At its summer peak, there is live music seven nights a week. The Roadside Tavern is a legendary venue for traditional music. 

The Roadside Tavern serves the finest of Stouts, Ales, Wines and Spirits. The award-winning food menu is filled with delicious dishes such as traditional Irish bacon, Cabbage and Parsley sauce and a slightly less traditional rendition of Irish stew (featuring local Burren beef in place of the more typical lamb). Pride of place is given to several dishes featuring Smoked Fish and Eel from the family's award-winning Burren Smokehouse. Try the Burren smoked fish platter which is served with organic leaves from nearby New Quay. The Burren Smokehouse is literally right over the bridge. 

When you plan your trip with Authentic Ireland, you’ll dine with the owner of the Roadside Tavern (and the Burren Smokehouse) where the friendly atmosphere, music and craic make a great drinking and dining experience!

2009 Prices

This price is per person and includes a private tour & gourmet lunch sampling of the local cuisine.

• From May 1, 2009 To December 31, 2009 $61

Tour Photos

Birgitta Curtin on a tour of the Smokehouse.

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