News

Christmas at Monks and Aillwee Caves

Sleigh bells in Ballyvaughan!

At Monks Ballyvaughan, Seafood Restaurant & Bar we’re giddy with excitement thinking that Santa will soon be making his annual Christmas trip to the Aillwee Caves just 4km from us! From November 29, Santa and Mrs Claus along with their team of elf personal assistants will take up their usual residence in the caves. News from the North Pole is that they’re waiting for some last-minute lists from Irish children and then they’ll be set for County Clare.

We love this time of year at Monks Ballyvaughan and that’s why we prepare special dishes for our visiting children. During your trip to North Clare, why not introduce the little ones to delicious seafood at Monks Ballyvaughan – all fresh, local and available in child-size portions.

Kids’ Seafood Chowder

Our Kids’ seafood chowder is a nutritious and wholesome meal in itself after a day spent with Santa. Using the best local ingredients of salmon, cod and smoked coley in a creamy sauce, we serve our chowder with a slice of homemade brown bread. No doubt, they’ll be well-nourished and warmed up after their winter adventure in North Clare. Or how about a portion of iron-enriched mussels also served with our famous homemade brown bread?

Children’s Favourites

Of course, we also provide children’s favourites of fish and chips or chicken goujons and chips followed by jelly and ice cream or a brownie. What about a frothy mug of North Clare gorgeousness that is our special hot chocolate?

Add more colour to your time at Monks

And while the adults are enjoying a wonderful selection of local produce from the sea, children can draw on or colour in our child-friendly menus – we’ll even provide the crayons. (If the adults are on best behaviour, we might let them join in on the fun too).

Sensory morning at Aillwee Caves

This year, we’re really happy that Santa along with the Aillwee Caves are putting on a special sensory morning for children with autism and other sensory challenges. So on December 6, from 11am to 2pm, the pace of life in Santa’s cave will slow right down with soft lighting and music as well as slower and quieter carnival rides. Then join us for a Christmas lunch at Monks Ballyvaughan after your special morning at the Aillwee Caves. Be sure to contact us to let us know if your child has any special requirements. We want them to have the most special day possible in Ballyvaughan!

Book a table at Monks Ballyvaughan

It can get a bit busy at Monks Ballyvaughan when Santa is in town. Therefore, we recommend that you book a table in advance. But of course, we always have a special welcome for walk-in diners, big and small!

How to find us

When travelling from the North Pole, Santa makes his way down the west coast of Ireland and steers his reindeer left (just over Monks Ballyvaughan) to get to the Aillwee Caves. But if you’re travelling by car from the Aillwee Caves, just head southwest towards the R480, turn right onto the R480, turn right onto the N67 and then take a left onto the R477. You’ll find us on the pier.

Here’s the mapped route from Aillwee Caves to Monks Ballyvaughan.

If you want to find out more about how we can help you and your family have the best meal ever at Monks Ballyvaughan this Christmas, just contact us by phone or email.

See more at https://monks.ie