THE RIVERRUN IN THE NEWS...

Congratulations to Erin McGrath, who won dinner for two at the RiverRun Bistro in our recent promotion run in association with Queally's SuperValu Killaloe.

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Life In Tipperary Magazine
August 2008

The RiverRun Bistro “Killaloe’s hidden Gem”
There is something evocative about the RiverRun Bistro, on entering I was brought straight back to a childhood memory of holidaying along the French canals, the sun always shone and every meal offered a new and mind-blowing experience to my 1970’s Irish tastebuds.
After spending the day exploring Lough Derg on a borrowed cruiser we had landed in Killaloe tired and hungry, we bundled into the RiverRun en mass where we were instantly reassured by the warm ambiance. It’s a small place with a big personality, dare I say; full bodied with an earthy palette.

Situated on Ballina’s main street on the Tipperary side of the River, there are new moorings directly behind the RiverRun accessible via the quaint old Washer-woman’s Bridge. By boat, coming down from Lough Derg the moorings are left under the bridge. Left, that’s Port, right?

Although the list of starters was mouth watering hubby’s nose went straight to the main courses, in true form he ordered the 10oz Sirloin, it came with Beer Battered Onion Rings and homemade Chunky Chips and cooked exactly as he ordered (medium rare). The portion was spot on for the hungry Irish male, there was little chat while we ate but judging from the satisfied sounds he enjoyed every bite. Later he enthused that it had been; “simply the best steak I’ve had in a long, long time.”

The crew at the RiverRun have every right to be proud to be the only Restaurant in Killaloe that comes recommended by Good Food Ireland, using the best of locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat.

Tempted though I was by the idea of monkfish wrapped in parma ham with roast local spuds, I opted for the grilled cajun salmon on a bed of spaghetti with mussels and a white wine sauce, and it came perfection on a plate.

As you would expect, fish features heavily on the dinner menu, as well as the monkfish or the salmon, you could choose from the chowder, west coast mussels, prawns in filo pastry, pan fried crab claws or a fish platter, and there is always a daily fish special. The meat selection includes sirloin, fillet and the mighty T-Bone steak, duckling, chicken breast and vegetarians are well looked after with lasagne, tagliatelle and creamed Leak, Feta Cheese and Pine Nut tartlet. As this is a wine bistro, there’s a good choice of wines, especially French, by the glass or bottle.

So, with a couple of glasses of the house Cabernet Sauvignon –Les Vigneaux Vin de Pays we began to feel very at home.

Our teen aimed for the Chicken Caesar Salad which came accompanied by a traditional brown bread so fresh it was still warm. The Caesar is on the evening starters list but can be ordered as a main course. Her little brother went for the good ol’ Sausage and Mash from the Kids Menu. I enquired about the bread but Chef Martin Landy refused to divulge any of the secrets from the family recipe.

Next, we hit the Desert board, I went for the Apple Pie, while hubby had the Strawberry & Rhubarb Crumble, a Chocolate Fondant baked to a tee and assorted Ice Cream were also demanded, and were a resounding success.

The RiverRun delivered on all fronts, great atmosphere, good quality food at a decent price. Later, raving about our discovery to some locals I learned they are all loyal supporters of the Bistro by the river, this hidden gem will not remain a secret for long, visit soon....

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Visitor map boost for Lough Derg tourism
The Guardian
April 12 2008

Tourism operations clustered around Lough Derg are to share in a region-wide promotion campaign powered by co-operative effort by members of the Tourism Learning Network in the Mid West.
A Lough Derg Visitor Map directing visitors to the operations of Tourism Learning Network members which will be made available to 30,000 visitors has been jointly launched by North Tipperary Minister of State, Maire Hoctor and East ClareT.D., Tim Dooley. The launch was hosted by the River Run Restaurant in Ballina.

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Gay Byrne
Sunday Independent
December 31 2006

SO THERE we were in Killaloe, and Crona and Phil brought us to a delightful little eatery – they call it a bistro – called the Riverrun. The chef is a young man named Martin Landy. We had a lovely meal in most pleasant bright, airy surroundings, and it looks like he’s getting a lorra support from the locals. Well deserved, for we all decide that this was food preparation of a high order. And this is in addition to the Cherry Tree restaurant which we’d visited previously, and is very much a haute cuisine dining experience. So ain’t they lucky down that part of the country! 

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Wine Bar… Café… Gallery… The Riverrun a stylish new Bistro with a relaxed atmosphere on the Main Street of Ballina has quickly become all things to all people, so it’s well worth checking out.
Proprietor Mary Kingston is married to well known Limerick Designer Myles Kingston who is opening a new office for his firm Grafica.ie in the lane directly behind The RiverRun.
The experienced team at Grafica.ie offer a complete design solution from Print to Web and everything in between. Established two years ago Grafica now boasts some of Munster’s largest companies & organisations among its clients but they are quick to point out that all clients are considered Blue Chip.

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A new Restaurant/Wine Bar/Gallery, -“The River Run” – opened its doors to the public on Saturday, April 15th. Situated on Main Street, The River Run will operate daily from midday to 10.30pm. The premises will also host art exhibitions and some local artists have expressed an interest in exhibiting at this ‘lakeside’ venue. Paintings by Tulla artist, Tim Humphreys, are currently on view.
Good wishes are extended to Mary Kingston and staff.

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