Lignum restaurant, Ballyfin Demesne and The Morrison Room in Carton House are the new winners of a Michelin Star
Just 40 minutes outside Galway City, now in its fifth year Lignum is Ireland’s best-kept food secret … but perhaps not anymore. The owners, young Irish-Italian chef Danny Africano and his wife Molly, restored an old hay barn and extended the restaurant that was owned and run by his parents, who have since taken over the family’s hotel in Pompeii. Lignum is a wonderful combination of both cultures.
“Lignum is Latin for ‘wood’ and, as such, it’s the ancient method of cooking over an open flame which takes centre stage at this immensely likeable restaurant. It’s housed in a modern barn conversion which has a distinctly Scandic vibe, from the large windows and minimalist furnishings to the roaring fire and throws on the chairs. The wood-fired cooking lends a delicious smoky dimension to the creative dishes, which – informed by the chef’s heritage – blend ingredients from Ireland and Italy .
The 19th-century Ballyfin has been a bastion of exclusivity since it opened as a hotel in 2011 after eight years of historical renovation by its American owners, the discerning Chicago-based couple Fred and Kay Krehbiel. The imposing gates to this 614-acre private estate and the closely guarded doors of its grand Regency mansion, with just 20 bedrooms, means that guests are assured of peace and quiet luxury.
“It takes some doing for a restaurant to stand out when it’s in a hotel as beautiful as this. Ballyfin Demesne is a spectacular, lovingly restored Regency-era manor house that screams luxury at every turn. The opulence continues into the dining room, where the chefs serve fittingly impressive dishes. Broths, purées and sauces are a real highlight and underline the technical skill of the kitchen team, be it a rich, glossy reduction or a roasted onion consommé with bags of flavour.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michelin Guide 2025: Will Ireland finally get its first three-star restaurant?The famous guide’s choices often spark debate, and if certain names remain absent again this year, it will only add to the perception that some deserving restaurants are being ignored
Read more »
'I'm an obsessionist': Declan Ryan looks back on Ireland's first Michelin StarIn 1974 Declan Ryan, former owner of the Arbutus Lodge Hotel, was awarded Ireland's first ever Michelin Star. Video: Alan Betson
Read more »
Michelin star awards 2025: Three new stars for Carton House, Ballyfin and LignumAdam Nevin, Richard Picard-Edwards and Danny Africano take home stars, while Daróg Wine bar takes Sommelier award
Read more »
Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland, 2025: The complete guideThe full Michelin Guide verdict on the 21 Irish restaurants awarded stars
Read more »
Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Ireland: The complete guide 2025Ireland has just added three new Bib Gourmand restaurants to its tally of 26 ‘great places to eat at moderate prices’
Read more »
New Irish Builder Register Aims to Improve Homebuilding QualityA new Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) is set to launch by the end of 2025, aiming to provide a comprehensive list of competent builders across various sectors, from large firms to individual tradespeople. The register, developed to address past issues with building quality and scandals, will list builders who adhere to a strict code of practice, ensuring high-quality workmanship and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The independent board overseeing the register will assess builder competence based on previous projects, qualifications, and criminal records, offering homeowners a reliable resource for selecting trustworthy professionals.
Read more »