Food Review: The Priory Restaurant for tasty, wholesome food. Wall’s of Kilgowan serve food early to late, all occasions catered for.

From early morning to late at night, Monday to Saturday, the Priory Restaurant (Wall’s of Kilgowan) offers the most comprehensive range of tasty, wholesome food. The selection of choice here is impressive – from Full Irish Breakfast (€8.95), along with a Mini selection, Omelettes and Eggs Benedict, the Priory offers a daily carvery lunch, with further daily Board Specials, along with snacks, toasties, soups, etc.

There’s an Early Bird Special served from Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 7.30pm – 2 courses at €15.95 or three for €19.95, fantastic value in terms of the produce quality, dish choices and presentation. From the A la Carte, there’s a wide range of Appetisers, Mains including pasta, curry, fish and stir fries, plus a comprehensive selection From the Grill.

Button Garlic Mushrooms

There’s a terrific selection of steaks, for which the Priory is renowned, along with the Priory Mixed Grill, one of the few places you can still get a decent chop and mixed grill ingredients! As for the Desserts and the portion sizes, oh my God, priced at €4.50 each, you could feed a family on two desserts! And all are clearly marked with ingredient advice, allergens, etc.

A Steak and a Half!

I popped in recently and it was one of the first real wintery, cold evenings. There was a good number of people already dining in the expansive lounge and a private party in the function room. A big coal fire greeted us, and I have to say, put us in a positive mood immediately. Staff were chirpy and informed us of the many menu choices and even carried over the daily board to show us Saturday’s Specials.

Homemade Duck Spring Rolls

With the winter upon us, we both chose from the Early Bird Menu. My friend chose Deep Fried Button Mushrooms stuffed with Garlic and Chive Cream Cheese (plain option available) whilst I rarely go for Duck, on this occasion I opted for Crispy Duck Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce and a salad dressing. Both were well presented – and I have only one complaint – the portions for the Duck were too generous! I ate only one roll because I know their steaks are equally generous!

The Priory's Homemade 80z burger topped with smoked cheese

For the mains, Anne decided on the Home-made 8oz Beef Burger with gem lettuce, tomato, onion, Caesar sauce and topped with Smoked Applewood Cheese. (We really were in the hunt for comfort food, Slimming World went out the window!). This, Anne stated, was delicious and the smoked flavour of the cheese a lovely touch.

Succulent steak was perfectly cooked.

I opted for a 10oz Sirloin Steak (€7 supplement) with mushrooms and onions with a choice of sauces. I like a steak cooked medium, good and pink in the centre, juicy and moist. It was cooked to perfection, along with the fried vegetables, I had a bowl of mash and steamed vegetables served but I was too full to finish and barely touched the mash or veg.

Service was excellent, I liked that our server brought both the sauces on the side – often not relayed to the chef! And of course, when we were already fuller than full, we chose a Sticky Toffee Pudding and a good old fashioned Sherry Trifle for Desserts. Neither of us could polish off the Dessert, portions are generous!

A good selection of international wines, €6 per glass, bottles ranged from €22-€26, with full range of coffees available.

Christmas Menu is listed below, with a good selection of mains from traditional Turkey and Ham, Baked Fillet of Sea Bass, Chicken with Chestnut Stuffing, Pan Fried Lamb Rump and of course, the Priory Steak. Three courses for €19.95 or 2 for €16.95, parties and get togethers now booking!

Private Party room available also for everything from Christenings to club celebrations, family parties, etc.

Teresa and Michael Wall run a great establishment, renowned for wholesome, home cooked food. That does not mean a plain, restricted menu – the Priory offers the best of traditional Irish dishes, and popular European food, along with steaks, breakfasts, desserts and daily specials. All tastes and budgets catered for with the emphasis on flavours, presentation and BIG portions!

Located on the old Carlow Road from Kilcullen (on the R448 off the N9), I’d heartily recommend the Priory Restaurant/Wall’s of Kilgowan for delicious food, seven days a week. Bookings on 045 403 355 or email [email protected]