Monaghans Harbour - Newbridge

In a rush and unable to search for good local food, I decided to stop at a restaurant on my route for a quick dinner. With only two other guests in the restaurant and a menu from the 80s, I had a feeling it might not be the best choice. Despite feeling tired and stressed, I ordered a chicken dinner and a beer. The service was quick, but the food was just okay. I was able to pay and leave within ten minutes. Overall, it was one of the worst meals I've had in Ireland and not how I wanted my trip to end.

I have nostalgic memories of this establishment. Back in the eighties, my family and I would often stop here on our way to Dublin to visit my sister. The food was consistently great and the atmosphere was always warm and inviting. However, when I last visited about five years ago with my husband, I was taken aback by Mrs. Monaghan's unfriendly attitude. She sat at the entrance like a stern bouncer, giving off negative vibes. Despite this, the food was still delicious thanks to the talented chef, Luke Hanlon. Recently, while in Naas, we decided to dine at the Harbour out of nostalgia. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. Mrs. Monaghan was rude to both customers and staff, and the food did not meet our expectations. The restaurant appeared clean but outdated. The unpleasant atmosphere of staff being reprimanded while we were trying to enjoy our meal did not help our digestion.

The food at this restaurant is decent, but the owner's unfriendly attitude is a major drawback. She has a reputation in town for being rude and unwelcoming. I would not recommend dining here, as I see no reason to support a business run by someone who is unwilling to even offer a simple smile or greeting. The owner's demeanor makes customers feel unwelcome, as if they are being treated like criminals.

Came back to have a full Irish here, having last visited a couple of years ago. We were in the restaurant this time rather than the cafe section. Very enjoyable breakfast, great tasting coffee. Left feeling totally stuffed. Can't go wrong really.

I used to come here with my family back in those wonderful 1980s Sundays with Seán Óg Ó Ceallacháin and Tommy O 'Brien on the radio, and it was always a pleasure, with top quality food and a wonderful family atmosphere. The place would be full of G.A.A. supporters and Gardai alike, and the quality of the food and attitude was top notch. Then in the early 1990s Mrs.Monaghan had the place revamped into a hotel, and almost overnight the magic died lousy attitude, lousy food, nasty atmosphere, and bizarre idiosyncrasies Basil Fawlty would be ashamed of. Having visited twice in 1991 and 2002 after the change , I decided to give one last chance a few weeks ago... Well the fact it, NOTHING has changed, the glory days are long long LONG gone and only the post 1990 horrors remain, like a T.V. show that should have been axed about 20 years ago but inexplicably keeps going on and on and on and on and on... Well, as they say, three strikes and you are out. But the glory days will always be there at least.