Eating out with children might not exactly be relaxing (understatement?), but it’s definitely a lot easier when they are properly catered for – and we’re not just talking about the food. Whether you live locally or fancy a day out, Drogheda (just 45 minutes from Dublin) has a few cool and family-friendly spots to eat after working up an appetite on one of the nearby beaches. From colouring, to toys, and even their very own playroom, these cool eateries definitely know how to make dining out more enjoyable for everyone.
Located in Millmount, overlooking historic Drogheda and the River Boyne, the Tower isn’t your average family-friendly restaurant. Upstairs offers stunning views of the town (request a table in the conservatory if you can) and the décor is cool and fancy. In fact, it might come as a surprise to find that there is a children’s playroom (yes, really) on the ground floor. The menus – à la carte, weekend brunch, early evening, canapés – are extensive, and the service is great. I’ve been here both with and without the toddler and have been impressed every time.
Open Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm, serving lunch, brunch and dinner.
Highchairs, children’s menu and baby changing facilities all available. The children’s playroom is open 5 days a week until 8pm.
Laid-back dining at its very best, Eastern Seaboard has been my go-to restaurant since moving to the area almost two years ago. It’s a stylish American-inspired venue with an airy industrial style, boasting an impressive and extensive menu of quality sourced food; as well as a wonderfully-stocked bar where you should probably pull up a pew for the night (if you can persuade grandparents to take the children home after dinner and colouring in).
Open Monday-Saturday, 12-10pm; Sunday, 12-8.30pm. Highchairs, children’s menu and baby changing facilities all available.
Testament to its good food and value for money, the award-winning Relish Café is expanding across Louth and Meath. Its venue at Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda is a particularly good spot for children as it has a corner packed with toys, including its very own little wooden kitchen. This a great place for lunch or breakfast – the French Artisan Toast comes highly recommended – offering quality and wholesome recipes, and using fresh, seasonal food from local suppliers. You can also buy many of the local ingredients that they use, in the Highlanes café.
Open Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5.30pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays, 11.30am-5.30pm.
High chairs, children’s menu and baby changing facilities all available.
