Stella Maris is the perfect place to visit this summer

Just in time for the long summer evenings, the restaurant at the Stella Maris Shore House hotel is open once more and with a new chef cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it is quickly becoming North Mayo’s must-visit dining spot for locals and visitors to the area.

April saw new beginnings and a new chef cooking up delightful and delicious meals at Stella Maris, a historic gem nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Ballycastle.

Mark McLoghlin is a seasoned kitchen veteran and a leading Irish chef with vast experience in some top restaurants across Ireland.

Stella Maris Shore House owner Rolf Siegrist said Mark has been a huge addition to the team since joining in April.

“We have a new chef in who is doing some really, really nice food. When you have a top-class chef like Mark, it is not just good for business, it is good for the area because people will want to come and see what the food is like for themselves,” he said.

“Mark has cooked at top restaurants in Dublin and Kerry and everything he cooks is from scratch. Customers know they’re getting that added touch of quality and care with their meals.” 

Stella Maris Shore House is a unique and iconic establishment with a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. Built as a Coast Guard Headquarters by the British in the mid-1800s, the building later became a convent before transforming into a small country hotel in the 1960s.

Now under the management of Rolf and his team, the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean provides mesmerising summer views for diners at the restaurant, which is set inside a conservatory with a cosy seating layout. The atmosphere is romantic and inspiring.

“Stella is a boutique hotel on the coast. Our restaurant is in a conservatory looking out to the sea and Downpatrick Head,” said Rolf.

“The atmosphere is so relaxing and cosy and when you are dining here, looking out over the Atlantic as the sun sets, it is quite an experience.” 

With their new chef Mark at the helm, Stella Maris are offering a very strong range of appetising food on their menu with classic Irish favourites such as their Tender 9oz Irish steak served with a mouthwatering chimichurri sauce alongside homemade Italian pasta dishes and locally sourced fish dishes.

There is a great range of drinks and selection of wines from all over Europe, selected by Rolf who is passionate about pairing good wines with good food.

When it comes to the food menu, Rolf is partial to the fish dishes and would recommend the hake.

“I would go for the local hake myself. It is sourced directly from Killala. It is my favourite dish, it pairs really well with the most beautiful sauce,” he said.

Call 085-1691696 or visit stellamarisireland.com for the menu, opening hours and to make a reservation.