There’s something uniquely charming about dining on the water. The gentle sway of the boat, the soft lapping of the water against the hull, and the ever-changing scenery passing by. Recently, I had the chance to experience all of this while dining at a canal boat restaurant in Dublin, Ireland on the Royal Canal.

The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, with soft lighting and a rustic charm that immediately set the tone for the evening. As we set off down the canal, the surroundings transformed into a moving landscape of serene water and lush greenery.

A Journey Through the Canal Locks

One of the highlights of the evening was stepping up onto the deck to witness the fascinating process of the boat passing through the canal locks. For those unfamiliar with the term, a lock is a section of a canal or river that has gates at either end, allowing water levels to be adjusted so boats can ascend or descend the waterway. Watching the gates close and the water gradually fill the lock chamber was mesmerizing. You could feel the boat slowly rise with the water, giving a sense of both history and engineering marvel.

This part of the journey added a touch of adventure and made the entire evening more memorable. It’s not something you get to see every day, and it definitely contributed to the unique appeal of dining on a moving boat.

The Food: A Mixed Bag

The menu was a thoughtful selection of dishes, and I was excited to see what the kitchen had to offer. Most of the dishes looked delectable, and I made sure to take photos of almost everything.

Starters

Smoked Salmon Tartare
Fresh Vegetable Soup of the Day

Main Courses

Turmeric Chickpeas with Potato and Spinach
Pan-fried Fish of the Day
Roast Beef

Desserts

Berry Compote (VG) was the best dessert
Traditional Bailey’s Cheesecake
Chocolate Fudge Cake

Unfortunately, while the presentation was lovely, the food itself fell a bit short. One glaring issue was the excessive salt in the vegetables. It overpowered the natural flavors and made some dishes less enjoyable than they could have been. While the rest of the meal was decent, this particular detail detracted from an otherwise pleasant dining experience. It’s clear that some tweaks in the kitchen could elevate the experience to match the beautiful setting.

Conclusion: Worth the Ride, But Room for Improvement

Overall, the experience of dining on a canal boat restaurant was enjoyable, even if the food wasn’t perfect. The ambiance, the scenic views, and the lock experience combined to create a night that was more about the journey than the meal itself. I would recommend this experience for those looking to try something different and enjoy a slow, scenic ride on the water. Just be prepared for a little more salt in your vegetables than you might like!

Here is a link if you would like to book: https://canalboatrestaurant.ie/

Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Canal+Boat+Restaurant/@53.3331082,-6.2486558,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x48670ea16a225893:0x2ca10632dfb4ecfc!8m2!3d53.3331082!4d-6.2486558!16s%2Fg%2F1tlqpdln?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D