Éalú at The Stonehouse is just minutes from one of Ireland’s most breathtaking beaches. It’s a place where rustic Irish charm meets refined, modern cooking. A welcome escape just outside Dingle on the Slea Head Drive, run by two of the soundest people in Irish hospitality Kallam and Clíona. What makes them so sound? Keep reading.
Restaurants in Dingle are amazing but many can be similar in their food style so if you’ve just had your fill of chowder and fish & chips this is exactly the kind of thoughtful experience you’ll want.
The name “Éalú,” the Irish word for escape, captures the heart of what they do: creating moments of pure joy and sensory delight. Remeber this when choosing a dessert here.
My wife and I went for lunch while exploring Kerry, and it was a lovely stop on our day perfectly timed between scenic drives and windswept coastline wanders. Whether you’re fresh off a beach walk or have spent the day chasing sea air and sunshine, this is exactly the kind of warm, thoughtful experience you’ll want to wind down with.
A Celebration of Local Ingredients at Éalú
At Éalú, the menu speaks of Dingle’s land and sea, where hyper-local produce meets French-trained precision. You’ll find dishes like wild mushroom risotto finished with freshly grated cheese, or locally grown greens paired with Burrata and a pesto dressing that tastes like it was just picked.
But it’s not just about the food it’s about the care and craft behind every detail. From their handmade desserts to their carefully curated wine list, you can feel the passion and pride on every plate.
More than a meal this is Kallam and Clíona’s personal project, an extension of their creative spirits and love of place. They’ve built a kitchen and a restaurant that feels more like a high end home dinning experience: thoughtful, relaxed, and full of soul. Many restaurants in Dingle should be commended for their use of local ingredients and Éalú really seems to hold this true to their heart.
Éalú Chocolates
These two know how to make chocolates. Honestly, the food is great but I could easily just eat the desserts and chocolate. So each chocolate is a hand-crafted experience, built on a passion for flavour, craft, and the natural beauty that surrounds them in this wild corner of Kerry.
Whether you’re grabbing a box to bring home (they won’t last) or simply want to finish your meal on a high note, don’t skip the chocolate. It’s thoughtful, artistic, and unique just like everything at Éalú at The Stonehouse. They also have a little coffee section at the front (they also have Irish Coffees on sale too) so maybe grab a coffee a box of chocolates and hit the beach?
Where Éalú located?
Éalú at The Stonehouse is perched on the Slea Head Drive, one of the most scenic routes in the world. You’re just a few bends away from that turquoise bay and golden sand that draws travellers from around the globe.
Stone walls, white linens, a counter with a view of the Atlantic horizon Éalú balances minimal elegance with warmth. It’s a treat on the Dingle Slea Head Drive.
Come for the views, stay for the wine, and make memories over plates that are proudly Irish, subtly innovative, and unapologetically delicious.
Pair your meal with a stroll, a swim, or simply soak in the landscape. Maybe hold a baby lamb?
Meet the Makers
Kallam and Clíona are more than owners they’re chefs, hosts, artists, and community-makers. They’ve built something truly unique here. They’re also part of a broader movement to redefine Irish food by putting flavour, seasonality, and storytelling at the forefront of restaurants in Dingle.
So back to what makes them so sound? One night I was having a bit of a shin dig in Dick Macks with my Redacted business partner Micheal Cowman sitting in a snug minding my our business, when Kallam and Clíona showed up. The rest of the night changed into a bit of a party and long story short I locked myself out of where I was staying and had to sleep in their car… I woke them up to let me sleep in it, so yes very sound folk indeed.
Quick Info
📍 Location: The Stonehouse Restaurant, Slea Head Drive, just outside Dingle, Co. Kerry
🕒 Hours: Open for lunch – seasonal hours, check ealufoods.ie
🍽️ Best For: Long lunches, post-hike meals, coastal drives, and sweet escapes
🥗 What to Order: Local seafood, vibrant salads, and the hand-painted chocolates
🌅 Vibe: Warm, relaxed, rustic-modern with unbeatable Dingle Peninsula views