Lir is an independent seafood restaurant based on the north coast of Northern Ireland, known for its zero-waste ethos and whole-fish cookery. Since opening, it’s been making waves with its tide-to-table menus, garnering both national and international press.
Contact for press and media enquiries: lirseafood@gmail.com
Media Best Bits
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Great British Menu (BBC Two)
In 2025, co-owner and head chef Stevie McCarry competed on Great British Menu and won the Northern Ireland heat.
Read about Stevie on the BBC →
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Condé Nast Traveller
'UK’s Top New Restaurant Award Winner'
In 2024, Lir was named one of the UK’s Top New Restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller, a list celebrating the most exciting and original places to eat across the UK.
'The quiet Northern Irish town finally getting its moment in the spotlight'
"A winner in Condé Nast Traveller's 2024 UK's Top New Restaurant Awards, Lir is an essential stop for foodies." — Condé Nast Traveller, March 2025
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National Geographic
'Take a peek at the revival of Northern Ireland's coastal cuisine'
“The couple know each of the fishermen who supply their stock, and at the top of every menu is a list of the boats that delivered today's catch.” — National Geographic, February 2025
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The Times
'Ireland’s 100 best restaurants for 2025'
Named one of Ireland’s 100 Best Restaurants by McKennas' Guides for The Times in 2025.
"When you visit and you taste's Lir superlative fish and shellfish cookery, you will agree 100 per cent." — John & Sally McKenna, March 2025
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The Guardian
‘Born out of a fascination with the sea’ – restaurant review
"In an area not renowned for its ambitious restaurant choices, this is one which deserves to thrive." — Jay Rayner, May 2023
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McKennas' Guides
Best In Ireland 2025
Best In Ireland 2024
Best In Ireland 2023
Press Coverage & Reviews
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Belfast Live
“NI chef says Great British Menu final ‘means everything’” – March 2025
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Irish Restaurant Awards – Best in Ulster – April 2025
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Irish Farmers Journal
“A whole new kettle of fish for seafood lovers” – Jan 2025
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Irish Country Living
“Sea Change” – Feature article – Jan 2025
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Belfast Telegraph
“Worthy of a pilgrimage” – Top six dining experiences of 2024 – Dec 2024
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“Restaurant review: Majestic spot on the River Bann…” – May 2024
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The News Letter
Lir named among best new restaurants in the UK – July 2024
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The Irish Times
“Stunning fish in a magical setting by the water’s edge” – June 2024
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“100 great places to eat around Ireland this summer” – May 2024
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The Irish News
Foodie Finds: Lir, Steamboat, Daisies and Scopers – Jan 2024
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The Week
'The UK's best restaurants of 2023'
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TV & Broadcast
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Lir featured on The One Show, Saturday Kitchen and Rick Stein’s Food Stories (BBC One)