Mullingar's newest eatery opens on the shores of Lough Ennell
It was a busy June bank holiday weekend for Mullingar’s newest eatery, The Lís Cafe.
Located at Tudenham Campsite on the shores on Lough Ennell, the cafe is now under the management of Eoghan Murray.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Eoghan said that he and his staff had a hectic, but enjoyable first bank holiday weekend and are hoping it will be same throughout the summer.
With its recently upgraded walk and lakeside setting, Tudenham is popular with local people, while the campsite is one of the best known in the midlands.
It is important that visitors to Westmeath’s lakeside amenities can get a drink and a bite to eat, Eoghan says.
“We have that many lakes in the Mullingar area that we don’t know what to do with them. Every lakeside area should have amenities for kids and adults.
“There are people who come out to Tudenham for a walk five or six days a week and it’s good that they have somewhere that they can go for a tea or coffee.”
Eoghan took inspiration for the name of the cafe from his 93-year-old granny, Phyllis Ó Muirí, who told him that Tudenham’s picturesque setting reminded her of the fairy fort, or lios, located on her family’s land in Tipperary.
The Murray family, who own the popular Apache restaurant and take away in Mullingar, have provided summer and part-time jobs to numerous local young people over the years.
In his new venture Eoghan, who also manages Apache, has employed a young and energetic team. He wants The Lís Cafe to be “quirky, fun and bit of craic” for customers and staff alike.
“We have a ’99 machine and HB ice-creams. People can also get things like chips, a burger or chicken dippers, or a coffee and other drinks. We also have old style penny sweets and things like macaroon bars,” Eoghan says.
The response from local people and visitors has been positive so far and Eoghan says that he and his staff are looking forward to a busy (and hopefully sun-filled) summer on the shores of Lough Ennell.
The Lís Cafe's eircode is N91 P798.