On the banks of the River Glyde (the source of salmon served here), this gem is 7.5km southeast of Carrickmacross off the L4700 on the County Louth border. A roaring fire warms the dining area, with no TV to distract from fantastic dishes like cider-steamed Clogher Head mussels or Monaghan fillet steak with Bellingham blue cheese. Book ahead on weekends.
There's a kids' menu and a playground.
Run by the fourth generation of the same family, the pub was rebuilt using reclaimed timbers and flagstones from the original 18th-century inn. Upstairs are six spacious guest rooms with private bathroom (double/triple from €86/105) with river or garden views.