Valentine’s To Go: Ten dining options we love from across Donegal

Valentine’s Day 2021 may be absent of romantic restaurant bookings, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to food we love with the people we love.

Many Donegal restaurants and food makers are pulling out all the stops to deliver gourmet food experiences for us to celebrate at home this weekend. And if you’re not into those large special menus, there are lovely locally-made treats and nibbles on offer too.

We’ve compiled a list of places offering Valentine’s Day menus and treat takeaways/deliveries in 2021. Beware though, most of them require pre-orders soon.

If we’ve missed some, feel free to share in the comments below.

Valentine’s Romance at Home with Castle Grove Gourmet ‘Ready to Serve’ Hot Meal

While couples can’t sit in the lap of luxury at Castle Grove Country House this year, they can still enjoy a taste of fresh local food in the comforts of your own home. Their Valentine’s To Go menu is running from Friday 12th – Sunday 14th, with contactless pick-up from 6pm – 9pm.

At €40 per person, the meal includes three courses, home-made sweet treats and fresh home-made breads. Extras available such as Wine, Sparkling Rose, Champagne.

Limited Availability – Order by Wednesday 10th: https://www.castlegrove.com/our-restaurant-donegal/valentines-dinner-to-go

Seafood Experience for Two from Atlantic Treasures The Fish Stop

Seafood lovers can dine-in this weekend with fresh catch from Killybegs. The Valentine’s Seafood Special from Atlantic Treasures The Fish Stop is the ultimate experience for fish fans and includes three-courses of canapes, starters and mains.

Created in mind for an easy and relaxed night, the offer includes Atlantic Treasures Sliced Smoked Salmon (100g), a freshly prepared Prawn and Monk Gratin in a garlic butter sauce and the choice of fresh fish with a choice of seasoning and glaze for each person, that come in cook-bags.

The Valentine’s Weekend Seafood Special from Atlantic Treasures The Fish Stop costs €35.00 for two people including nationwide delivery. If you’re spending Valentine’s away from your other half, there’s also a Virtual Home Seafood Experience available. See thefishstop.ie

Valentine’s Meal To Go from Oakfield Park

Love is not in lockdown this Valentine’s Day as Head Chef Damian McGettigan (pictured) and the culinary team at Oakfield Park have prepared a special Valentine’s meal to go. 

The three-course meal for two costs €55 a couple and begins with a delicious starter of celeriac and garden apple soup served with homemade house breads, followed by roasted local prawns, garlic, shallots and tomato, finished with parsley and lemon. 

For mains, its charred dry-aged Fillet steak, caramelised onion, rich red wine sauce, served with baby potatoes and whiskey butter, charred broccoli steams and creamed garden leeks. 

Finish a great evening with a delicious vanilla and baileys pot for dessert, as well as chocolate truffles, Achill Island sea salt caramel and macaroons. Wine and champagne are also available as an added extra. See www.oakfieldpark.com

Note: Last date for orders is midnight Thursday. 

A Cheesy Night-In with Donegal Farmhouse Cheese

If you’re looking for a cosy night in, the Kilard Party Box (€32.50 incl. delivery) from Donegal Farmhouse Cheese is the perfect option. Filled with Kilard Cheddar, delicious chutneys and sourdough crackers, it’s the ideal foodie box to share with your other half.

Based in Kilar, Donegal Farmhouse Cheese is run by husband-and-wife duo, James and Noreen Cunningham and their cheddar is handmade from pasteurised cow’s milk and contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and is also suitable for vegetarians. Shop online donegalfarmhousecheese.ie

Celebrate with Cakes by Cácaí Aoibhín

Talented young baker Aoibhín O’Dea, from outside Gweedore, has an indulgent mix of beautifully decorated goodies on offer this weekend.

Aoibhín is taking orders until Thursday on her Valentine’s Boxes, packed with brownies, cupcakes and cookies. (€12 for a box of six or €24 for a box of 12)

Available for collection on Saturday. For orders visit: www.facebook.com/cacaiaoibhin or www.instagram.com/cacai_aoibhin

The Church Valentine’s Special … or Afternoon Tea for Two!

The Church at the Rockhill House Estate outside Letterkenny is running a Valentine’s special on the 12-14th from 5pm with contactless collection or contactless delivery for €29.99pp. Pre-order for the 14th by 8pm on the 12th.

The talented chefs have put together a delicious 3 course menu including a homemade tartlet of Yeats Country (based in Convoy) goats cheese with roasted red peppers, creamed spinach and pine and basil pesto, 8oz chargrilled steak served with mash potato and honey roasted vegetables, and an intimate dessert trio to share. Perfect to clink glasses over and celebrate.

Their Afternoon Tea for Two at Home is also available on the 12th and 13th (pre-order 48hrs in advance). The Sparkling Afternoon Tea includes a bottle of prosecco, a selection of freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, a selection of delicious savoury sandwiches and an array of sumptuous sweet pastries – all presented in a elegant travel caddy.

See the menus at: www.thechurchrockhill.com

Sweet love with Mallow Mia Gourmet Marshmallows

A marshmallow toasting box may be a romantic way to round off the night on a sweet note.

Each beautiful gift box contains: Mallow Mia marshmallows, handmade in Newtowncunningham, a 2 hour reusable marshmallow table top burner, bamboo skewers & a full set of instructions.

Choose from one, two or three bags of marshmallows, priced from €15-€25 at: https://mallowmia.com/collections/gorgeous-gift-options-1

Benny & Co, Ballybofey

This cafe and restaurant brings casual dining to new heights. This weekend they are offering a gorgeous four-course Valentine’s Day Takeaway Menu for €50 per couple, or €60 per couple including wine.

Update: Their Saturday night slots are now fully booked, but they still have availability for Sunday night.

You can order via online www.bennyandco.ie or on Facebook.

Back to the Cinema Days…

For couples who miss their cinema dates – Century Cinemas have brought back their takeaway treats including fresh popcorn and hot nuts.

All of your favourite treats will be available on the 13th & 14th February. They also have Valentine’s Deals – Couple’s Combo for €12.50 and a To Me, From Me Combo for €8.00 

Perfect for enjoying with your favourite movies at home!

Outside Catering Donegal – Meal For Two

No matter where you are, you can order the Valentines Meal for 2 from Outside Catering Donegal.

Your delivery will include all 4 courses & more with simple step by step instructions on how to reheat and plate up & a video link to make it easy.

You can also order Champagne or Frizzante – so what’s not to love!

Please order up to February 10th by Whatsapp (+353 86 419 9688) or email (
outsidecateringdonegal@gmail.com)

€65 for 2 or €85 with a bottle of Frizzante. See: www.facebook.com/OutsideCateringDonegal

What option takes your fancy?