Douglas Hyde

Two weeks in Ireland and I was able to eat almost like a “normal” person! Until I was glutened at this Michelin star restaurant :(

We booked a combined stay/spa experience with a dinner at the Douglas Hyde restaurant. We called before booking and were assured the restaurant could accommodate celiacs, and included this on our room and restaurant reservation.

At dinner the menu had allergens listed, as we saw everywhere in Ireland. I asked the server about coeliac options (not every course listed a GF option). My server seemed uncomfortable and immediately went to check with the kitchen which I appreciated. Well, it devolved into two different servers disagreeing on what could be made GF, until the maitre d’ intervened and said anything could be adapted by the chef. I was nervous but had had such good experiences eating out in Ireland, and this was such a fancy restaurant… well I wish it hadn’t been pre-booked because then I would have just followed my instincts and left. By the next morning it was clear I had been glutened, and as my symptoms are starting to improve now, a week later, I can say that this was almost certainly not just CC but that I was fed gluten. Really a bummer after such a successful trip- this was the only meal I tried from a restaurant with no reviews on this app and I very much regret it.

It’s unclear where the miscommunication happened between multiple staff members and kitchen, but I would not recommend the Douglas Hyde restaurant or a stay at the castle to any celiacs as there aren’t any other food options at the location. Pity because it’s a beautiful location and otherwise excellent service.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu