Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare

The Old Yard, Castledermot, Kildare

PLEASE NOTE THE OLD YARD IS CLOSED FROM JANUARY 2023 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

You’ll find The Old Yard at Garterfarm in Castledermot, Co. Kildare. It’s less than a 15 minute drive from my hometown of Athy, and only three minutes away from the village of Castledermot, where I attended my last two years of secondary school at Coláiste Lorcáin, many moons ago.

Castledermot in itself is a great spot for exploring. In the village you’ll find Castledermot Abbey also known as ‘Castledermot Franciscan Friary’, and the Castledermot High Crosses and Round Tower. A five minute drive out the road, less than 4 km away, you have Mullaghreelan Wood, a place we adore as a family – perfect for walking and hut building all year round.

Further Reading: Visit Kildare – 12 Fabulous Free Things to Do Outdoors

Brunch at The Old Yard, Castledermot

In recent months, my friend and I have been galavanting our way around neighbouring villages, towns and counties in search of breakfasts, brunches and lunches to tickle our food loving tastebuds. And high on the list to visit and revisit, was a local enough to us café, The Old Yard in Castledermot.

Open from Wednesday through to Saturday from 11am to 4pm, with ample parking, The Old Yard is very much more than just a place for coffee and a treat. Because inside the renovated 18th century farmyard you’ll find a beautiful garden for dining in, and gorgeous granite buildings for shopping in. From cut flowers and plants to garden ware, antiques and ‘fancy goods’ to a bakery and larder. The later overflowing with delicious The Old Yard jams, preserves and chutneys, and some of the best Irish Artisan produce you’ll find on this fair isle.

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Entrance to Store

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Courtyard and Garden

Dining Outdoors at The Old Yard

When you arrive make your way to The Old Yard store, it’s to the right of the entrance and there’s signage to help you. Ordering is done via a one-way system at the counter at the end of the store and if there’s a queue you won’t feel the time pass as you look around and mentally purchase one glorious thing after another. Of course you can physically purchase these items too.

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Garden Ware

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Pantry

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Chutneys and Jams

Brunch at The Old Yard Castledermot, Dining Outdoors in Kildare - Bakery

At the counter of The Old Yard you’ll find the menu displaying the daily offerings, from pancakes and scones to sausage rolls and sandwiches. Make your choice, all allergens are clearly highlighted, pay and then sit outdoors at one of the many tables, under the canopy in the courtyard or on the grass in the garden, or indeed you can dine inside in Garden Room when available.

Further Reading: Brunch at Grangecon Kitchen, Dining Outdoors in Wicklow

Of course the pancakes aren’t just regular pancakes, they’re special with choices that range from nutella and strawberries to those with orange blossom, rhubarb and vanilla compote, and roasted flaked almonds.

And the sandwiches aren’t just regular sandwiches either, they’re open sandwiches made with brown bread or toasted sourdough, topped with roast chicken and peppers, and basil pesto mayo, or cream cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes.

On our latest visit my friend and I enjoyed a gorgeous morning dining out in the fresh air. The service was friendly, and place so inviting it warmed our souls.

For our dining outdoors experience my friend ordered and enjoyed an Americano coffee and Pancakes with granola, blueberries, natural yogurt and maple syrup (pancakes €7.95). They were fresh and delicious with the perfect ratio of ingredients.

I ordered a Americano too, but opted for the Open Toasted Sourdough with cream cheese, roast cherry tomatoes, Basil pesto and salad leaves (open sandwich €8.50). My initial thought when I opened the takeaway box was that it looked rather small, with one slice of bread but what it lacked in size it made up in taste. It was delicious and I enjoyed every bite.

Would it satisfy a hearty hunger, I’m not so sure but the bread was thickly sliced … so much so I struggled to use the knife and fork that was served with it so there was only one thing for it … pick it up with my fingertips and dive in!

Will I be back to The Old Yard? I certainly look forward it, and the menu, and the bakery, and the pantry, and homewares, and garden wares, and the flowers and the plants …

You can find out more about The Old Yard at theoldyard.ie