Lahinch
I tried both the Black Oak and Byrnes' and I'd give a big thumbs up to both.
The menu was probably better in the Black Oak, especially if you like sea food. But Byrnes had a better less formal atmosphere. Its loacation in the centre of Ennistymon is certainly more welcoming than the Black Oak's bungalow on the side of a windswept hill.
We ate twice in Byrnes and once at the Black Oak, with the meal for two people including wine costing about €100, which was good value.
Having seen Lahinch's holiday villages at first hand, I was glad of the advice to look further afield for accommodation. We found a great place in the Board Failte guide just outside Liscannor which, despite being the usual bungalow, was really comfortable and was better equipped than my home!
Rent for two weeks was €1,150, which wasn't bad when spread between myself, spouse, daughter and in-laws.
There's a lot of nonsense talked about the expense of holidaying in Ireland. Sure it costs a fortune if you stay in hotels/B&B's and eat out all the time. But there are alternatives that don't involve spending your holiday behind the wheel.
For a real unwind, you can't beat loading up the car and parking yourself in a rented house in the west for two weeks.
And the advice received on AAM really helps to stear you in the right direction. Thanks everyone and let's keep up the pressure on the Boss for an Askaboutholidays forum.