Ramune and Sean Farnan of The Moody Boar with Jonathon and Julie Hays
Opening of the Moody Boar, Palace Stables, Armagh.
EARLIER this year Armagh City and District Council offered an opportunity to lease the restaurant in the beautiful Georgian stables building set within the grounds of the Palace Demesne and invited interested restaurateurs to present their ideas.
The lease was won by successful husband and wife team, Sean and Ramune Farnan, who had been running the highly acclaimed Priory Restaurant in Benburb which was visited by football legend and TV presenter Gary Lineaker and his wife when making a series of programmes across Northern Ireland and they voted their best meal in Northern Ireland. The restaurant was noted in the Michelin Guide.
The couple hope to emulate that success with their new the restaurant, “The Moody Boar” opening this week in the Georgian stables building.
Ramune and Sean Farnan of The Moody Boar with Lord Mayor of Armagh Sharon Haughey
Chief Executive of Armagh Council John Briggs explains why Armagh keeps coming back to the future to cement its success, “Armagh is lucky to have a number of very successful and quality restaurants and a number of significant historic buildings. The new Moody Boar restaurant in the Stables, will combine these two unique offerings and makes a fantastic addition to the life in Armagh for both locals and visitors. This together with other developments such as continued environmental improvements in the city centre, upgrade to Shambles market and planning application for Armagh Gaol in progress provides an optimistic outlook for Armagh City”
“The Palace Demesne site is unique as it is located within minutes from Armagh city centre and yet is quiet, peaceful and rural in character. The Council has secured funding to enhance and develop the demesne as a Public Park including plans for an upgraded play, improved lighting and paths and along with other continual investment we are committed to helping local businesses continue to grow in Armagh.”
Lord Mayor Sharon Haughey added “We are very pleased to welcome a new business onto the Palace Demesne site, particularly at this time when this beautiful parkland is being developed and enhanced for the enjoyment of our citizens and visitors to our beautiful city. Sean and Ramune have done an impressive job refurbishing the restaurant and have been making good use of inherited materials, with recycled wood and metal and creative lighting, used to create a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere. They are also using our natural heritage with an on-site vegetable and herb garden providing much of the ingredients for the exquisite menu.
