A BAR IN Co Clare has become the first pub in Ireland to receive a Michelin Star.

The Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna already held a Michelin Bib Gourmand award but this has now been upgraded to the coveted Michelin Star.

It means there are now 11 Michelin Star eateries in Ireland with each of the other ten holders keeping their stars in the new 2018 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.

The Wild Honey Inn has a history that dates back to 1860 and is owned and run by chef Aidan McGrath and his partner Kate Sweeney.

The food it produces is of the classical French style with the Michelin Guide saying it was awarded the star for its “robust and confident” cooking.

The other Irish restaurants who retained their star included five in Dublin, two each in Galway and Kilkenny and one in Waterford.

They are:

• Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
• Chapter One
• L’Ecrivan
• The Greenhouse
• Heron & Grey
• Aniar
• Loam
• Campagne
• Lady Helen
• House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel.

In Northern Ireland two restaurants in Belfast, Eipic and Ox, both retained their Michelin Stars.

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