LIR Seafood at Coleraine Marina

A Riverfront Seafood Hub

LIR occupies a distinctive spot at Coleraine Marina, set within a reimagined former boat club building right on the banks of the River Bann. The location offers a relaxed, waterside atmosphere where the marina’s boats and the flow of the river form a constant backdrop. Inside, the space balances modern functionality with the character of its nautical past, creating a setting that feels both contemporary and rooted in the local fishing culture. Large windows frame views of the water, and the open layout connects the restaurant, fishmonger counter, deli and bar into one cohesive experience.

Wild, Local and Seasonal Flavours

The heart of LIR is its commitment to wild, sustainably sourced Irish seafood. The menu changes daily, shaped by what the local boats bring in, what’s growing in nearby organic farms, and what the team has foraged along the North Coast. This means dishes can range from monkfish corn dogs and lobster rolls to squid shawarma, conger eel casseroles and monkfish pad thai, alongside more classic fish and chips or simply grilled fish with seasonal sides. The focus is on freshness, provenance and creativity, turning the day’s catch into inventive, flavourful plates that celebrate the raw ingredients.

More Than Just a Restaurant

LIR is designed as a multi‑faceted seafood destination. Alongside the restaurant, there’s a fishmonger counter where visitors can buy high‑quality, sustainably caught fish to take home, a deli stocked with local produce, and an outdoor bar area perfect for casual drinks by the water. The site also includes a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen and prep space that supports fish filleting lessons, events and educational visits, reinforcing the owners’ aim of reconnecting people with where their seafood comes from. This integrated approach makes LIR as much a community and educational space as it is a place to dine.

Drinks and Service with Character

The drinks offering leans heavily on craft Irish beers, a thoughtfully curated natural wine list and creative cocktails from a dedicated mixologist, with seasonal non‑alcoholic juice pairings also available. Service is warm and professional, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu, the sourcing story and the best pairings for each dish. Whether you’re sitting down for a tasting menu, a casual lunch or a takeaway box from the old pod, the experience is built around hospitality, quality and a genuine passion for seafood and the local coast.

From Pod to Permanent Home

The story of LIR is one of resilience and growth. After launching in a tiny kitchen the size of a food truck, the team kept things alive through a popular takeaway pod that became something of a local institution, serving high‑quality seafood in compostable boxes with a ‘drive‑thru’ style service. A major renovation transformed the old boat club into the current multi‑space venue, allowing the restaurant, fishmonger, deli and bar to operate under one roof. This evolution reflects a deep commitment to sustainable practices, local suppliers and a seafood culture that values both tradition and innovation.