Donkey Ford’s

Asked some locals at a petrol station how to get to Donkey Ford’s and they enthusiastically provided directions and said, «prepare to have your mind blown!»
Naturally, we were excited to try this legendary establishment. When we arrived, we were less than impressed by the drab little shop, but to be fair we simply had never seen a «take away» fish and chips place. We were expecting a place to sit and eat. The ladies behind the counter were really grumpy, even though we were the only customers in the place. They didn’t smile even once, as far as I can remember, and when they handed us our order, they didn’t include tartar sauce, napkins, or cutlery… didn’t even ask if we wanted to buy something to drink.
They have only 2 options for fish — Whiting and Cod. The Whiting was full of prickly little bones that we had to weed out of the fishy meat and the Cod tasted like chicken that had gone off. Nothing seemed fresh! Even the potatoes were soggy with heavy fry oil and coated with way too much salt. My lips were burning. The batter on the fish was also thick and heavily saturated with oil, yet mushy/​slimy on the inside. It kind of slid off the fish as we picked through it.
We ate about half of the Whiting and less than a third of the Cod. Finished most of the potatoes because we were really hungry, but this was actually the worst fish and chips experience we’ve ever had. The one good thing about Ford’s is the price — very cheap! I suppose you get what you pay for.
I’m beginning to wonder if all the hype about Ford’s is just a practical joke that the people of Limerick like to play on unsuspecting tourists… my mind certainly was ‘blown’ by this incredibly bad experience!

I had high expectations on this place. It was recommended as a good joint for fish and chips. We knew it wouldn’t look like much, but were hoping for a better taste experience. The fish options we were given were fresh deep fried whole fish with skin and bones (yuck), or a frozen «patty» type fish. We opted for the boneless patty fish. Might as well have been fish sticks… The chips were the only saving grace. At least they tasted ok. The fish was bland, smooshed feeling, and the batter was very blasé and oily.
If you want good fish and chips, go to Church’s restaurant at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis where the prices are a little higher, but the quality is much superiour. Only 2 stars for this visit at Donkey Fords.

The absolute best fish and chips I have ever had in my life. It is a diamond in the ruff (and the ruff being one of the best cities I have ever been and I’m from NYC). I had the regular fish and chips with 2 sausage. I can’t wait to get back to Ireland and that will be my first second and third meal that day.

Best fish and chips around. Home made chips are to die for.
One of best battered sausage around as well. Well worth trying.

Decent fish & chips — really great prices. Battered sausage was pretty delicious…

CHIPALICIOUS!!! (ok I stole that term from someone…) But this is also emblazoned in my mind as one of the best fish & chips meals I’ve had, second only to Leo Burdocks.
I had the standard cod and chips — vinegar and salt — YUM! Our friend had a battered sausage.
It’s around the corner from my friend’s old apt in Limerick (just get to Cathedral square and ask — they’ll point you in the right direction). And how can you forget the name… To hear it with the Irish accent is heaven:-)
Fried goodness that’s been there forever for a reason!