Steeped in history and situated west of Dublin city along the River Liffey (hence the name) this seafood restaurant and piano bar is a real gem of a find. The road on which it stands was once the stomping ground of Oliver Cromwell's army. And the pub itself housed meetings between revolutionary Irish leader Michael Collins and his Dublin Castle spies in the years before the Irish Civil War. Today an impressive makeover has transformed the space into a chic eaterie exuding a certain French charm. Glistening chandeliers light up its airy space which is dotted with antiques, paintings, curios and other stylish adornments. In fact, the pretty interior makes it a favourite venue for local weddings and events. Equally eye-catching dishes include seafood chowder, organic salmon and the Angler's Rest Fish Pie. Stop by for afternoon tea or a pint in the big beer garden before checking out nearby Phoenix Park. And for those of you wondering, Chapelizod gets its curious name from the Chapel of Isolde. Daughter of 6th century Irish King Aengus, Isolde's romance with Cornish knight Tristan inspired Wagner's opera Tristan and Isolda. So now you know...

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