Rich,

Congrats on your anniversary! Just off the top of my head I would recommend Park House Hotel, The Malt House, Oscar's Bistro (seafood) and Kirby's. I believe they all have an online presence so you can take a look at their menus to see what attracts your attention. When you find one you like make advance reservations.

A little out of the city:

Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey (for something different)
White Gables in Moycullen

Michele

I am advised that the Basilico in the Coach house Hotel Oranmore is one of the best locations for a special Dinner. You will almost pass this on your way to Galway from Doolin taking a left at the R338 Dublin road Roundabout on the N18.

http://www.coachhousehotel.ie/basilicorestaurant.html

WOW!!!  So many good looking choices.  I was drooling as I read the menus.  Thank you all for your suggestions.  We will be eating on a budget for most of trip but I want to do something special for that day.  BTW, I have noticed how expensive eating out is in Ireland.

You can eat out at reasonable prices, there are lots of offers on lately as everybody is having to compete on prices. This is a strange concept for Irish business as they have been allowed to get away with charging what they want for too many years. Good pub grub can be had at a reasonable price and eat where the locals eat rather than the more expensive options. An example is Brogans in Ennis where we eat regularly, they have a bar menu and a restaurant menu both made with the same ingredients by the same cooks but the bar menu is 25% cheaper. Chris always looks at the price of the Soup on the menu displayed in the doorway before we decide if we are going in. Some of the most romantic meals we have had have been sat in the car eating a takeaway watching a sunset or river/lake.

You will be out on the Tulla road I think there is a good Chinese on the new precinct down there and you are not far from Duggans Pub at the foot of Spancill Hill. The lunch menu at the Auburn Lodge is pretty good. If you arrive via Shannon you might want to grab some Breakfast at the Sky court Mall gives you a bit of practice on easy roundabouts then pop to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park before heading to the Railway View. Ballina/Killaloe are only 20 mins drive away nice little towns either side of the bottom of Lough Derg. That should give you enough for your 1st day.

Another example of the same food at different prices. Both in the Old Ground Hotel, Poets Corner is great for us peasants (if you can get a seat) whilst the town Hall Bistro nibbles gently at everything in your wallet/purse for the same food from the same kitchen. Poets is my second choice after Brogans. I am hearing good things about Cloisters by the Abbey, it has now reopened after a massive refurbishment but havn't tried it yet (its definitely on my 2do list).

Michele and all,

Just called to make reservations at the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey for Friday 22 October.  I'll report back afterward.  My wife and I feel this will be a unique experience for our anniversary.  Only about 5 weeks and counting until our trip. 

Rich