Welcome to Mara…
What was formerly known as The Old Couch Café has been reborn as Mara, retaining its predecessor's quirky vibe and bijou space. Chef-Owner Luis Martin has both passion and ambition in abundance, largely working alone in the kitchen and serving his dishes in the cosy, well-lit room to just six tables. His well-balanced cooking incorporates locally foraged produce alongside a few influences from his native Spain, such as ajo blanco or cod buñuelo; the cep tiramisu, meanwhile, has become something of a signature.”
Michelin Guide
Irish Coast Meets Cantabria
Cooking Classes at Mara
Join Chef Luis Martin for a hands-on cooking class where modern Irish coastal ingredients meet the bold flavours of northern Spain. You’ll learn to cook seasonal dishes in a relaxed, small-group setting—perfect for curious home cooks who want to sharpen their skills and explore vibrant new techniques. We’ve also added a new range of 2026 classes, including butchery workshops and a dedicated baking class.
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Mara Gift Voucher
Delight a loved one, thank a colleague or impress a client with a Mara gift voucher. Can be used for a meal or for cooking classes.
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Beef Butchery Class + Two-Course Menu (January 25th)
Learn how to break down beef rumps into their individual cuts, from steaks to braising and roasting joints and enjoy a comforting two-course beef menu afterward.
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Italian Cookery Class (11th February)
Create classic antipasto, make fresh pasta from scratch, and finish with traditional tiramisu.
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Spanish Tapas Night (March 11th)
Enjoy a relaxed evening cooking your favourite Spanish holiday tapas, from tortilla to garlic prawns, ending with our Basque cheesecake.
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Pork Butchery Class + Two-Course Menu (22nd February)
Love pork? Join us to make your own porchetta and discover hidden cuts like ears, tails, and crubeens, the ones chefs secretly love for their flavour.
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Bakery Class (April 8th)
A gentle, hands-on morning spent baking. We’ll guide you through three of our favourites: traditional brown bread, soft brioche, and warm, olive-oil-rich focaccia.
A taste of Local
Mara partners with barefoot farm
Mara Restaurant, is proud to announce a new partnership with Barefoot Farm in Dunhill. A collaboration which will see all of the vegetables used in the restaurant sourced from Barefoot Farms.
