The West Waterford region on Ireland’s southeast coast is a favorite among the Irish for its idyllic beaches, picturesque villages and sprawling green fields blanketed with sheep. Now the area, an hour’s drive east from Cork, is fast becoming known for its epicurean culture, which includes new high-quality restaurants and food purveyors.

Although most of the action is concentrated in the town of Dungarvan, the spurt began 20 minutes away in Ardmore, when the luxury 39-room Cliff House Hotel and its upscale dining option, the House, opened in 2008. The chef Martijn Kajuiter, 40, moved from the Netherlands to helm the contemporary seaside spot with an Irish menu based on local seasonal items.

His artfully presented dishes, such as grilled Black Angus beef dashed with a brand of Irish whiskey called Kilbeggan, and organic salmon from nearby Bantry Bay with pickled vegetables and horseradish, are the reason for the boite’s 2010 Michelin star, an honor it has held onto since.