We know how tempting a breakfast buffet can be. And we know how many treats can seem irresistible if you’re looking to indulge – fresh pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup, eggs benedict swathed in a creamy hollandaise, or the classic (and delicious!) Irish Fry.

But what happens when you’re trying to keep things healthy? There’s nothing wrong with an indulgent breakfast, but sometimes you’re craving something a little more virtuous, for whatever reason.

At The River Lee, it’s easy to make good choices. The breakfast on offer is vast and a feast for the eyes as much as the belly, but there are numerous dishes that are brimming with goodness.

Kick things off with the fresh fruit. With a variety of freshly chopped melon, berries and orchard fruits on the buffet, you can make yourself a bowl of delectable looking fruits, filled with the vitamins that will keep you healthy (particularly at this time of year – a good dose of vitamin c is vital when it comes to fighting bugs).

There’s always fresh juice available too, including a juice of the day – a small glass will leave you feeling fabulous.

The cereals are plentiful too, but why not try some Bircher muesli? This homemade dish is easy to digest and super-filling, meaning you won’t be craving a mid morning snack a few hours later. If you really want to treat yourself, add a drizzle of local honey, which you can collect right from the honeycomb. Local honey is packed full of goodness, provided you keep your portion small (a teaspoon should do it). Add a couple of nuts for protein, and they’ll also help you keep fuller for longer.  

Don’t think you have to avoid the hot food, either – eggs are a fabulous source of protein (which again will help to keep you full) and don’t need to be fried to taste great. Order some freshly poached eggs and enjoy with tomatoes and mushrooms for a delicious start to the day.

Avocado toast is another great option – the version in The Weir Rooms comes with chilli flakes, roasted tomatoes, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce… though you might want to ask for the dish without the sauce if you’re counting calories! The dish is packed with flavour and goodness, and will kick the day off right.

There is a great array of herbal teas to choose from as well – green tea is packed with anti-oxidants, and ginger tea is great at this time of year.

Don’t forget, you can always ask a member of staff for their advice about healthy dishes from all of the menus. You can see more, including menus, on the website. See: theweir.ie