The West —
Great Food & Drink

Some of The West's seafood dishes: (left, top) sea bass and (left, bottom) scallops; and (right) a platter of oyster, prawns, smoked salmon, and fresh crab meat plus salad.

Restaurants

Al Muretto, Forster St., Galway City (tel. 091-561996). Situated just a block north of the tourist office, this villa-style restaurant, which is a member of Ciao Italia – Worldwide Association of the real Italian Restaurant, adds a touch of Italy to downtown Galway.  It offers all the usual Italian menu of a la carte pastas, pizzas, meat and seafood, for lunch and dinner. The 3-course “early bird” menu (4-7 p.m.) provides excellent value.  Throughout the day, you can also stop in for genuine Italian gelato (made on the premises), with a choice of 12 flavors. Open daily. Web site: www.almuretto.ie

Antica Roma, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-28778), a local pizzeria that also serves fish and chips.

Ard Bia & Nimmo’s, Spanish Arch, Galway City (tel. 091-539897) – a trio of eateries (a daytime café and two evening restaurants) under the one roof of a two-story stone medieval customs house overlooking the water at the end of Quay St.  The cuisine blends fresh Irish ingredients and innovative ideas with Mediterranean, New Zealand, Middle Eastern and North African influences, resulting in dishes such as chickpea and coriander burger, veggie fry, casserole of ham hock and vegetables, polenta cake of smoked Gubbeen cheese, and a chowder of prawn, haddock and mussels. Web site: www.ardbia.com

Boluisce, Main St., Spiddal, Co. Galway (tel. 091-83286), is a homey old inn in an Irish-speaking town on Galway Bay. Specialties include local mussels and lobsters, and a house seafood chowder that alone is worth the 13 mile drive out from Galway City.

Ed's New York Pizza, 3 Prospect Hill, Galway City, tel. 091-350893. It’s testimony to Galway’s diverse citizenship that Ed Cevoli settled in the city in 2005 by way of NY and felt right at home, using traditional family recipes and fresh ingredients in Italy. He produces authentic thin-crust New York-style pizza (by the slice or whole) plus pastas, baguettes, salads and more. It’s a good place to know for a quick tasty snack or late-night meals. Open daily, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Web site: www.edsnypizza.com

The Lemon Peel, Church Lane off The Octagon, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-26929). This longtime favorite restaurant has a contemporary décor of modern art including a smiling caricature of the chef-proprietor Robbie McMenamin.The menu provides top-notch cuisine, from Angus beef and free-range poultry to local lamb and fresh seafood.  Early bird menu offers good value. Reservations required. Open for dinner only, Tuesday – Sunday. Web site: www.lemonpeel.ie

Malt House, High Street, Galway City (tel. 091-567866). Tucked in an cobblestone alley off the main thoroughfare, this cozy white-washed restaurant offers an Old Galway atmophere and a menu of seafood and international dishes. Bar food all day; full dinners at night. "Early Bird Dinners" offers very good value. Closed Sunday. Web site: www.themalthouse.ie

Mangos, Bridge St.,Westport, Co.Mayo (tel. 098-24999). Established in 2004, this stylish shopfront restaurant sits in the heart of town (opposite the clock tower). It specializes in cooked-to-order local seafood (sole, seabass, salmon, prawns, scallops, crab, cod, hake, tuna and more, according to the day’s catch). A sampling of chicken, beef, duck and vegetarian dishes round out the menu. Open for dinner.  Web site: www.mangoswestport.com

Marinas Restaurant, Lough Atalia, Galway City (tel. 091-538300) is an elegant bi-level restaurant overlooking Lough Atalia in the Radisson Hotel. The early bird menu (Sunday-Thursday) offers one of the best values in the city and includes a glass of wine. Web site: www.radissonhotelgalway.com/seafood-restaurants-galway

McDonagh's, 22 Quay St., Galway City (tel. 091-565001). Established in 1912, this seafood restaurant is synonymous with fresh seafood. It offers a choice of settings — an informal fish-and-chips bar or a full service restaurant. Shellfish platters are a house specialty. No reservations. Get there early! Fish-and-chips bar open daily; restaurant closed Sunday. Web site: www.mcdonaghs.net

O'Grady's On the Pier, Sea Point, Barna, Co. Galway (tel. 091-592223). Sitting right on the harbor, this restaurant is known far and wide for fresh seafood, from shellfish platters to baked sea bass, grilled black sole and fresh catch of the day, as well as a few token meat dishes. (Note: The seafood photos on top of this page were taken at O'Grady's). Seating is upstairs and downstairs, with many tables overlooking the water. Reservations are a must. Open for dinner daily and lunch on Sundays. Web site: www.ogradysonthepier.com

Quattro, Pearse St., Ballina, Co. Mayo (tel. 096-22200), is a mid-town restaurant/pub with a selection of old word and modern rooms, favored by the locals. Menu offers  a selection salads, spring rolls, pastas, chilis, seafood, and steaks. Homemade brown bread with walnuts is a house specialty. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Quay Cottage, The Harbour, Westport Quay, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-26412). Set on the quay beside Clew Bay, this award-winning restaurant presents top quality cuisine in a comfortable cottage-style setting with four different rooms furnished in nautical style. The menu offer a diverse selection including fresh Clew Bay seafoods, local free-range beef, lamb, and poultry, and creative vegetarian delights. Accompaniments include home-baked breads and edible flowers. Open for dinner only; days and hours vary. Call to check. Web site: www.quaycottage.com

Pier House Restaurant, Lower Kilronan, Inishmore, Aran Islands (tel. 099-61811). Overlooking the Kilronan harbor, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.  The menu provides a wide range of meats, local seafood including lobsters and oysters from a tank, and salads, with produce from a local organic farm. Homemade breads enhance the menu, and, as an unexpected surprise, the well-traveled chefs are also known for their first-rate sushi and Mojito cocktails. Open March-November. Web site: www.aranrestaurant.com

Torrino's, Market Lane, Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-28338). For a change of pace, step inside this small Italian restaurant, tucked in a new shopping lane off Bridge Street. It's a favorite with the locals who enjoy the creative made-to-order pizzas with super-thin crust and gourmet ingredients.   Salads and pastas are also top-notch.   Reservations are needed most nights. Open for dinner nightly from 6 p.m.  

Trattoria Magnetti, 12 Quay St., Galway City (tel. 091-563910), located in the heart of the trendy “left bank” area, this restaurant features traditional Italian dishes, homemade pasta and pizzas, with a friendly Irish/Italian atmosphere and table seating indoors and outside.  Open daily.

Viña Mara, 19 Middle St., Galway City (tel. 091-561610) – a culinary adventure awaits at this award-winning restaurant known for locally sourced ingredients and Mediterranean influences. Choices include Tuscan-style red lentil and seafood soup, cod with piquillo peppers, organic pesto-crust breast of free range chicken, Clare Island salmon, West Coast crab and potato cake, Spanish-style chicken and chorizo stew, or sesame crusted goat cheese. It is situated one block from High Street. Web site: www.vinamara.com

Wineport, Glasson, Co. Westmeath (tel. 0902-85466). Situated 3 miles north of Athlone overlooking the shores of Lough Ree, this is an excellent restaurant to know in the center of Ireland. The décor exudes an informal sailing ambiance and the menu features freshwater fish and other local specialties. Bistro and bar menus also available. Open for evening meals only and Sunday lunch. Web site: www.wineport.ie/restaurant.htm

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Cafés and Coffee Shops

Many of the museums and heritage centers described in the "The West's A-1 Attractions" sections have excellent coffee shops and self-service restaurants, so you can enjoy good refreshment without interrupting your sightseeing.

Here is a run-down some of the best places for a snack or light meal:
Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara
Sheep & Wool Museum/An Tobar Cafe , Leenane, Connemara
Spiddal Craft Centre, Spiddal, Connemara
The Aran Heritage Centre, Inishmore, Aran Islands
Coole Park, Gort, Co. Galway
Thoor Ballylee, Gort, Co. Galway
Ceide Fields, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo
Foxford Woollen Mills, Foxford, Co. Mayo
Granuile Heritage Centre, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
Athlone Castle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Irish Famine Museum, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Keenagh, Co. Longford
Locke's Distillery, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath

In addition, here are three excellent independent cafés and coffee/tea shops:

Beehive, Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-43134), is an informal café-cum-craftshop. It is a "beehive" of activity with seating in various rooms inside among the crafts or on picnic tables outside. Menu features seafood salads, soups, sandwiches, casseroles, and more.

Butlers Chocolate Café, 40 William St., Galway City (tel. 091-569901) is a haven for chocoholics – with all kinds of chocolate treats as well as coffee with mocha and hot chocolate. Web site: www.butlerschocolates.com

Food for Thought, Lr. Abbeygate St., Galway City (tel. 091-565854), is a vegetarian and health food restaurant, café and sandwich bar.

Goya’s, 2/3 Kirwan’s Lane, Galway City (tel. 091-567010), is known for a variety of cakes and pastries from kiwi tartlets to peach and pear pies. Indoor and outdoor seating. Closed Sunday. Web site: www.goyas.ie

Mary’s Cottage Kitchen, Main St., Ballycastle, Co. Mayo (tel. 096-43361). A favorite with visitors and locals alike, this little stone cottage at the west end of town has a country home atmosphere, with slate floors, open turf fire, exposed beams and pine tables and chairs. The menu, prepared by Mary Munnelly, offers homemade soups, salads, pastries, tarts and other delectable goodies. Open daily April to October, from 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays in the off season.

Mocha Beans, Edward Square, Barrack Lane, Galway City (tel. 091-865871); 2 Cross St., Galway City (tel. 091-565919) and three other locations throughout Galway City and Salthill. This popular coffee house is known for roasting its own beans for cups of regular ad exotic coffee, along with serving healthy and organic foods, home-baking and desserts. Web site: www.mochabeans.com

Nicola’s Food Emporium, 5 Lime Court, James St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-24041), includes deli items, juice and smoothie bar, home-baked breads, scones and pastries, cappuccino & more.

The Stuffed Sandwich Co., Bridge St. , Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-27611), for smoothies, salads, and variety of freshly made sandwiches; try their famous “banoffi pie.”

Walsh’s Coffee Shop & Bakery, Market St., Clifden, Co. Galway (tel. 095-21283). Established in 1953, this informal café is a mainstay in the town, offering fresh baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, donuts, brack, muffins, croissants, pastries) as well as homemade soups, quiches, quiches, sandwiches salads, and ice cream sundaes, all served on colorful local pottery.  Open daily. Web site: www.walshsbakery.com

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Pubs

An Pucan, 11 Forster St., Galway City (tel. 091-561528) is an old-fashioned pub known for nightly sessions of Irish traditional music. It's located one block east of Eyre Square. Web site: www.anpucan.ie

Busker Brownes, Cross St., Galway City (tel. 091-563101) is a great pub for alcoves and cozy corners. Traditional Irish music is on tap most evenings and jazz on Sundays. Web site: www.buskerbrownes.com

Cosy Joe, Bridge St. at Market Lane, Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-28014), traditional music many nights. Web site: www.cosyjoesbar.ie

E.J. King’s Bar, The Square, Clifden, Co. Galway (tel. 095-21330), is known for the best of Irish traditional music. Web site: www.ejkings.com

Gielty’s, Dooagh, Achill Island, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-43119). Overlooking Dooagh Bay and known as “the most westerly pub in Ireland,” this is a third-generation family run business that now includes a coffee shop/restaurant (appropriately named The Last Drop). Web site: www.gieltys.com

Hoban’s – The Market Bar, The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-27249), fine old pub, established in 1932, with lots of atmosphere.

The Kings Head, 15 High St., Galway City (tel. 091-566630), is an award-winning pub dating back to 1649.  There is music almost every night of the week. Web site: www.thekingshead.ie

Matt Molloy’s, Bridge St. (tel. 098-26655), owned by one of The Chieftains, Ireland’s world-famous group of traditional musicians. This iconic pub is noted for music sessions. Because Matt is known the world over, this pub is very popular and fills up fast, so get here early in the night for a good seat. Web site: www.mattmolloy.com/pub_about.html

M.J. Henehan, Bridge St. , Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-25561), known for pub food; also an off license.

Moran’s, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-26320), traditional old world pub with grocery shop.

Moran's Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway (tel. 091-796113) is a 225-year-old thatched-roof family-run pub. Situated on a country road overlooking Galway Bay, it offers great views of the sun going down on the water as well as fresh seafood prepared to order. Oysters are a specialty as are crab claws and smoked salmon, all accompanied by heaping platters of freshly baked brown bread. Web site: www.moransoystercottage.com

Murphy Brothers, Clare St., Ballina, Co. Mayo, tel. 096-22702. Established in 1901 and still retaining many of its original furnishings, this traditional two-story pub offers an old world atmosphere inside and open balcony seating overlooking the River Moy outside.  Bar food is served throughout the day. Web site: www.murphy-brothers.com

Pat Cohan’s Bar, Cong, Co. Mayo (tel. 094-954-5620) – featured as the pub in The Quiet Man movie although it was only a grocery store at the time.  Recently restored and expanded into a full-fledged pub, it is furnished to recreate the movie setting – dark woods, beamed ceilings, vintage tankards, old Guinness posters, local photos and more. Web site: www.patcohan.com

Taaffes Pub, 18 Shop St., Galway City, (tel. 091-564066) – a local favorite for over 150 years, this pub sits in the middle of the main shopping corridor.  It is known for traditional music sessions in the daytime (5 p.m., April-October) as well as nightly sessions at 9 p.m. It is housed in a stone building that goes back at least 400 years, so there is a lot of old world atmosphere.

Tí Joe Watty, Kilronan, Inishmore, Aran Islands (tel. 099-20892), situated at the crossroads of the high road and coastal road, this long-established pub has a welcoming atmosphere with an open fireplace – a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The pub grub offers a wide array of seafood from lobster and crab claws to mussels and oysters. In summer, there are afternoon traditional music sessions in the beer garden, and live music nightly (May September) and on weekends (rest of year). Web site:  www.joewattys.com

The Quays, Quay St., Galway City (tel. 091-561771) is a great gathering spot on one of Galway's busiest streets. It overflows with "Old Galway" décor and ambiance, and assorted types of music (traditional, pop, or Dixie) on most nights.

Tigh Neachtain, 17 Cross Street, Galway City (tel. 091-568820) – old pub housed in a 17th century building that was once the townhouse of Richard Martin, the founder of the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The décor reflects an earlier era – low beamed ceilings, tiny snugs, alcoves, flagstone floors, open fireplaces, and walls lined with a complete collection of Galway Arts Festival posters. Traditional Irish music is played Friday and Saturday and folk/jazz on Sunday, and impromptu sessions can happen on most any night.

The Towers, The Quay, Westport Harbour, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-26534), enjoys a great location beside the water. It is a castle-like tower with nautically-themed pub inside and a beer garden outside. Excellent pub food is served with choices ranging from seafood chowders and fish pies to seafood platters, as well as salads, sandwiches, and potatoes with various fillings.

The Western Bar, 33 Prospect Hill, off Eyre Sq., Galway City (tel. 091-562834), is a hub of music at least three nights a week. Every Thursday at 9:30 p.m., it hosts the largest open traditional Irish music sessions in Galway.  On Wednesday, there is ceili set dancing at 9 p.m., and on Friday, a sing-along session. Web site: www.thewestern.ie

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