County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands Restaurants

Because the West provinces have a brief high season—from mid-June to early September—and a quiet off-season, it doesn't have as broad a choice of small, owner-operated restaurants as do other parts of Ireland. Often the best place to eat is a local hotel. But some places landmark the region, including Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan near Galway City, where the fare is simple, served in traditional pub surroundings, but sea-leaping fresh. At the other extreme are more dazzling experiences, like when you splurge to dine in style like the superb formal restaurant at Dromoland Castle. For truly adventurous contemporary Irish cooking, head to happening Galway; the town center is so compact you can meander around and read the menus on display outside before making your choice.

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  • 1. Aniar Restaurant

    $$$$ | Center

    JP McMahon has caused quite a stir in the Galway dining scene with his tapas at Cava Bodega and the recently opened casual spot Tartare, but award-winning Aniar (meaning "from the west") is his flagship restaurant. A minimalist Nordic decor provides an unfussy backdrop for the chef's equally unfussy approach to food. Each course in the daily menu, ranging from 6 to 10 dishes, is designed to either complement or contrast with the local produce. For those brave enough, try a dillisk starter with its overwhelmingly briny flavor, while awaiting monkfish in a bed of lush foraged salad.

    53 Lower Dominick St., Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-533--947

    Known For

    • Seaweed ice cream
    • Minimalist furnishings
    • Locally sourced food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations recommended.
  • 2. Linnane's Lobster Bar

    $$$

    It doesn't get much better than this 300-year-old, slated, whitewashed cottage with a turf fire and full-length windows that open out onto a terrace overlooking Galway Bay. The specialty is seafood; clams, scallops, salmon, crab claws, and lobster—the restaurant's cornerstone dish. Chicken and beef make the occasional guest appearance. Seat yourself in the conservatory to keep one eye on your crab cakes and Guinness, and another on the crystal clear waters of the bay. 

    Cartron, Oughtmama, Co. Clare, Ireland
    65-707--8120

    Known For

    • Crab claws with butter sauce
    • Great wine list
    • Live music in the evenings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs. Nov.--Mar.
  • 3. Loam

    $$$$ | Center

    The industrial facade and simply furnished interior of this Michelin-starred restaurant and wine bar just off Eyre Square betray nothing of head chef Enda McEvoy's daily creations; he scours, forages, and travels the coast for the finest and most offbeat indigenous ingredients like reindeer moss or trout caviar. Plates are imaginatively presented, and the tasting menu has a cult following across the country (but is fairly priced at from €85 for seven courses). 

    Geata na Cathrach, Fairgreen, Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-569--727

    Known For

    • Multi-award-winning chef
    • Mostly organic, biodynamic wines
    • Foraged local and all-Irish ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 4. Moran's Oyster Cottage

    $$$$

    This small thatched cottage is just upstream from where the Dunkellin River flows into Dunbulcaun Bay, the epicenter of Ireland's fresh oyster trade. The local oysters make a regular appearance, straight from bay to plate, though smoked salmon, crab claws fried in garlic butter, seafood cocktail, lobster with boiled potatoes and garlic butter, and fresh crab salad are also on offer. The front bar has been preserved in the "old style," which means it's small and cramped, but very interesting if you want to get an idea of what most pubs around here were like 50 years ago.

    Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-796–113

    Known For

    • Excellent fish-and-chips
    • Seafood chowder from a recipe passed down seven generations
    • Landmark restaurant for generations
  • 5. The Pullman Restaurant

    $$$$

    Stationed on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel, overlooking Lough Corrib in the outskirts of Galway, is Ireland's most unique restaurant: two intricately restored train carriages that starred in Sidney Lumet's 1974 film, Murder on the Orient Express, starring Ingrid Bergman. Fully equipped with brass luggage racks and mahogany paneling, the carriages are as impressive as the menu, which highlights wild game, fish, and beef. The origins of all ingredients, from the goat cheese starter to venison, are fully traceable. Diners opt for a two or three-course set menu, priced at €63 or €72.

    Kentfield Bushy Park, Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-519--600

    Known For

    • Great venue for a romantic dinner
    • Lake views
    • Excellent levels of service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekdays Nov.--Feb.
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  • 6. The Town Hall Bistro

    $

    Slate flooring, rich timber fixtures, a large bay window, and whitewashed walls hark back to an earlier time of midmorning scones and cakes with afternoon tea---both of which are available at this gorgeous former town hall, a local landmark right on the southern corner of O'Connell Street. Lunch and evening meals are special too, making use of the rich County Clare produce like artisanal cheese or sea catch. Try grilled halibut with crab meat or a ravioli made from mushroom, courgette, spinach, and basil. 

    Station Rd., Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland
    065-682--8127

    Known For

    • Child-friendly atmosphere
    • Delicious lamb shank
    • Great desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Casual
  • 7. Wild Honey Inn

    $$

    Owner-chef Aidan McGrath and Kate Sweeney's modest Victorian premises on the outskirts of Lisdoonvarna have become something of a culinary landmark by being Ireland's first pub to be awarded a Michelin star in 2017. A brief, well-thought-out menu showcases the best of local produce, which includes hake, lamb, rib-eye steak, and pork. Food is served in the bar, which is warm and welcoming, with an upright piano, original painted-wood cladding, assorted wooden tables and bentwood chairs, cheerful cotton-check blinds, and a random selection of bric-a-brac. Guest rooms (doubles from €120) are spacious and stylishly decorated in neutral tones with nice Victorian touches such as brass bedside lamps, and peaceful views of the countryside.

    Kincora Rd., Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Ireland
    065-707–4300

    Known For

    • Perfectly presented and executed dishes
    • Friendly and attentive staff
    • Inn is a good base for Burren

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.--Feb.
  • 8. Ard Bia at Nimmo's

    $$$ | Spanish Arch

    Expect to wait in line at this city-center restaurant set in an old stone house, with tables overlooking the Corrib. Ard Bia serves budget-conscious, freshly baked and sourced food, with a menu that changes according to what is in season. Jumbled furnishings from dressers to crockery in a casual setting contrasts the more spacious, timber-floored restaurant upstairs. Here the menu is concise with offerings from sea and land with monkfish, rib eye, and lentil cakes.

    Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-561–114

    Known For

    • All-day brunch
    • River views
    • Seasonal menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations required for dinner.
  • 9. Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant

    $$$

    Sweeping Atlantic views from this whitewashed cottage set the stage for a delightful meal of fresh catch from the waters lapping the Wild Atlantic Way. For €50 guests can sample the best of the menu with a five-course Seafood Surprise taster menu: not to spoil the surprise, but expect mussels, halibut, and mackerel---and locally sourced black Angus fillet makes a guest appearance. A simple but well-thought-out à la carte menu is also available. 

    Barrtrá, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
    65-708--1280

    Known For

    • Offers gluten-free options
    • Exceptional service
    • Incredible desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Jan.--Feb.; weekdays Mar.--Apr.; Sun. Oct.–Dec.; Tues. May--Sept.
  • 10. Café Linnalla

    $

    Set in a peninsula on Galway Bay's Flaggy Shore, the enterprising Brid Fahy opened this farm-to-wafer parlor experience back in 2006. Made with milk from the Friesian and Shorthorn herd from her five-generation farm, the ice cream here is fantastic, and for good reason: the cows cross between the mainland and a small island to graze and this gives the cow's milk a unique and varied flavor. This delicious cow's milk is combined with locally sourced ingredients such as hazelnuts, wild berries, rhubarb, and apples that are spiced with the taste of the ocean to create unique flavors that alternate with the changing of seasons. All to say, it makes for great ice creams.

    New Quay, Oughtmama, Co. Clare, Ireland
    87-785--7569

    Known For

    • Decadent sundaes with homemade brownies
    • Lovely Galway Bay views
    • Fruit smoothies

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekdays Nov.--Mar.
  • 11. Cava Bodega

    $

    Tapping into Galway's past as a major trading post for Spain, chef--owners JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffey bring all the favorite aspects of authentic Spanish cuisine and wine while also serving excellent local produce in this vibrant and warm Galway hot spot. More than 50 regional tapas served family-style at large, wooden communal tables are the heart of this restaurant filled with Spanish flavors and Irish produce and heart. There is an impressive craft beer and wine menu to accompany the food choices. For groups of eight or more, there's a tasting menu (€29 per person) that includes a sweeping selection of tapas.

    Middle Street Mews, Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    91-539--884

    Known For

    • Offers tasty traditional and vegetarian paellas
    • Superb desserts
    • Carefully sourced Spanish wines and sherries

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
  • 12. Cupán Tae

    $ | Center

    For anyone seeking an authentic tea-drinking experience, à la the Irish grandma who serves tea as an art form, the Cupán Tae ("the cup of tea" in Irish) serves it up with fussy crockery and much nostalgia. Breakfast is top-notch, and the popular afternoon tea comes complete with fresh-baked pastries served on a tiered china stand (of course). Add prosecco if you're feeling celebratory.

    8 Quay La., Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-895--000

    Known For

    • Afternoon tea
    • Breakfast
    • Nostalgic setting
  • 13. Eva's Cafe

    $

    For soup lovers, this modest, brightly painted café on a square in the heart of Ennis will hit all the right notes. With daily changing specials and a range of paninis and sandwiches, it's the perfect pit stop for a quality snack or budget lunch.

    Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland
    065-682--3901

    Known For

    • Daily soup specials
    • Full Irish breakfast
    • French onion soup

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 14. Flanagan's on the Lake

    $

    This lakeside restaurant, convenient for a bite before or after a River Shannon cruise, serves international fare with a breezy service. Locally produced standard fare like beef-and-Guinness pie as well as its reputable hamburgers, are favorites, but the restaurant also offers a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Its location on the Ballina side of the Killaloe Bridge puts it right across from the Shannon Cruise docking point.

    Ballina Quay, Killaloe, Co. Clare, Ireland
    061-622--790

    Known For

    • Occasionally hosts whiskey-tasting tours
    • Summer barbecues
    • Lakeside setting
  • 15. Gallery Cafe

    $

    A chilled-out café in the middle of town, Gallery Cafe has heaps of character with local artist exhibitions and the occasional live performance providing an ever-changing setting. The seasonal menu often features local catch, stews, and braised venison as well as pizza and sandwiches.

    The Square, Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-630--630

    Known For

    • Hearty and healthy breakfast menu
    • Fantastic coffee
    • Town-square setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 16. Goosers

    $

    One of the most famous landmarks in town, complete with thatched roof, turf fire, and stone flooring, this classic Irish pub is a cozy retreat from the lake in winter and a popular spot for alfresco dining in summer. Goosers is directly across the lake from St. Flannan's Cathedral and close to the town bridge that links County Tipperary to County Clare (Goosers is technically on the Tipperary side, but just barely), and serves traditional fare like Irish stew, seafood chowder, and bacon and cabbage.

    Ballina Rd., Killaloe, Co. Clare, Ireland
    061-376--791

    Known For

    • Lakeside setting
    • Traditional Irish fare
    • Lively weekend trade

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 17. Hazel Mountain Cafe

    $

    This surprising find in a cottage on the northern ridge of the Burren is not only a refreshing place for a soup-and-sandwich break, it's also home to the boutique Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, which produces chocolate using the same techniques employed by the monks who once occupied nearby Corcomroe Abbey. Vegetables are grown on-site and the cakes baked star in their own cookbook.

    Oughtmama, Co. Clare, H91 VCF1, Ireland
    065-707--8847

    Known For

    • Offers chocolate tours and tastings
    • Hearty soup with homegrown vegetables
    • Cottage farmhouse setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Factory tours available Mar.--Sept.
  • 18. Jilly and Joe's

    $

    Located in a courtyard outside of Bunratty Mills and spread out over a number of food trucks and kiosks, Jilly and Joe's was created to satisfy the demand for alfresco dining and has since become a local staple in the dining scene. Outside, guests huddle close to flames of heaters on a chilly day---beneath an awning or canopy---and order pizza, sandwiches, daily special, or a burger. Inside, the sprawling loft of Blarney Woollen Mills is the best place for good value lunchtime dishes like breaded fish, stews, and pasta along with custom-made sandwiches---the humble French fries are delicious. A fine selection of confectionery and ice-cream booth keep the sweet tooth brigade satisfied. If the car park is filled with tour buses, move along, or expect a long wait.

    Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland

    Known For

    • Carvery restaurant upstairs
    • Excellent coffee spot
    • Fun for families
  • 19. JP Clarke's Country Pub

    $$

    Adjoining the village's only thatched cottage that isn't in the folk park, gastropub JP Clarke's has an airy, mountain-lodge style interior with a brightly painted, vernacular exterior. On a sunny day, diners eat in the front garden space or can request seating under a glass roof. The menu is reasonably priced and straightforward---and the highlights are the daily specials listed on chalkboards throughout the premises. It's popular with locals so reservations are recommended.

    Old Bunratty Rd., Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland
    061-363–363

    Known For

    • Lunchtime and evening meals
    • Country setting close to Bunratty Castle
    • Nightly specials

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
  • 20. Kai Restaurant

    $$ | Center

    Tucked inside a renovated cottage in the shadow of St. Ignatius's limestone belfry is one of Galway's best restaurants. The bare stone walls and floors are brightened by a pop of color from thrifted chairs and a skylight that draws in natural light, but what really shines is the reasonably priced and locally sourced organic food. The menu changes daily, but offerings are always excellent, local, and pulled together with intelligence and creativity.

    20 Sea Rd., Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-526--003

    Known For

    • Amazing desserts
    • Excellent wine list
    • Reservations in demand

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Dinner reservations essential, no reservations taken for lunch

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