Celebrate Food

Celebrate Wine

Celebrate Life

MCGRATH’S BAR

We can’t say for certain that the pizza, beer and live-music combination is one that is unique to McGrath’s Bar. What we can be sure of, however, is that this family-owned hostelry wouldn’t be around as long as it has without an eye for invention. Their pizza-and-a-pint offer sounds like the ideal foundation for an evening that promises some of the best live music you’ll find in the West.

MITCHELL’S RESTAURANT

This 2015 Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland winner is considered something of a powerhouse when it comes to dining out in Clifden, such is its reputation for consistency and quality. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the star of the show with local fisherman literally bringing fresh boxes of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans to its kitchen door each morning – how on earth could it be otherwise?

O’DOWD’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, BAR & CAFÉ

Those on a mission to source the best seafood chowders would do well to journey out to O’Dowd’s. A pillar of Roundstone that dates back to 1840, this is among Connemara’s major seafood landmarks, one made all the more enticing by the promise of a harbourside Guinness afterwards looking out on that view. Food-to-go from its café is a welcome addition to the set-up.

OLIVER’S SEAFOOD BAR

One thing you can be sure of about a seafood bar right by the dock of a working fishing harbour is that your food won’t have travelled very far to reach your plate. This and a friendly, casual atmosphere are why we recommend sticking your head in the door of Oliver’s for refuelling should you find yourself exploring Claddaghduff, the Aughrus peninsula, or the mighty Inishbofin island.

Sands Bar

Between its white sands and tropical-tinged waters, Mannin Bay has always had a slightly exotic undercurrent, even if the water temperature doesn’t quite chime. Connemara Sands seems aware of this, and brings a sophistication to the spread it offers at its beachside premises that is at once quintessentially Irish while being dynamic. Local produce and seafood are to the fore.

Signal Bar And Restaurant

Aside from the canny way it repurposed of a key part of Clifden’s built heritage, the Signal Bar in the old Victorian train station deserves applause for how quickly it became a firm favourite in the town landscape. Good quality pub grub has played a part, as has an inviting, vintage atmosphere that is as suited to mellow morning coffees with the newspaper as it is lively evenings on the barstool.