DINING in Ireland’s county Mayo

Mayo’s status as a foodie destination, particularly in Westport and along the Wild Atlantic Way, is evident in fine dining venues like The Dining Room and George V, which emphasise local produce. Casual spots like Cronin’s Sheebeen and The Idle Wall thrive on seafood, while budget options like The Creel and The West offer hearty, affordable fare.

Restaurants like An Port Mór and Rua prioritise local, sustainable ingredients with new foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends.

Fine Dining

The Dining Room (Castlebar, Bridge Street). Voted Best Restaurant in Ireland 2023 by the Connaught Telegraph, The Dining Room offers a fine dining experience in Castlebar’s heart, led by a team emphasizing local Mayo produce. The elegant, intimate setting is ideal for special occasions, with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on seasonal ingredients from the Wild Atlantic Way. Perfect for foodies seeking a refined meal. Expect dishes like Clew Bay lobster or Mayo lamb with foraged herbs, reflecting the region’s bounty. The Dining Room will introduce new tasting menus or host Boyne Valley Food Series events, capitalizing on its national acclaim and Mayo’s food tourism growth.
George V Dining Room at Ashford Castle (Cong, Co Mayo). Located in the five-star Ashford Castle, the George V Dining Room, led by Executive Chef Liam Finnegan, offers a luxurious fine dining experience in a grand, historic setting once home to the Guinness family. The menu showcases Mayo’s local produce, served with formal elegance, ideal for romantic dinners or milestone celebrations. Part of Red Carnation Hotels, it’s a Michelin Guide favorite. Rxpect offerings like pan-seared Clew Bay scallops or roast Mayo lamb, paired with fine wines. The George V will expand its seasonal menus or introduce new wine-pairing experiences, aligning with Ashford Castle’s calendar of extraordinary dining events.
An Port Mór (Westport, Brewery Place). A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in Westport, An Port Mór, run by Chef/Owner Frankie Mallon, offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Mayo’s coastal and inland produce. The cozy, sophisticated setting is perfect for a refined yet relaxed meal, emphasizing local seafood and meats. Ideal for food enthusiasts visiting Westport. Expect dishes like Clew Bay crab or Mayo beef with seasonal accompaniments, showcasing local flavors. An Port Mór will introduce new seafood specials or sustainability-driven dishes, reflecting Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way heritage.
The Tavern Bar & Restaurant (Murrisk, Co Mayo). Located near Croagh Patrick, The Tavern offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, earning accolades for its innovative menu. The elegant yet welcoming setting is ideal for a special meal after exploring Mayo’s scenic landscapes, with views enhancing the ambiance. Seafood platter with five smoked fish, calamari, and tempura prawn is a standout, praised for its freshness. The Tavern will expand its tasting menu or host new local wine evenings, building on its reputation for quality dining.
The Helm Restaurant (Westport, The Quay). A family-run, award-winning seafood restaurant on Westport’s Quay, The Helm offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Clew Bay’s fresh catches. The nautical-themed, elegant setting is perfect for a high-end meal, with a reputation for exceptional seafood and warm hospitality. Seafood chowder and steak with lobster are highlights, noted for their high quality. The Helm will introduce new daily seafood specials or expand its outdoor dining, leveraging its waterfront location.
Rua Restaurant at Dillon’s (Ballina, Dillon Terrace). Located in Ballina, Rua at Dillon’s offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Mayo’s local produce, part of the acclaimed Rua family’s portfolio. The sophisticated yet relaxed setting is ideal for a refined meal, with a menu celebrating the region’s artisanal ingredients. Perfect for foodies exploring the Boyne Valley. Expect offerings like Clew Bay oysters or Mayo lamb, emphasizing local sourcing. Rua will introduce new seasonal tasting menus or participate in Mayo’s food festivals, enhancing its culinary profile.

Casual Dining

Cronin’s Sheebeen (Westport, The Quay). A charming gastropub on Westport’s Quay, Cronin’s Sheebeen offers casual dining with a focus on local seafood and hearty Irish fare. The cozy, maritime-themed setting with river views is perfect for a relaxed meal after exploring Westport, ideal for families or groups. Known for its lively atmosphere and quality food. Crab and smoked salmon stack and fish pie are standouts, praised for their fresh flavors. Cronin’s Sheebeen will expand its craft beer offerings or introduce new seasonal seafood specials, reflecting Westport’s vibrant scene.
The Idle Wall (Westport, The Quay). A chic, casual restaurant in Westport, The Idle Wall offers a modern Irish menu with a focus on local produce, set in a stylish, relaxed environment. The creative dishes and welcoming vibe make it ideal for lunch or dinner, attracting both locals and tourists along the Wild Atlantic Way. Monkfish and seafood chowder are highlights, noted for their delicious execution. The Idle Wall will introduce new vegetarian options or host local music nights, enhancing its contemporary appeal.
The Towers Bar & Restaurant (Westport, The Quay). A family-run gastropub with stunning Clew Bay views, The Towers offers casual dining with a focus on local seafood and meats. The warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back meal, with outdoor seating ideal for summer evenings. A favorite for its hearty, flavorful dishes. Roasted lamb rump and seafood chowder are popular, praised for their quality. The Towers will expand its outdoor terrace or introduce new craft cocktail pairings, boosting its scenic dining experience.
Cian’s on Bridge Street (Westport, Bridge Street). A relaxed, contemporary bistro in Westport’s town center, Cian’s offers casual dining with a menu showcasing Mayo’s local ingredients. The cozy, welcoming setting is ideal for lunch or dinner, with a reputation for fresh, unfussy dishes and friendly service. Scallops and cod are highlights, noted for their fresh preparation. Cian’s will introduce new small plates or participate in Westport’s foodie Week, reflecting its local popularity.
Bar One (Castlebar, Rush Street). A family-run restaurant and bar in Castlebar, Bar One offers casual dining with a focus on traditional Irish and international dishes, voted top in Mayo. The lively, community-oriented setting is perfect for groups or families, with a menu featuring local produce and a warm, unpretentious vibe. Duck two ways and seafood platters are standouts, praised for their perfection. Bar One will expand its live music nights or introduce new budget-friendly specials, enhancing its community appeal.

Budget Dining

The Creel (Westport, The Quay). A cozy café on Westport’s Quay, The Creel offers budget-friendly dining with a focus on homemade soups, sandwiches, and seafood dishes. The casual, welcoming setting is ideal for a quick, affordable lunch while exploring Westport, with a reputation for fresh, local ingredients. Seafood chowder is a standout, noted as the best by diners. The Creel will introduce new daily specials or expand its takeaway options, catering to tourists along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The West Bar & Restaurant (Westport, Bridge Street). A traditional pub in Westport’s town center, The West offers budget-friendly dining with hearty Irish fare in a lively, historic setting. The casual atmosphere with live music makes it ideal for an affordable meal, perfect for soaking up Mayo’s local culture. Beef stew and soup are highlights, praised for their heartiness. The West will introduce new pub specials or host more live music sessions, enhancing its traditional appeal.
Sol Rio Restaurant (Westport, Bridge Street). A family-friendly restaurant in Westport, Sol Rio offers budget-friendly dining with a mix of Irish and Mediterranean dishes. The bright, casual setting is ideal for a quick, affordable meal, with a menu catering to diverse tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Expect affordable options like fish and chips or pasta, using local ingredients. Sol Rio will expand its vegetarian menu or introduce new lunch deals, reflecting Westport’s diverse food scene.
Allie’s Kitchen & Deli (Ballina, Tone Street). A charming café and deli in Ballina, Allie’s Kitchen offers budget-friendly dining with homemade baked goods, sandwiches, and light meals. The cozy, community-focused setting is perfect for a quick, affordable breakfast or lunch, with a focus on local Mayo produce. Expect homemade scones or hearty soups, known for their value. Allie’s will introduce new seasonal baked goods or expand its takeaway offerings, catering to Ballina’s local and tourist crowd.

Dining in Ireland

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Award winning restaurants

County Mayo:

Ireland’s county Mayo offers dramatic scenery and ancient heritage, with the Cliffs of Moher’s rugged beauty and Croagh Patrick’s pilgrimage trail providing stunning vistas. The town of Westport features Georgian architecture and access to Clew Bay’s islands, while the Ceide Fields showcase a prehistoric farming landscape. Other attractions include the celebrity beaches of Achill Island. Mayo is Ireland’s third largest county by size (5,398 square km) and 18th largest by population (137,970). Population peaked at 388,887 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 109,525 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Mayo is Ireland’s tenth most visited tourist county with around 218,000 international visitors per year.

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