- Overall: An Port Mór, Westport: An Port Mór in Westport has long been a cornerstone of Mayo’s dining scene, previously owned and run by chef Frankie Mallon, where it gained a strong reputation for excellent seafood and local produce; the restaurant continues to deliver high-quality contemporary Irish cooking in a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the best of the west of Ireland’s ingredients.
- Cafe: Baker 51, Ballina: Cafe: Baker 51, Ballina: Opened in December 2024 by the O’Hara family of Foxford in Market Lane off Tone Street, Baker 51 is a welcoming artisan bakery and café that quickly established itself as a popular spot in Ballina, offering fresh baked goods, cosy café vibes and quality coffee in its first year of trading, with Susan reflecting on a wonderful start that has delighted locals and visitors alike.
- Casual Dining: Friends Bistro, Westport: Casual Dining: Friends Bistro, Westport: Established as Friends Bistro Limited in March 2020 in Westport, this popular casual dining venue has built a loyal following through its relaxed setting and approachable menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a friendly and enjoyable dining experience that perfectly suits everyday occasions in the heart of the town.
- Chef: Shteryo Yurukov, Sage Restaurant, Westport: Chef: Shteryo Yurukov, Sage Restaurant, Westport: Bulgarian-born chef Shteryo Yurukov, who trained and worked in the west of Ireland including at An Port Mór, took over ownership of Sage Restaurant in Westport in 2013 alongside front-of-house partner Eva Ivanova; he is celebrated for his contemporary Irish cooking with a forager’s sensibility, creating quietly impressive seafood-focused dishes that showcase wild and local ingredients in a small, intimate setting.
- Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Poacher Restaurant, Ballina: Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Poacher Restaurant, Ballina: Opened above Heffernans Fine Foods in Ballina’s Market Square by talented young couple Yvonne Kathrein and Daniel Mayr, Poacher Restaurant delivers polished contemporary Irish cuisine with a strong emphasis on local seafood and artisan suppliers; Austrian-born Yvonne brings passion for fresh produce to her menus while Daniel provides warm front-of-house hospitality and wine knowledge, offering fine dining without fuss at reasonable prices.
- Customer Service: Arno’s Bistrot, Westport: Customer Service: Arno’s Bistrot, Westport: Owned by Arnaud Vaccani, originally from Paris, Arno’s Bistrot on Market Lane in Westport offers an intimate French-inspired dining experience with a gallic twist on seasonal Irish ingredients under head chef Donal Hoban; the venue stands out for its genuinely friendly and attentive customer service, with Arnaud often visiting tables personally to ensure every guest enjoys a refined yet relaxed evening, open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.
- Employee Excellence: Jason Moyles, The Cot and Cobble, Ballina: Employee Excellence: Jason Moyles, The Cot and Cobble, Ballina: Jason Moyles at The Cot and Cobble in Ballina has been recognised for his outstanding dedication and service, contributing significantly to the popular eatery’s success and its win as Best Gastro Bar in Mayo; his commitment to both team and customers has helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in this well-loved Ballina venue.
- Gastro Pub: JJ O’Malleys, Westport: Gastro Pub: JJ O’Malleys, Westport: Originally opened in 1989 under the ownership of Brendan Kealy on Bridge Street in Westport, JJ O’Malleys has long been a landmark for live traditional music, good food and authentic Irish hospitality; the family-owned gastro pub, with company records dating to 2001, offers a classic pub experience with a strong menu of Irish classics in a lively yet cosy setting that continues to attract locals and visitors.
- Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong: Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong: Part of the historic Ashford Castle estate in Cong, which has seen ownership by the Guinness family and later the Red Carnation Hotel Collection since 2013, The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides elegant dining in a luxurious yet approachable guesthouse setting; it benefits from the castle’s long heritage of hospitality dating back centuries, offering high-quality restaurant experiences that complement the estate’s renowned service and scenic surroundings on the shores of Lough Corrib.
- Innovator: Foxford Café, Foxford: Foxford Café in Foxford has earned recognition as Innovator of the Year in Mayo at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026 through its creative approach to café dining, integrating heritage elements from the historic Foxford Woollen Mills area with fresh, locally inspired offerings in a welcoming space that blends retail, history and quality food service, quickly gaining acclaim including a Best in Mayo award at Blas na hÉireann.
- Local Food Hero: Cillian Ó Móráin & Naomi Clarken, Mescan Brewery, Westport: Local Food Hero: Cillian Ó Móráin & Naomi Clarken, Mescan Brewery, Westport: Run by Cillian Ó Móráin and his wife Naomi Clarken in Kilsallagh near Westport, Mescan Brewery produces award-winning craft beers using local ingredients and traditional methods, with the couple celebrated for championing regional produce and sustainability; their beers have secured multiple gold and silver medals at Blas na hÉireann, highlighting their dedication to authentic Mayo flavours and community-focused brewing.
- Newcomer: Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar, Ballina: Newcomer: Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar, Ballina: Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar in Ballina opened its doors on 24 July 2025 under the ownership of Daniel in the former Gaughan’s Bar on O’Rahilly Street, rapidly establishing itself as a vibrant newcomer with chef-driven small plates, craft cocktails and an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere that has brought fresh energy and bold flavours to the town’s dining scene seven days a week.
- Pub: McDonnells Bar & Undertakers, Belmullet: Pub: McDonnells Bar & Undertakers, Belmullet: Established in 1942 by Michael and Elizabeth McDonnell on Barrack Street in Belmullet, McDonnells Bar & Undertakers remains a unique family-run institution now under the stewardship of third-generation owner Padraic Conroy, who has been involved since his youth; combining traditional pub hospitality with undertaker services, it has been part of the fabric of Erris life for over eighty years and featured in documentaries for its distinctive character.
- Restaurant Manager: John Nevin, Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Mulranny: Restaurant Manager: John Nevin, Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Mulranny: John Nevin has owned and managed Nevin’s Newfield Inn in Mulranny since purchasing the business from his parents in 2001, transforming the premises originally established in 1863 by Dinny Sweeney as a pub and shop into a thriving bar, restaurant and guesthouse on the N59 between Newport and Mulranny; his hands-on leadership alongside his wife Anne and family has ensured year-round hospitality and innovation while preserving its warm local character.
- Sustainable Practices: The Creel, Castlebar: Sustainable Practices: The Creel, Castlebar: The Creel in Castlebar has been recognised for its outstanding sustainable practices at the Irish Restaurant Awards, demonstrating commitment to ethical sourcing, waste reduction and environmentally conscious operations that support local suppliers and minimise its ecological footprint while delivering high-quality dining in the heart of Mayo.
- Use Of Social Media: Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar, Westport: Use Of Social Media: Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar, Westport: Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar in Westport has excelled in its creative and engaging use of social media to showcase signature cocktails, wine selections and lively events, building a strong community connection and attracting visitors through vibrant, authentic content that highlights the venue’s stylish offerings and welcoming vibe in the town.
- Wine Experience: George V at Ashford Castle, Cong: Wine Experience: George V at Ashford Castle, Cong: The George V restaurant at Ashford Castle in Cong, part of the historic estate purchased by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection in 2013, offers an exceptional wine experience under the guidance of experienced sommeliers including long-serving staff such as Robert Bowe as Restaurant and Wine Program Manager; housed in the elegant dining room built in 1905 to honour King George V, it pairs an extensive international wine list, including selections from the owners’ own Bouchard Finlayson vineyard, with refined cuisine in a setting of timeless luxury on the shores of Lough Corrib.
- World Cuisine: La Casa, Claremorris: World Cuisine: La Casa, Claremorris: La Casa in Claremorris brings authentic world cuisine with a focus on Spanish tapas and wines to Mayo, earning recognition as a rising star in the region; the welcoming venue offers a vibrant selection of sharing plates and carefully chosen drinks in a relaxed setting that celebrates Mediterranean flavours and hospitality in the heart of the town.
Michelin Guide
- Recommended: An Port Mór, Westport, A classic cuisine restaurant praised for its high-quality, well-executed dishes using local ingredients in a charming town setting.
- Two MICHELIN Keys (Hotel Award): Ashford Castle, Cong, A luxurious historic castle hotel newly awarded two keys in for outstanding comfort, exceptional service, and fine dining experiences including the George V Room.
Georgina Campbell Awards
- Hospitality Hero Award: Niall Rochford of Ashford Castle, Cong, Recognised as a leading figure in Irish hospitality for his captaincy of Ireland’s premier luxury destination.
- ‘Happy Place’ Award: Café Rua, Castlebar, A cheerful, welcoming café near the Linenhall Arts Centre, celebrated for its warm atmosphere and community appeal.
- Visitor Attraction: Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Ginger & Wild Café, Ballycroy, Honoured for its exceptional visitor experience combining nature, education, and quality café dining in a remote, scenic location.
Good Food Ireland Awards
- 5-Star Hotel of the Year (Winner): Ashford Castle, Cong, A luxurious estate recognised for top-tier hospitality, exceptional dining, and iconic Irish experiences.
- Restaurant of the Year Finalist: An Port Mór Restaurant, Westport, Shortlisted nationally for consistent delivery of exceptional culinary experiences with high-quality Irish ingredients.
- County Mayo’s awards scene emphasises luxury estate dining at Ashford Castle (with significant national and international recognition), charming Westport spots like An Port Mór, and welcoming cafés and pubs, blending Wild Atlantic Way hospitality with high-end and neighbourhood excellence using local, seasonal produce.
Restaurant award winners
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 – Overall – County winners – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
Dining
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
2026 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
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
2025 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
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
2024 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
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
Mayo:
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
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.
