beach_dweller

With a lot of help (again) from the folks on this board, we finalized plans for our second trip to Ireland. Beginning August 11, we'll stay 3 nights in Donegal Town, then head southwest to Clifden for 3 nights (with our last night in Bunratty for the flight back).

We LOVED the pub grub on our first trip last year (Kenmare, Dingle). We also loved Packie's restaurant in Kenmare. We are not meat-eaters except for seafood, but we really love seafood (best mussels I've ever had were in Ireland). One last consideration: We like to hoist a few at the pubs, so ideally we like a place we can walk to for dinner & craic. We are staying at B&Bs in or near both town centers (Ard na Breatha in Donegal Town and SeaMist (formerly SeaView I believe) in Clifden).

As for lunch, we plan to do quite a few drives from both of our bases, so lunch on the road at places like Enniskillen or Sligo or Westport, etc. would be great too.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

cmcfong

Chuck, I looked back at my notes from my trip to Clifden and find that I stayed at the Mal Dua and had an excellent dinner at Destry. Enjoy the trip.

beach_dweller

Thanks! We'll put Destry on our list.

chatham

beach-dweller: Two years ago we had a few meals at these places in Clifden and were pleased. E.J. Kings pub ( right on the square), down the street a little Derryclare Restaurant, down the other main street Off The Square restaurant. Have a great trip.

Clifton

We stayed at Mal Dua as well. Don't have any big memorable nights eating in Clifden, but if you get in the mood for something different, there's actually a pretty good little asian place in town. Not fancy at all, but the food was pretty good, sort of a blend of Chinese, Thai, etc. We dound it nice as a change of pace.

I can't recall the name, but it's outside of the main little area there, up on one of the small streets on the hill just above the main hub and a bit to the north end of town. If you see mention of an asian sort of restaurant, follow the signs.

IrishEyes

Mal Dua now does lovely dinners in their new restaurant. Best to book ahead in August. I have also had excellent meals at Mitchell's in Clifden and O'Dowd's in Roundstone. Kitty Kelly's outside Killybegs is also good.

chatham

beach-dweller: Irisheyes is right about Mal Dua. I don't know how I forgot. Guess I was thinking right in town. We had two of our best meals there. We did stay 7 nights and it was lovely. Joan

panhandle

If you happen to have time drive up to Malinbeg via Glencolumbcille through the Blue Stack Mountains.(Anyone know the name of the pass up there?? I want to say Connor Pass)
The area around Malinbeg is some of the most picturesque that we saw on our trip. We thought it was nicer than The Cliffs of Moher. We spent a day driving around Donegal and fell in love with the place.
Have fun!

OReilly

We have stayed in the Clifden area 5 times - LOVE it. Here are some of our favorites. All are at the top end of the price range, but the food is well worth the price.
Lough Inagh Lodge
Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: 095 34706 Fax: 095 34708
http://www.loughinaghlodgehotel.ie/

Erriseask House Hotel,
Ballyconneely, Co. Galway
Tel: (Ireland) 353 95 23553 - Fax: (Ireland) 353 95 23639
http://www.iol.ie/~visitirl/html/erriseask_house.html

Cashel House Hotel
Cashel, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353-95-31001 Fax: +353-95-31077
http://www.cashel-house-hotel.com/

High Moors,
Dooneen, Clifden , Galway.
Phone:+353 95 21342


Regards Ger

beach_dweller

You guys and gals are the best! Thanks for all the suggestions. We fly coach to save money that can be freely spent on food (and guinness of course). So we'll be sure to toss in a few of the high-end recommendations (Irish Eyes, I'll book ahead for Mal Dua). Panhandle, I especially appreciate the tip about Malinbeg; that kind of thing is what we'll spend most of our mornings/afternoons doing.

Thanks again!