Connemara and County Mayo Restaurants

Pubs and informal hotel restaurants are the main places to eat in this sparsely populated rural area. The only places with stand-alone restaurants are Clifden, the "capital" of Connemara (in fact a small village), and Westport, the chief resort in County Mayo. From Easter into the summer months many menus feature Connemara lamb: the sheep graze on wild herbs on the mountain slopes, which gives the meat a distinctive flavor. The other star is local seafood, including crab and lobster in summer, and superb Atlantic salmon all year-round, fresh or smoked. For seafood try the Tavern Bar and Restaurant near Westport, or Mitchell's in Clifden; for country house-style elegance go to Rosleague Manor in Letterfrack, or Renvyle House nearby. For memorable fine-dining experiences, there are two contenders: dinner beneath the crystal chandeliers at Ashford Castle's George V Restaurant, or the splendid river view from the Owenmore Restaurant in Ballynahinch Castle hotel in the heart of Connemara. Like all hotel restaurants in the area, they are open to nonresidents, but it is wise to reserve in advance.