County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

2 Best Restaurants in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands, Ireland

Because the West provinces have a brief high season—from mid-June to early September—and a quiet off-season, it doesn't have as broad a choice of small, owner-operated restaurants as do other parts of Ireland. Often the best place to eat is a local hotel. But some places landmark the region, including Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan near Galway City, where the fare is simple, served in traditional pub surroundings, but sea-leaping fresh. At the other extreme are more dazzling experiences, like when you splurge to dine in style like the superb formal restaurant at Dromoland Castle. For truly adventurous contemporary Irish cooking, head to happening Galway; the town center is so compact you can meander around and read the menus on display outside before making your choice.

JP Clarke's Country Pub

Adjoining the village's only thatched cottage that isn't in the folk park, gastropub JP Clarke's has an airy, mountain-lodge style interior with a brightly painted, vernacular exterior. On a sunny day, diners eat in the front garden space or can request seating under a glass roof. The menu is reasonably priced and straightforward---and the highlights are the daily specials listed on chalkboards throughout the premises. It's popular with locals so reservations are recommended.

Kai Restaurant

$$ | Center

Tucked inside a renovated cottage in the shadow of St. Ignatius's limestone belfry is one of Galway's best restaurants. The bare stone walls and floors are brightened by a pop of color from thrifted chairs and a skylight that draws in natural light, but what really shines is the reasonably priced and locally sourced organic food. The menu changes daily, but offerings are always excellent, local, and pulled together with intelligence and creativity.

County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

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