Quay Cottage is probably the best restaurant in Westport, and advance booking is essential. Located on the harbour, 2km outside Westport town, it’s a charming stone cottage with friendly staff; the food is superb. They specialise in seafood, but the menu caters for meat and vegetarian options.

Victoria Place, off Eyre Square, Galway. (Map galwaycityl11o13 - 011)
Phone: +353 (0)91 563693   Fax: +353 (0)91 563074  
Price: Expensive  
Opening Times: Tues - Sat Lunch and Dinner. Closed Sun and Mon. For Bank Hol Mon: open Sun, closed Tues.  

This small restaurant is hidden away in a little lane off Eyre Square but if you can find it, it’s well worth it. In a modern Irish style, the standard is really excellent, and the friendly staff and professional service add to the experience: a bit expensive, but this is the place to treat yourself.

Middle Street, Galway (Map galwaycityl11o13 - N11)
Phone: +353 (0)91 561443  
Price: Inexpensive  
Opening Times: Open daily for lunch 12.30 - 15.00, dinner 17.30 - 22.30  

Wholesome and filling egg noodle dishes and very reasonably-priced, in the centre of Galway near Quay Street.

Cross Street, Galway. (Map galwaycityl11o13 - N11)
Phone: +353 (0)91 569404  
Price: Moderate  
Opening Times: Opn daily for lunch12.30 - 14.30 and dinner17.00 - 22.30  

Located in the heart of Galway, next to Quay Street, Kirbys is a new and very popular restaurant. In a general modern Irish/European style with a varied menu, good wine list; priced moderate to expensive.

22 Quay Street, Galway (Map galwaycityl11o13 - N12)
Phone: +353 (0)91 565001   Fax: +353 (0)91 562246  
Price: Moderate  
Opening Times: Mon - Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 17:00 - 23:00  

Located in Galway’s busy Quay Street, the McDonagh family have run a successful Fish Shop and Restaurant for generations. TheSeafood Bar is really superb, offering a range of fresh fish daily, while the cheaper Fish and Chip Bar offers meals from IR£3.50

Old Malt Mall, High Street, Galway (Map galwaycityl11o13 - N11)
Phone: +353 91 567866  
Price: Moderate  
Opening Times: Open for lunch and dinner, Mon - Sat.  

Very popular with the locals, the Malt House is always busy,serving excellent meals in a traditional-Irish style with some modern influences; seafood is very good here.

Modern-Irish cooking with plenty of other influences, especially Asian, the menu is always interesting here. Very popular , so book in advance. In summer, they do two evening sittings, 19.00 and 21.00

This is the best restaurant in Ireland (in our opinion). Drimcong House is in its own grounds just outside Moycullen, close enough to drive from Galway. Run by the hospitable Galvin family, they organically grow on the land much of the produce for the kitchen, the food is excellent in a modern-Irish style, and reasonably-priced for this standard. Good vegetarian and young-peoples options. We heard a rumour they might retire soon, so do phone in advance.

This is a really marvellous restaurant (and hotel) located on a remote headland where seals laze around on the rocks and the only sound is of singing larks. The food is superb; there’s also a Menu Degustation for those who really want to indulge.

The most established restaurant in town and probably the best, O’Grady’s is always busy. The decor and service are quite old-fashioned, while the food is excellent in a modern-Irish style, specialising in seafood but plenty of alternatives, with generous portions.

Located in the village of Moycullen, 20 minutes drive north along the River Corrib from Galway, White Gables is one of the best restaurants in the county. A bit expensive, but good value for the high standard of cooking (especially seafood); very friendly and welcoming.