Prawns, calamari, mussels, lobster… We want it all.
Seafood is the key to our greedy souls, and nothing makes us happier than a huuuge platter of fresh little sea creatures ready to gorge upon (preferably washed down with a nice chilled glass of vino obvs.)
Luckily then, that Ireland is seriously one of best places in the world for seafood and fish and all sorts of delights to come from our crystal waters.
From north to south, east to wesht, we’ve sourced the very best seafood spots in the entire country that you really need to try.
1. Fishy Fishy, Cork
This husband and wife led restaurant in Kinsale is famous in the area for having the freshest catch – owner Martin knows the fishermen by name.
Queues in the summer can be long, but one bite of their Warm Salad of Chilli Seafood and all will be forgotten. Grab a table outside if you can.
2. Oscars, Galway
This incredible bistro has hands down some of the best fish and seafood to be found in Ireland, with menu options depending on what’s brought in off the boat that day.
Top choices are their famous oysters and mussels.
3. Fish Bar, Wicklow
The latest addition to the east coast’s seafood scene is this slick eatery serving up fresh smoked salmon, prawn tacos, crab rolls, fish burgers and more.
Best bit? Their batter is made with Wicklow Wolf Brewery beer. Yum.
4. Klaw, Dublin
One of the best places in Dublin for your fish fix, this is a trendy yet mouthwateringly great place.
KLAW’s Oysters, from Galway Bay, Waterford, Dooncastle and the Flaggy Shore, are served three ways: naked, dressed or torched, and are only €1.50 from 5-6pm.
5. Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Galway
Moran’s on the Weir is the cutest place ever – a 250-year-old thatched cottage makes a perfect setting to chow down on some mussels.
Their warm crab claws fried in garlic butter are deeee-lish. <3
6. Octopussy, Dublin
Where to begin? This tiny seafood tapas bar on Howth pier is the best spot to go after a stroll in the village.
Their Mediterranean style dishes are fresh and exciting, with local faves including the paella and chilli and chorizo squid.
7. Calvey’s of Achill, Mayo
Located smack bang on the beach of Keel, this is the place to go when you want authentic, homemade grub with a view. So, every day then.
Fresh catches include Plaice, Lemon Sole, Organic Clare Island Salmon, Achill Island Sea Trout, Monkfish and Cod.
8. Out Of The Blue, Kerry
“Meat eaters need not apply” states their website, so you know this a real haven for seafood devotees.
Nothing but the best will do here, and if the catch of the day isn’t good enough, the restaurant won’t open: simple as.
9. Eithna’s by the Sea, Sligo
This colourful restaurant overlooking Mullaghmore harbour is cosy and relaxed, and a must-go for fish fanatics.
Daily specials include sardines, squid, spider crab, whelks, and pollack, and there’s even a lobster pond beside the restaurant. Heaven.
10. La Cote, Wexford
We love this fine dining, French inspired seafood institution.
Everything is made in house, including a homemade seaweed butter, and with dishes like Grilled Lemon Sole, Carrot Puree, Citrus Nage & Orange Gel you’ll be obsessed with this place.
11. Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant, Clare
This family run homey restaurant has gorge views and even better food.
We recommend you try Barrtrá’s innovative Surprise Menu, where you pick either a fish, meat or veg option (go with the fish!) and the chef creates a unique five course menu for €37.
12. Harry’s Shack, Derry
This amazing beach shack won Ireland’s Restaurant of the Year after only a few months in business, and once you eat here you’ll know why.
Rustic wooden decor with menu options such as fishcakes and salt water cured Greencastle haddock will win you over. Also – how unreal is the outside?
13. Kealy’s Seafood Bar, Donegal
Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Greencastle, this chilled out restaurant puts a global twist on Irish classics.
Try the pan roasted Turbot with saffron pomme purée, crevette sauce and you’ll be dreaming of it for months to come.
14. Fisherman’s Pub, Galway
Ultra cosy with an old-school vibe,this fireside pub is in Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, and well worth the drive.
Their seafood platter, with Cleggan crab, smoked wild Atlantic salmon, Connemara smoked Irish tuna, smoked mackerel, Galway oysters, mussels and crab claws, green salad and homemade brown bread will live forever in my heart.
15. Linnane’s Lobster Bar, Clare
Famous for its oysters and seafood chowder, the sea views from this casual restaurant on New Quay Pier overlook Aughinish Island.
Go all out and get the half lobster with garlic butter, trust us.
Which droolworthy place are you gonna hit up first?
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