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Awaken your taste buds on your next trip out West
Ireland’s west coast is home to some of the world’s most incredible wild beaches, breathtaking scenery and rugged cliffs and during autumn, the landscape takes on a different kind of drama. Moody and remote, this stretch of Ireland has a haunting beauty that really has to be seen to be believed, particularly in the colder months.
Whether you’re planning a road trip along this iconic route or an autumn getaway to one of its many bustling towns, we’re on a mission to make your next trip even more enjoyable. Get the absolute most out of your break by including stops at some of our favourite spots to relax, refuel and enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner.
From pubs with a view in Limerick to fresh seafood in Mayo to award-winning pizza in Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way is a food-lovers haven.
Ready to level-up your Wild Atlantic Way break? Here are some of our top culinary spots and pubs to awaken your taste buds and elevate your next getaway to the Wild Atlantic Way:
Pot Duggans, Ennistimon, Co. Clare
With beautiful beaches, surf clubs, the Burren landscape and the Cliffs of Moher, there is plenty to discover in Co. Clare. With so much to see and do, you will have worked up an appetite, and when hunger hits we’ve got just the place.
A mere seven-minute bus journey from the surfer’s paradise of Lahinch is Pot Duggans, an award-winning riverside restaurant, serving up an extensive brunch menu during the day and pizza in the evenings. Expect your meal to have a distinctly local touch – from their range of Blaa Blaa Baps to their pizzas, which are all named after local attractions, including Spanish Point and the Doolin Cave. In addition to these tasty offerings, Pot Duggans hosts a Riveryard Market every month and karaoke sessions on the regular.
The Mad Monk, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Killarney in Co. Kerry makes for an ideal short break. It boasts stunning walking trails, the decadent Muckross House, and delicious local seafood.
On your next trip to The Kingdom, make sure you indulge in some fresh seafood at The Mad Monk in Killarney. The fish served here is sourced directly from their own boats off the coast, and it’s cooked to order, so you know you’re enjoying some top-quality seafood. Not a big fish fan? No worries, The Mad Monk serves up plenty of grill specials, including steak, and a range of desserts to indulge your sweet tooth in. And, if you’re looking for a way to work up an appetite, enjoy a bracing walk around the nearby Killarney National Park. With autumn in full swing, you’re bound to see some truly beautiful foliage here.
Crookhaven Inn, Crookhaven, Co. Cork
Heading to West Cork on your next short break? Take in this region’s natural beauty while enjoying a tasty meal in this picturesque harbour town.
Crookhaven Inn in Co. Cork, is just a short drive away from Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southern point, and it deserves a spot on your Cork itinerary. This gastropub overlooks the water and serves up incredible food with a view. Enjoy a bowl of seafood chowder by the fire, and, if you’re lucky, some live traditional Irish music or a pub quiz. Afterwards, take in the cool autumn air with a stroll along the pier.
The Dough Bros, Co. Galway
Well serviced by public transport and bursting at the seams with culture, fun and things to do, Galway always makes for a great city break. But did you know that this bustling city is also home to some award-winning pizza?
The Dough Bros in the heart of Galway isn’t just one of the best pizzerias in the country, it’s one of the best in the world. Book a table here during your next Galwegian getaway and tuck into some truly tasty pizzas. These wood-fired feasts will tantalise your tastebuds and truly satisfy the appetite you will have worked up while exploring the buzzy city of Galway.
The Tavern Bar and Restaurant, Westport, Co. Mayo
Westport in Co. Mayo is home to the stunning Westport House, the beautiful Great Western Greenway, and this autumn, we’re on a mission to make to your next short break even more memorable with some delicious local cuisine.At The Tavern Bar and Restaurant, you can enjoy oysters, mussels, crab and salmon, caught freshly from the Wild Atlantic coast, or traditional Irish dishes like beef and Guinness casserole. There’s also a good few vegetarian options and plenty to suit younger diners as well.
The Snug Bar, Co. Sligo
Complete your next short break in Sligo off with an authentic Irish pub experience by heading to the iconic Snug Bar.
This pub, located in Sligo town, has the honour of being the county’s smallest pub, but what it lacks in size, it seriously makes up for in character. On your next getaway to Sligo, step into The Snug Bar and discover what makes it so special. Soak up the atmosphere, join in on the lively sessions and enjoy a tipple from the Snug Bar’s extensive range of craft beers.
JJ Bowles, Co. Limerick
Limerick City is home to so many great attractions, and no trip here is complete without a visit to JJ Bowles. This pub, which is Limerick’s oldest pub, offers guests a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to enjoy some spectacular views of King John’s Castle and the River Shannon. Inside, meanwhile, guests are welcome to sit by the roaring fire or catch the latest sports fixtures on the big screen.
The Lemon Tree, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Nestled at the top of the Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal is home to breathtaking beaches, sprawling national parks and picturesque towns. One town in particular, Letterkenny, boasts a family-run establishment with the culinary excellence that you would expect from a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
Chefs at The Lemon Tree use fresh, local ingredients in their cooking to deliver their contemporary Irish offering. Menu highlights include mushroom arancini, pan-fried monkfish and slow-cooked pork belly – the perfect meal to warm up with after taking in all of that crisp Donegal air. After your meal, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque town of Letterkenny.
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