Four Dining Out Gems in Clifden Ireland

Clifden town, the capital of Connemara in the west of Ireland, prides itself as being the ideal base for visitors seeking outdoor activities in the scenic hills and mountains around this picturesque town. Thankfully after working up an appetite rambling, horse-riding, mountaineering, etc. in the region the town also has some excellent options for eating out that will suit all palates and budgets.

Most of Clifden’s hotels and pubs can provide hearty Irish favorites on their menus but the following four have just gone that yard extra with their service, locally sourced produce, ambiance and mouthwatering dishes.

Marconi Foyles Hotel, Main Street, Clifden

This landmark Clifden hotel in the centre of town provides good food, good service, at reasonable prices, in pleasant surroundings.

The sea food is especially good (as can be said for all restaurants in town, given the excellent local produce). Well worth a visit, but just be sure to book your reservation especially in the high season.

Mitchell’s Restaurant, Market Street, Clifden

The menu at Mitchells is largely seafood as it is primarily a seafood restaurant. With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, this restaurant makes the most of the local produce available with a menu full of monkfish, salmon, trout and other fish delicately and considerately prepared in a variety of soups, chowders and mains.

That said there are also chicken, duck and beef options on the menu and the obligatory traditional Irish stew. All meat is sourced from local farms around Clifden and is of an exceedingly high standard. Some local favorites include the stuffed chicken breast on tagliatelle and the fillet steak which are superb.

Early bird menus of 3 courses are available all year round. Service is friendly and efficient. This restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, but does get busy in the high season.

Steam Coffee House, Station House, Clifden

This is a nice little cafe in the grounds of the Station House Hotel Clifden serving lovely coffee and cakes.

A large percentage of their produce is sourced from the owners own organic garden fresh each day to make up the beautiful food, wine and home-made soups, desserts and freshly made salads that are served.

Twin this with probably the best coffee in Clifden, great service and pretty surroundings and you have the most wonderful place for lunch.

Fogerty’s Restaurant, Market Street, Clifden

Fogerty’s provide a broad range of dishes on their menu, enough to satisfy a multitude of diners. Everything from bangers and mash to beautiful seafood is available on their menu. Local favorites include the highly recommended lamb shank which is locally sourced and cooked to perfection with the meat falling from the bone.

The quality of the food is exceptional and their prices are very reasonable. Staff are attentive and very accommodating. Children are welcomed and brilliantly catered for.

They have an early bird menu for around €21 per person and are also open for lunch.