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Pubs and informal hotel restaurants are the main places to eat in this sparsely populated rural area, though there are also some fine-dining options. The only places with a choice of stand-alone restaurants are Clifden, the "capital" of Connemara (in fact a small village), and Westport, the chief resort in County Mayo. From Easter into the summer months, many menus feature Connemara lamb: the sheep graze on wild herbs on the mountain slopes, which gives the meat a distinctive flavor. The other star is local seafood, including crab and lobster in summer, and superb Atlantic salmon all year round, fresh or smoked. For seafood try the Tavern Bar and Restaurant near Westport, or Mitchell's in Clifden; for country house–style elegance go to Rosleague Manor in Letterfrack, or Mount Falcon near Ballina.
Nestled down a narrow laneway just off Bridge Street, this charming and intimate restaurant harbors the finest of local produce, exquisitely crafted into one of the best menus in Mayo by owner-chef Frankie Mallon. Daily specials include anything from warm pork-cheek salad and black pudding served with apple and vanilla or pan-seared Clew Bay scallops. Shabby chic decor and a leafy courtyard make it one of the most romantic places in town. Mains priced from €25 to €28.
Whether you're stocking up on local supplies for your Airbnb, stocking up on snacks for a Wild Atlantic Way drive, looking for picnic supplies or hamper gifts, or just stopping for a decent coffee and quick bite, this cute little artisanal food shop offers a wide variety of Irish farmhouse cheeses, meats, Connemara salmon, jams, pâtés, wines, and coffees, as well as a small nook to sit awhile.
Ship's wheels, fishing nets, and sculpted stone sharks leave little doubt that the Atlantic's catch takes center stage in this small, whitewashed cottage inn right in the heart of Letterfrack. Stuffed with timber nooks and crannies, and with an open fire, it's the place to warm up after a Connemara coastline hike. While Cleggan crab and Clew Bay oysters are the stars of the menu, steak, chicken, and vegan options such as a wild mushroom linguine with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto make a welcome appearance.
