11 best seafood restaurants in Ireland
1. Aqua, Howth, Dublin
Sit overlooking the water across Howth Sound to Ireland’s Eye as you feast on the bounty of those very waters. Aqua‘s lobster tank will most likely grab your attention – and why not? They’re super-local and prepared simply but perfectly, with garlic butter, skinny chips and a salad. Prices range depending on size (€9 per 100g). Portions are generous, so we recommend working up an appetite beforehand with a stroll through this beautiful fishing village.
There are plenty of picture-postcard communities dotted around the country. Check out our list of the 19 best historic villages in Ireland next!
2. Out of the Blue, Dingle, Co. Kerry
“Meat eaters need not apply” reads the website, and so devoted to fresh fish is Out of the Blue that if there is no suitable catch of the day, there is no lunch – they won’t even open. The dishes on offer are chalked up on the blackboard. Expect such beauties as grilled langoustines in garlic butter or pan-seared scallops flambéed in Porto.
3. Cavistons Seafood Restaurant, Sandycove, Dublin
So popular you’ll need to book a specific sitting well in advance, this family-run restaurant and food emporium is one of the top seafood restaurants in Ireland. And it changes its menu twice a week to reflect what’s fresh. The à la carte might feature panfried haddock with tartare sauce (€21) and roasted monkfish (€26) while the set menu is one of Ireland’s biggest bargains – just €21.95 for a starter (chargrilled sardines perhaps) and main course (organic salmon). Sittings: lunch Tues–Sat 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm; dinner Thur–Sat 6pm and 8.15pm.
4. Fishy Fishy, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Cross your fingers for sunshine – and a seat on the quiet leafy terrace at this laidback fish restaurant. There’s a seasonally changing menu alongside the recently launched Surf & Turf tapas, which includes bites of tuna remoulade (€8.95) and Jamie’s Oysterhaven oysters (€6.50 for three).
5. Moran’s Oyster Cottage, The Weir, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway
Moran’s must be doing something right – this thatched cottage on the shores of Galway Bay has been home to a seafood restaurant for seven generations. Currently run by William Moran Jnr, today it serves up oysters from the Clarenbridge oyster bed, wild native clams steamed in white wine (€12) and chilli coconut prawns (€21), all delicious.
6. Calvey’s of Achill, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Sitting right on the beach at Keel, Calvey’s is an island institution. Come here for Clew Bay mussels and oysters, local sea trout and sweet Keel island crab. Meat lovers will find plenty to enjoy here too, with Calvey’s rack of Achill lamb served with wild mint jelly the signature dish.
Combine a stop at Calvey’s with a drive up and over the steep clifftops to Keem Bay, which tops our list of 10 of the best beaches in Ireland 2019!
7. O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant, Roundstone, Co. Galway
A pub it may be, but O’Dowd’s is no slouch in the seafood stakes, with local lobster, crayfish and crab sourced from the old stone dock right across the street. Watch the fishermen unload their catch as you warm up by the peat fire before taking a seat in the restaurant for dishes such as Roundstone crab claws in garlic butter (€14.95) and fillet of fresh Connemara salmon (€16.95). There’s a great selection of local Irish ales to wash it all down with, too.
8. Quinlan’s Fish, Killorglin, Kenmare, Tralee and Killarney, Co. Kerry
You know a fish and chip shop is going to be good when they have their own boats. Quinlan’s menu is based on what their boats have landed at Renard and Caherciveen, with firm favourites including hake and haddock. Their real passion though is introducing customers to lesser-known fish – try the gurnard or ling.
9.Kealy’s Seafood Bar, Greencastle, Co. Donegal
James Kealy turned the pub his parents used to run into this seafood star back in 1989 and it’s steadily worked its way to the top of everyone’s list of Donegal seafood restaurants. Everything here is local, from the Greencastle Fisherman’s Co-op fish to the homemade sauces and relishes. There’s a three-course set menu for €28.50 but we recommend splashing out on the à la carte – Foylemore oysters (€11.50) followed by Monkfish tagine (€23.50). Open Thursday to Sunday.
Rows of thatched cottages, rolling green hills, friendly locals and warm country pubs with roaring fires: check out our top ten historic villages in Ireland 2019.
10. Oscar’s, Galway
Ask a Galway resident for their favourite restaurant and expect to hear Oscar’s name pop up plenty. This seafood bistro on Galway’s west side serves up fresh local seafood, including fishcakes made with the catch of the day (€9.50) and Marty’s mussels, steamed in a creamy white wine sauce.
Get behind the wheel for a magical tour across the country. The scenic drive from Dublin to Galway made our list of top 5 road trips in Ireland.
11. Linnane’s Lobster Bar, New Quay, Co. Clare
Last but not least on our list of best seafood restaurants in Ireland, this whitewashed pub-restaurant offers views over Galway Bay, and it has everything from bar snacks to slap-up dinners. Try the open crab sandwich at lunchtime or order crab claws in garlic followed by clams or a half kilo lobster. Food is served all day from 12.30pm.
Top 11 seafood restaurants in Ireland
| Restaurant | Where? |
| 1. Aqua | Howth, Dublin |
| 2. Out of the Blue | Dingle, Co. Kerry |
| 3. Cavistons Seafood Restaurant | Sandycove, Dublin |
| 4. Fishy Fishy | Kinsale, Co. Cork |
| 5. Moran’s Oyster Cottage, The Weir | Kilcolgan, Co. Galway |
| 6. Calvey’s of Achill | Achill Island, Co. Mayo |
| 7. O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant | Roundstone, Co. Galway |
| 8. Quinlan’s Fish | Killorglin, Kenmare, Tralee and Killarney, Co. Kerry |
| 9.Kealy’s Seafood Bar | Greencastle, Co. Donegal |
| 10. Oscar’s | Galway |
| 11. Linnane’s Lobster Bar | New Quay, Co. Clare |
Had too much lobster? Get stepping – these are 10 of the best hiking routes and trails in Ireland 2019.
*Updated February 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but subject to change and/or availability.
Written by Helen Ochyra for Skyscanner.
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.
