If you are a foodie in Galway or holidaying in Galway, you simply must visit Clifden town to experience its vibrant and thriving food scene. It’s home to some of our favourite dining destinations in the county so take our advice and check out our recommendations of where to go for food and drink in Clifden right here..
Fresh catch of the day, a hearty Irish stew, beer battered fish and chips, these are just some of the many meals we’ve fallen in love with while traversing about Clifden town. From gastrobars and restaurants to coffee shops, there are plenty of fabulous options of where to get a bite to eat when visiting the Capital of Connemara. We’ve narrowed down that list to our top ten picks so here is This is Galway's culinary guide to Clifden.
above: Guy's Bar
Guy’s Bar
What is it? - Gastrobar and restaurant that specialises in seafood
Best for - families, seafood lovers
Serving a fantastic food menu with a side of charm, Guy’s Bar boasts an extensive lunch menu and evening menu with superb daily specials and a great kids menu to boot. Additionally, their daily fresh seafood options has earned them their reputation as one of Galway’s best seafood restaurants, so if you are after a proper taste of the west coast Guy’s Bar will never let you down.
This is Galway tip: If it’s a sunny day get a table outside to best take in the buzz of Clifden town, alternatively if it’s chilly we recommend getting a table by their turf fire for the ultimate cosy bar experience.
Address: Main Street, Clifden
Read our full review from Guys Bar
above: The Ivy Restaurant
The Ivy Restaurant
What is it? - Tapas and wine bar
Best for - couples, wine enthusiasts, special occasions
The recently rebranded Ivy Restaurant (formerly The Lamplight) is a gorgeous restaurant that expertly combines fine dining and fine wines. Thanks to the joint efforts of Head Chef Sharn Walton and Sommelier Ivan Preboc, food and drink at The Ivy Restaurant pair together with extraordinary results and will bring your taste buds on a trip around the globe. One of the highlights for us is their wine list, which will no doubt introduce you to delicious new vinos.
This is Galway tip: In our opinion, The Ivy Restaurant can easily be considered as one of Clifden’s greatest hidden gems. Dining here is an experience that deserves to be shared which is why we are recommending it as a date night in Clifden.
Address: Market Street, Clifden
above: EJ Kings Bar & Restaurant, photographer: Ciarán MacChoncarraige
EJ Kings Bar & Restaurant
What is it? - An authentic Irish bar with incredible traditional Irish dishes
Best for - holidaymakers
If it’s an authentic traditional Irish drink and dining experience that you are after, EJ Kings has perfected just that. Seriously, we mean it! They have over 100 years of experience in welcoming new and old guests to Clifden and showing them the best cuisine that Connemara region has to offer and now with a modern twist. Some of their most popular dishes include their hearty Irish stew, Connemara mussels, and the beer battered fish and chips (best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness).
This is Galway tip: Once you’ve landed in Clifden, head straight to EJ Kings for food and drink because not only will it be an awesome dining experience, you will be right in the heart of Clifden town. The ideal starting point for all your future Clifden explorations.
Address: Market Square, Clifden
MC McGraths
What is it? - Traditional Irish music pub with terrific bar food
Best for - groups, night outs
MC McGraths is one of the oldest family run bars in Clifden and the craic here is truly unparalleled. They only started serving food earlier this year but have already become one of the most popular spots in town for dinner and pints. The menu here features all your classic bar dishes with the likes of spice bags, loaded fries, wings and burgers so it’s the perfect accompaniment for your evening (or midday) pints.
This is Galway tip: The live music sessions at MC McGraths are on another level. Even if you decide to get food here earlier in the day we highly highly recommend you swing by post 6pm in order to catch one of these live music performances.
Address: Bridge Street, Clifden
Signal Bar & Restaurant
What is it? - Bar and restaurant with tons of old-world charm and history
Best for - holidaymakers, families with young children
Signal Bar is located on the grounds of Clifden Station House Hotel, and is open to both hotel guests and non-residents alike. Easily accessible from the town centre with plenty of parking available, this restaurant is a great option for food and drink as it offers brilliant brunch, lunch and dinner menus as well as dedicated menus for pizzas and kids too. Catering to all ages, you are certain to find something you’ll love on the menus at Signal.
This is Galway tip: If you are a bit of a history buff, you’ll LOVE dining at Signal Bar & Restaurant. This unique bar is actually set in a Victorian-era building as it was a part of the original Clifden Railway Station and still has many of the building’s original features on display. It’s definitely worth a look if you are curious about Clifden’s past.
Address: No.1, Platform, Station House Courtyard, Galway Road, Clifden
Oifig An Fish
What is it? - Fish and chip shop
Best for - seafood enthusiasts
The little brother business to Snappy Snappy crab food truck, Oifig An Fish is a new addition to the culinary scene in Clifden and it absolutely needs to be on your radar. As you may have guessed, seafood is their speciality and their fish and chips are already a favourite amongst the locals. To make your dining experience with them even better, they also have a few craft beers available on tap providing a smooth finish to your salty seafood snack.
This is Galway tip: Few things go better together in life than fish and chips. So, if you’ve found yourself in Clifden on the edge of Galway Bay, you know you have to try a fresh take on the classic combo so this spot is where you need to do just that!
Address: Main Street, Clifden
above: Walsh's Bakery
Walsh’s Bakery
What is it? - Bakery and coffee shop
Best for - pet-friendly, families
The family run Walsh’s have been baking up a storm in Clifden for almost a century now and absolutely perfected the recipe for their handcrafted breads and baked goods. With their bakery onsite, the treats in the coffee shop are made fresh each day to ensure maximum deliciousness. Alongside all of their fabulous pastries, cakes, and breads they also have more substantial offerings such as sandwiches, quiches and yoghurt bowls.
This is Galway tip: Go early in the morning to ensure that you get the goods as soon as they have been taken out of the oven. I mean, 9am is the best time for a coffee and cake if you ask us!
Address: Market Street, Clifden
Upstairs Downstairs Café
What is it? - Coffee shop and café serving speciality coffee
Best for - takeaway, coffee and a little treat
Visiting the cute Upstairs Downstairs Café is a lovely way to kickstart a day of shopping around the town or alternatively before you take off on a day trip to the nearby Kylemore Abbey and town of Letterfrack. They are known for their great tasting coffees, sandwiches, salads, cakes and baked goods. Upstairs Downstairs Café is open year round with both indoor and outdoor seating available too.
This is Galway tip: When in Clifden go to Upstairs Downstair Café and treat yourself to a hot or iced coffee (made to your liking) and a sweet treat - you know you deserve it.
Address: Main Street, Clifden
Sweet Nothings
What is it? - vegan/vegetarian café, a 14 minute drive from Clifden town
Best for - vegans, vegetarians, coffee and a treat
Open for the summer season, Sweet Nothings is the kind of place that I hope to happen upon while visiting somewhere new. The team here are really lovely and greet everyone as though they are old friends. The café’s location makes it the ideal place for a midday meal for those hiking nearby or anyone travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. The menus here consist of vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes, alongside a full coffee menu as well as freshly made cakes and bakes.
This is Galway tip: If they are open when you are visiting West Galway we insist that you call in for some food. If you’re not a vegan or vegetarian do NOT dismiss Sweet Nothings when trying to find somewhere for food, because the food here is unreal and shouldn’t be missed.
Address: Ballyconneely, Connemara
Steam
What is it? - Daytime café with covered outdoor seating
Best for - holidaymakers, coffee and a little treat
Open seasonally to cater to all Clifden holidaymakers and adventure seekers, Steam is a great place to begin your day. Located on the grounds of Clifden Station House Hotel, they offer both sit-in and takeaway options to ensure that their customers get exactly what they need before hitting the road. In addition to their all day menu they offer a terrific cup of coffee and iced drinks, as well as homemade bakes and pastries.
This is Galway tip: Order the open Cleggan crab sandwich. Served on homemade brown bread, this dish is what first drew our attention to Steam and we are happy to report that it lived up to the hype - do yourself a favour and check it out.
Address: Station House Courtyard, Galway Road, Clifden
above: Ravi's Bar & Restaurant
Ravi’s Bar & Restaurant
What is it? - Gastrobar serving Irish food with a Sri Lanken twist
Best for - special occasions, groups, nights out
The food at Ravi’s Bar and Restaurant takes classic traditional Irish dishes and gives them a fresh Sri Lanken twist. With the inclusion of the likes of king prawn curries and Killary mussels on their menus, the chefs at Ravi’s are passionate about creating home-cooked style meals from fresh local seafood. To complement the food, they also offer a full bar menu with craft beers, spirits, and chilled cocktails.
This is Galway tip: If possible when dining at Ravi’s sit out in their beer garden. The space is covered and heated, and overlooks Clifden Harbour meaning that you are guaranteed pretty stunning views as you drink and dine.
Address: 1 Market Street, Clifden
Feature photo courtesy of Guy's Bar
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