7 Best Restaurants in Connemara and County Mayo, Ireland

If the sight of a red double-decker bus parked outside a cottage in the desolately beautiful small island of Inisbofin comes as a surprise, then the delicious offerings at Austin and Kartika's gourmet outpost will floor you completely, in a good way. The bus has retired and functions as the couple's kitchen, dining area, and food counter, serving up pollock, crab, and mackerel sourced from local islander fishermen. Mutton and lamb come straight from the farm, along with root vegetables, while everything else is island grown.

Gaining a steady following from locals and visitors, Misunderstood Heron is serving some of the finest local produce from unlikely quarters---from the back of a food truck. It's usually parked in Killary Loop Trail---and offers guests far more than the standard truck fare like a humble kebab or burger. Instead, expect fresh salmon with pickles, sourdough roast chicken wrap with harissa mayo and red onion, or mussels and lamb to be served with a dollop of good value. And you get to drink in the view overlooking the staggeringly beautiful setting of Killary Fjord.

Follow the Misunderstood Heron on social media to keep track of location and hours.

This friendly, boho-chic café with its traditional red shop front (rua is Irish for red) is a showcase for fresh, locally produced foods, simply served. There's an imaginative children's menu, and at lunch there are three daily specials—roast meat, fish, and vegetarian—while many opt for the homemade soup and sandwich (served in a traditional soft roll known as a blaa), or a salad. Choose a platter of local farmhouse cheeses, perhaps, or a salad of Achill Island smokehouse salmon with local greens, the house cucumber relish, and a selection of fresh breads.

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.

Downstairs is a traditional butcher shop, but climb one flight up to find the Andrew Stone gallery, with work by local artists for sale and a café serving homemade recipes, including home-baked cakes, quiches, soups, and pâtés.

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.

Coffee slices, cheesecake, apple pie, lemon drizzle, and a host of other delectable sweetness have greeted visitors for more than 65 years at this charming, second-generation bakery in the heart of Clifden. For those up early, a fine Irish breakfast will set the pace for a good day's sightseeing or hiking.