Another summer holidaying around our beautiful green island doesn’t sound too bad. For anyone staycationing or visiting the southwest Mayo area, there are an array of eateries to choose from. This week, I will look at what’s available in my local town Louisburgh.
Now that indoor dining has resumed, almost everything has gone back to normal. Al Fresco dining can be enjoyed when the sun comes out. Our varied weather here in the west is not for the faint-hearted. The wild Atlantic way is impressive, though its sharp winds and rain are not so delicious.
The thing I like about dining (For me, it’s a free day away from the kitchen) is that it can be done at any time. It doesn’t always have to be an evening experience. It’s essential when making a booking to contact the owners of the restaurants, diners and cafes directly or via their Facebook, Instagram and websites, as they may be fully booked or closed on a particular day.
Tia
As you drive into the heart of Louisburgh town (The square to the locals), watch out for the bright sunshine painted building ‘Tia’ (‘Aunt’ in Portuguese). This boutique emporium has a Mediterranean Irish vibe to it. Popular with locals and holidaymakers, it serves a lovely variety of hot and cold foods. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, there is a well-sheltered pod created by the local Louisburgh company Nomadic Displays outside. Run by Portuguese native Ana Ramiro, who expanded recently with Tia by the River- a café by day specialising in Tapas to a restaurant by night serving evening dinner. So if you’re after breakfast, lunch or take away dinner, make sure to keep Tia’s in mind. For more information and daily updates concerning the menu, follow Tia via Facebook or Instagram.https://www.facebook.com/TiaLouisburgh/
Gaffney’s Seafood Restaurant
Turning right at the square will bring you onto Chapel Street and just around the corner from Tia’s. To the casual visitor, Gaffney’s stands as a restaurant. This eatery was fondly remembered as a pub and served the best Guinness for many decades to the locals and long-time holidaymakers. Run by Orla Gaffney, this dusty pink restaurant is worth a try. Serving fresh fish dishes with a twist. If fish is not your thing, they have steak, chicken, pasta, and a selection of stone baked pizzas. Currently, open from Thursday to Sunday. Gaffney’s is suitable for those looking for an evening meal. Check out their Instagram and Facebook pages, where you can view their menu and customer reviews.https://www.facebook.com/Gaffneys.restaurant
Good Grazing
Two doors down from Gaffney’s, you’ll find Good Grazing. A popular burger and pizza diner. Well known for their tasty burgers, they have a great special menu board worth checking out. Inside, the sitting area is closed due to renovations. Unfortunately, there is no outside sitting area due to the structure and location of the building. You have to order your food to take away. The food is good value, and there’s something to suit everyone’s pallet, from chicken burgers to pulled pork to a vegetarian option, side orders or pizza. For more information, check out their social media accounts.https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=good%20grazing
Seven Wanders Cafe
Situated in the center of Louisburgh town is the new Seven Wander’s. This once renowned pub was the center of activity when fair days were held monthly in Louisburgh. Until last year it had stood empty for over 40 years. The new proprietors, husband and wife team Louis & Trina Freiter, have brought the building back to its former glory. This café is open early Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 to 3:30 pm and 9 am Saturday to Sunday. Serving freshly grounded coffee and healthy options for breakfast, brunch and lunch. For more information on the menu and hours of opening, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.https://www.facebook.com/sevenwanderscafe
Louisburgh 74
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town, you’ll find the cosy Louisburgh 74. Here you will uncover a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant is a hub of outstanding cuisine overseen by owner and head Chef Edwina. Edwina and her team have creatively decorated the courtyard weatherproofing the decking to ensure its customers are shielded from the inclement weather that comes with the wild Atlantic way. Serving a contemporary and straightforward menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner, including the tasty pulled pork pizza, is worth ordering. https://www.facebook.com/louisberg74
Conclusion
One of the things I love about eating out is experiencing new foods. After a walk or sightseeing, nipping into a café or restaurant is another excellent way to connect with the local community. When you’re on holiday, you allow yourself to try new foods. Suppose you have a great experience; you embrace this new place. It can offer you an insight into the Irish cultural food experience. Going out to eat is tied up with milestone life events such as our summer holidays. I know my own family, particularly my children, reminisce about the food and s they’ve eaten in. It’s these experiences we cherish for years to come.
