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An Fulacht Fia

In a stunning location on the edge of Ballyvaughan village, this purpose-built new restaurant has spectacular views of Galway Bay. Owned and built by a local man, John Connole, it is attached to a substantial two-storey house finished in local granite - and surrounded by a wonderful natural Burren landscape garden (An Fulact Fia means ‘Cooking Pit’).

The restaurant is a delight: the entrance hall, which doubles as a reception and bar, is stunning with a welcoming contemporary look; a modern gas fire is a striking feature with its dramatic cherry red chimney piece reaching to a high apex above you – and, surrounding another fire at end of the dining room, is a huge granite relief of a Galway hooker.

Luxurious embossed curtains and high velvet seats in pale green and cherry red are impressive, seen against linen cloths and sparkling ware highlighted by subtle recessed lighting.

Head chef Irmantus Bagocius uses locally supplied ingredients from the Burren area, which are sustainable, traceable and organic. His menus offer a choice of eight starters - a warm salad of wild mushroom and spinach, with pesto, parmesan crostini and sundried tomato perhaps (€7.25); or Atlantic scallops, pan seared with grilled fennel and orange salad (€10) and twelve main courses, such as shank of Burren lamb, slow cooked on the bone, served with fondant potato, red pepper puréee and thyme jus (€26) and, for vegetarians, a Thai laksa in a chilli and lemongrass scented coconut broth, served with fragrant jasmine rice (€19.95).

Finish, perhaps, with a refreshing yoghurt strawberry mouse, with mango & passion fruit sorbet & vanilla biscuit.

A long and varied wine list starts at €22 for Rose d’Anjou A,C. “Premiere.

Under the direction of owner manager John Connole, this is a welcoming restaurant and promises to be a great asset to the area. In summer they are open every day and serve early bird and Sunday lunch.

Out of season they plan to open 4 days a week.

: Seats 70 (outdoors, 8). Children welcome (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facitlities). Fully wheelchair accessible. Open 7 days from 5.30pm; Sun 1.30-9pm; early bird menu 5.30-7pm €24.95. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On the coast road in Ballyvaughan