It’s over fifteen years since Joel d’Anjou opened this long single storey whitewashed building on a hill overlooking Galway Bay as a hostel and restaurant, and it is still the most talked about place on the aran islands.
Despite the hostel atmosphere, Mainistir House provides guesthouse comfort at a hostel rate. But you don’t even have to be staying here to experience Joel’s famous ‘Vaguely Vegetarian Buffet’ (changes daily) which is served nightly and written on a blackboard.
Six large tables are set up with checked cloths and everyone is served a starter - say a delicious lentil soup - then there are half a dozen dishes displayed on a big round table: prunes with onions & apple; tomato salad with pesto dressing & soft Boursin cheese; rice bulgur pilaf & canellini beans in a ragu sauce & vegetable stir fry of cabbage, red peppers, carrots and mint are all possible, and delicious desserts are offered as extra.
Service is prompt (and colourful), this is great food - and this fun and funky restaurant continues to give amazing value.
Bring your own wine. Christmas and New Year packages available.
Restaurant Seats 45. D daily, 8pm. Set Menu €15. BYO wine. Accommodation: (8 private rooms plus hostel accommodation for up to 70; all no smoking). B&B €25pps, ss €7.50 (includes a simple breakfast of porridge/cereals & freshly baked bread each morning). MasterCard, Visa.
