Portfinn Lodge

in the heart of Connemara, overlooking the picturesque Killary harbour - 'Ireland's only fjord' - Portfinn Lodge is on a hill in the beautifully located village of Leenane and it has been run by the Daly family since 1977.

Portfinn includes a guesthouse with 11 comfortable rooms (each room is en suite and rooms catering to families or groups of fishermen are available), but it is mainly the Fjord Restaurant that attracts visitors here.

The views from the dining rooms – there are three of them leading on to each other - are wonderful; you might dine in an octagonal one, for example, with views of Killary, Maumtrasna and Maamturk mountains on either side. Outside, the surrounding gardens are colourful with montbretia, fuchsia and nasturtiums, and the atmosphere is welcoming and warm in this house.

Seafood has always been the speciality of the house and the current chef, Oran Daly, carries on that tradition with enthusiasm. Menus offer some choice for non-fish eaters - Connemara lamb, perhaps, served with a lamb & rosemary jus, sirloin steaks, and chicken dishes – but you will find a wide range of fish and seafood, including lobster, and specials of the day depending on availability.

Starters include mussels, crab and fish cakes, oysters and Portfinn Bisque – and main courses might include Mannin/Killary Bay scallops (delicious, 9 for a portion), beautifully cooked and served with wilted spinach and bacon, with a cream and white wine sauce served in a separate little dish.

Afterwards, there’s a large selection of Irish cheeses or you can finish with a classic dessert, such as homemade chocolate mousse or crème brulée 'à la Portfinn'.

With a wonderful location, pleasant staff and good, generous food cooked by an experienced chef, a visit here should be very enjoyable.