Just what the weary traveller hopes to happen on when touring or walking in this beautiful area, Sean and Mary Hamilton’s lovely little traditional restaurant offers tasty home cooked fare in the heart of Leenane.
Seasonality is an important part of their philosophy and the Hamiltons take pride in sourcing all of the ingredients locally where possible. Given the restaurant’s stunning location right beside Killary harbour, there's a natural emphasis on seafood and most of the fish and seafood is from nearby waters, while the rest - Galway Bay oysters and the Cornamona salmon for example - comes from only slightly further afield.
But there is plenty of variety on menus, and meat lovers coming in for dinner need have no worries, with choices like supreme of chicken, a sirloin steak and an Irish stew made with Connemara lamb always available. Daily specials are also offered, and a tempting list of classic desserts to round off your meal.
Portion sizes are generous, with those who have been working up an appetite walking or cycling in the area in mind, and the daytime offering is a scaled down version of their evening menu, with a few sandwich and wrap options added – the open crab sandwich is especially recommended.
The wine list is very fairly prices and, as well as offering all wines by the half bottle and glass as well as the bottle, there are some craft beers and ciders listed, also with the emphasis on local producers.
With a warm welcome and efficient service from well trained and friendly staff at even at the busiest times, tasty local food and good value for money, this is a great little spot for visitors to know about.