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Home > Eat & Stay > Mainistir House

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Mainistir House

Restaurant

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For Cooking & Service Well Above Average The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Mainistir House

Despite the hostel atmosphere, Mainistir House . But the food is the main attraction, and you don’t even have to be staying here to experience it Lovingly cooked by a well-travelled foodie, Joel’s famous ‘Vaguely Vegetarian Buffet’ (changes daily) is served nightly and written on a blackboard.
Restaurant Seats 45. D daily in season, 8pm (groups by reservation all year). 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. abbreviations
Georgina Campbell

It’s nearly twenty 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 generally provides more comfort than expected at a hostel rate.


But the food is the main attraction, and you don’t even have to be staying here to experience it. Lovingly cooked by a well-travelled foodie, Joel’s famous ‘Vaguely Vegetarian Buffet’ (changes daily in summer) is served to groups from the island throughout the year


Six large glass-topped tables with checked cloths underneath are set up with candles and everyone is served a starter - say a delicious bean & vegetable soup - then there are half a dozen dishes displayed on a big round table: Ground pork ragout seasoned with herbs, tomato, garlic and ginger and sesame oil; mung beans with scallions and Cajun seasoning; cucumber with mint aioli; courgettes, lettuce, coriander, and chives with his own Aran pesto are all possible, and delicious desserts are offered as extra - Joel’s delicious chocolate ice cream perhaps - and amazing hot coffee. Travels to Morocco have influenced the style somewhat, but whatever Joel offers it is always interesting.


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.

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  • Facilities/Features
  • Budget Accommodation (under €100 for two)
  • Location - Beach <1km
  • Location - By the sea
  • Location - On an island
Last Updated: 07-09-2018
Author: Georgina Campbell
Click here if you are the owner or marketing manager
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Mainistir House
, Inis Mor , Aran Islands Co Galway
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1.5km along the main road from the harbour.
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