Sometimes seafood is the prime option if you want something quick, filling and delicious. Though the scale of deep sea delights runs all the way from village chip shops to fancy fine dining restaurants, seafood bars seem like the perfect middle ground.
A step above a chipper, but more casual and a lower price point than a restaurant set out in three-courses or tasting menus, these are cool beacons of light bites, casual catch-ups and drop-in tables chanced.
The kind of place where you might only order one plate and a glass of something, or you may fill the table with a selection of small plates. This is your starter for 10 cool, contemporary, casual seafood bars across Ireland to add to your list..
Quinlans
Various, Cork & Kerry
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The surname Quinlans is synonymous with seafood in Ireland and this family has an ace up their sleeves: their own fleet and factory in Caherciveen. They have fresh fish even on a Sunday, unlike many others. While they do have a couple of more plush restaurants, like The Mad Monk in Killarney, drop in to any one of their stable of seafood bars, from Tralee to Cork City, Killorglin to Killarney, set out in their unmistakable seaside blue and white and offering all the deep sea classics.
Fisk
Downings, Co. Donegal [F92 XR53]
Tony Davidson and his Swedish-born wife Lina have created Ireland's most desirable seafood shack in a renovated cottage. Primely located in the seaside village of Downings, overlooking the bay and nestled alongside the eclectically-styled Harbour Bar, which takes a 'more is more’ approach to memorabilia. Expect modern small plates like fish tacos, prawn banh mi, toast Skagen and crab grilled cheese.
The Seafood Cafe
Temple Bar, Dublin 2 [D02 EC60]
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Another name unmistakably intertwined with Ireland’s seafood bounty, Niall Sabongi is an urban fishmonger whose corner-side perch on Fownes Street proves that Temple Bar bears jewels amidst the well-trodden tourist path. Visitors and locals alike appoint themselves in the booths, window seats or covered terrace of this seafood beacon where you can enjoy a value-focused plate or two or properly splurge. Quality, provenance, seasonality and sustainability underpin a menu of Dublin Bay Prawns and oysters from different Irish coastlines, cod collars, ceviche and scallops plus larger sharing mains of whole and butterflied fish.
And Chips
Dungarvan, Co. Waterford [X35 DP60]
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Eunice Power’s modern chip shop promises seasonal seafood served fast and feels like it could be rolled out into every small town in Ireland, such is its slickness and staying power in the bustling town of Dungarvan. Expect sublime fish and chips, with a daily-changing roster of white fish available, alongside tacos, burgers and gourmet twists on spice bags, while for the fish-averse the unfussy menu also has chicken, beef and veggie options.
Kraken
Portrush, Co. Antrim [BT56 8AY]
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A cracking new addition to the pretty coastal town of Portrush on the Causeway Coast, this boxes up seafood and street food in one neat package dusted with global inspiration. Think squid tacos, prawn curries, New England clam chowder and weekly-changing specials alongside a more traditional menu of fish and chips, burgers and sides.
Oifig An Fish
Clifden, Co. Galway [H71 YK30]
Brand new in the heart of Clifden, Connemara’s capital, the cleverly-named Oifig An Fish is arguably the blueprint for the modern, gourmet chip shop. A super casual setting with semi-open kitchen, its refined menu offers everything from oysters and crab toast to Killary Fjord mussels and half lobster and chips. Plus, the drinks list features natural wines, craft beers and a slew of sodas and non-alcoholic options. Don’t miss their crab-focused food truck either, Snappy Snappy, set out in Letterfrack.
The Fish Box
Dingle, Co. Kerry [V92 NP68]
With a consistent catch landed on their own boat, Cú na Mara, the Flaherty’s have Dingle deep within their DNA and this enterprising family have made The Fish Box a dining destination, with all hands on deck. Primed for chance drop-ins, with no reservations taken, with a slick, modern interior that celebrates the seaside and their seafaring heritage in well-judged nautical nods, the menu mixes the classics with creative twists, like a seafood spice box, crispy chilli monkfish, Cajun calamari and buffalo hake bites.
Fish Shop
Benburb Street, Dublin [D07 X3PN]
On the finer side, but petite enough to fall into the remit here, a table chanced at Fish Shop in Smithfield is a glorious thing if you are successful. Prop up a counter seat and enjoy a host of seafood delights (smoked haddock croquettes, beer-battered hake, baked sole and a twist on a fillet o’fish) paired with one of the best wine selections in the city, everything from Pet Nat, skin contact and rosé to ‘island’ wines, Alpine finds and grower Champagne.
Fish & Chips Cafe
Tramore, Co. Waterford [X91 Y521]
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From the same owners (above) of Fish Shop and Bar Pez in Dublin, the newest in Jumoke Akintola and Peter Hogan’s stable is a fish and chip ‘cafe’ on the ground floor of their more formal Beach House restaurant in Tramore. It’s in the name so fish and chips is the staple but expect seafood salads, oysters and other specials, with walk-ins welcome.
Little Fish
Cleggan, Co. Galway [H71 E680]
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A neat little cafe in the harbour town of Cleggan in Connemara, couple Tom and Eva operate this seasonal cafe serving whatever is daily landed so expect a rotating line-up of limited edition specials like calamari spice bags, lobster rolls, dressed fries and buffalo prawns. Their season usually starts in early June and ends around September/October however a roving food truck promises nimble little pop-ups throughout the low season.
