Achill Food Faves: 7 Superb Spots for Grub

While the scenery tends to steal the limelight, Achill Island’s food scene has quietly gone from strength to strength over the last few years. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, a hearty pub dinner, a lazy brunch or a coffee and homemade cake after a beach walk, you’ll find plenty of excellent options.

Some, like the Ár Bia Mara food truck, are nice and casual, making them perfect for a post-beach feed, while others are a little more formal.

Now, a heads up – this isn’t an exhaustive guide to all of the Achill restaurants – it’s a guide to my favourite places to grab a bite! 

The best spots for food on Achill Island

There’s heaps of things to do on Achill, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing food from the first place you see. However, Achill has some mighty places to eat that are worth seeking out.

KEEP IN MIND: Many of these places are busiest during the summer months, so if you’re planning on eating in the evening during July or August, it’s worth booking ahead where possible.

1. The Amethyst Bar

A couple of minutes from Keel Beach, the Amethyst Bar is one of the busiest places to eat on Achill, particularly during the summer months.

Despite the crowds, tables tend to turn over quickly and the service is impressively efficient (well, it has been during my last 4 or 5 visits, anyway!).

The menu covers all the pub favourites, from fish and chips and steaks to curries, burgers and pasta, alongside a separate vegan and vegetarian menu.

The portions are generous, the ingredients are locally sourced where possible and it’s a handy spot to call into before or after exploring Keem or Keel.

2. Ár Bia Mara

If you’re after some of the freshest seafood on Achill, make a beeline for Ár Bia Mara in Keel. Parked beside the campsite and a short stroll from the beach, this family-run seafood trailer serves locally landed fish and shellfish, much of it caught by the team themselves.

The menu changes depending on what’s been landed that day. On my last visit, I went with the scampi and it was excellent, but you’ll also find dishes like monkfish, fish tacos, calamari and, when available, langoustines and scallops.

There’s nothing fancy about Ár Bia Mara, and that’s very much part of its appeal. You’re simply getting exceptionally fresh seafood, cooked well, a stone’s throw from Keel Beach. Seating is outdoors, so it’s best enjoyed on a fine day.

3. Ted’s

The first thing you’ll notice about Ted’s is the interior. Every room has its own character, with exposed stone walls, open fires, vintage furniture, shelves of old books and enough quirky bits and pieces to keep you looking around long after you’ve sat down.

The food more than lives up to the surroundings. The menu mixes hearty pub favourites with fresh seafood and daily specials, while dishes like the chowder, burgers, fish and chips, beef and Guinness pie and oysters.

If you’ve room afterwards, the homemade cakes and desserts are also well worth a look.

4. An Dún

An Dún has quickly established itself as one of Achill’s go-to spots for breakfast, brunch and lunch. You’ll find it in Dugort, where it serves excellent coffee alongside a menu that showcases local Mayo produce and Achill seafood.

Breakfast ranges from hearty Full Irishs and potato boxty stacks to Eggs Royale topped with Achill Island smoked salmon, while the lunch menu includes everything from fresh sandwiches and salads to a seafood platter featuring smoked salmon, mackerel, prawns and barbecued salmon.

Throw in homemade bakes and plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and there’s something here for most tastes. If you’re after early morning food on Achill, look no further.

5. Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant

Gielty’s enjoys one of the finest settings of any restaurant on Achill. Sitting on the road between Dooagh and Keem, the restaurant looks out across the Atlantic, with Slievemore and the island’s rugged coastline providing a spectacular backdrop.

On my most recent visit, I went with the fish and chips and wasn’t disappointed. The menu also includes everything from fresh sea bass and mussels to curries, steaks and hearty breakfasts.

The portions are generous, the Guinness is excellent and the friendly welcome only adds to the experience.

6. Beehive Crafts and Gifts

The Beehive Coffee Shop is in the middle of Keel. On-the-go for over 30 years, it’s one of the longest running Achill restaurants, and it’s a great spot for lunch.

On the menu, expect everything from salmon and salads to Irish stews and fish cakes. There’s also a wide range of cakes, coffees, soups and sweet treats.

However, the best part of this place isn’t the food – it’s the views. On good days, the outdoor seating area offers magnificent views out towards Minaun Cliffs.

7. Achill Cliff House Hotel & Restaurant

Enjoying an enviable location in Keel, a stones throw from the beach, Achill Cliff House Hotel is another great place to eat on the island.

The restaurant is the heart of the business, and this becomes clear the moment you walk in and see the gorgeous fireplace and stonework.

They offer a 2 or 3-course menu that boasts a wide array of dishes. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients drive the menu, with sumptuous seafood options, succulent steaks, and much more.

You’ll find vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options too, so there’s something for everyone.

FAQs about places to eat in Achill

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where’s good for brunch?’ to ‘What’s a good dinner option?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.