Overlooking the square, in Clifden and with outdoor seating to the front, this is a perfect spot for fine weather - for people-watching and just to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Add a glass of chilled wine and some crusty bread and a hummus dip, or some of the seafood the area is renowned for, and it’s a very pleasant place to while away on hour or two.
But there is more to this pleasing restaurant than a place to chill out in the sun. Owners Martin O'Connor and Magdalena Hylak state that their mission is simple: "Homemade, organic and sustainable food straight to your table". That ticks all the boxes for discerning visitors, who will also be quick to pick up on the fact that the suppliers of the main ingredients - Connemara Fisheries for fresh seafood and Des Moran's Butchers for local meats - are proudly named.
It's a busy, friendly place where daytime menus focus on offering tasty versions of crowd pleasers, including a particularly good seafood chowder, a more-ish garlicky ciabatta and a pretty goats cheese tart with caramelised red onion. Gourmet sandwiches could be just the ticket for a casual bite, but there are some lovely hot dishes too, including several interesting choices for vegetarians - a seasonal risotto among them, perhaps.
There is some overlap on the evening menu - the house chowder, for example, is too popular to leave off - but the emphasis will shift to more sophisticated starters (whipped beetroot and goats cheese with toasted hazelnut relish, for example) and heartier main courses, including simple, well cooked fish, ever-popular steaks and several good vegetarian dishes - some of which which may have the option to add a meat or fish ingredient if preferred.
Quite classic desserts - crème brulée, perhaps, or chocolate brownie with ice cream - are worth saving space for, and it's nice to see Irish craft ciders and beers on the drinks menu.
Friendly and fairly priced, Derryclare is popular with families who especially enjoy the informal daytime food, but this is also an evening destination.
