Quay Cottage Restaurant - Westport

'One of Westport's true delights,' noted one reviewer about Kirstin and Peter MacDonagh's diminutive stone cottage by the quay. It's a Tardis of a place, with a pint-sized frontage and red door opening out into a sizeable beamed dining room bedecked with maritime memorabilia, fishing nets, tackle, lobster pots and greenery. A cosy, but animated atmosphere prevails – especially if there is live music playing.

Seafood tops the bill, and the list of daily specials depends on 'fresh arrivals' from the local boats. Otherwise expect fish chowder, pan-fried squid with Greek salad and barbecued fillet of salmon with hollandaise supported by meaty alternatives such as warm chicken Caesar salad, char-grilled sirloin steak with Gaelic Irish whiskey sauce and baked chicken breast stuffed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Rhubarb pie and custard might close proceedings in homespun fashion.