With stunning vistas of Galway Bay, Monks Seafood Restaurant, Bar and Accommodation is ideally situated in the picture-perfect village of Ballyvaughan on the west coast of Ireland. Full of historical richness, archaeological treasures, friendly locals, plenty of delicious food and drink options, Ballyvaughan is truly a unique and beautiful place!
Go kayaking on an underground tour of Aillwee Cave, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and more. Finish your adventure with delicious, fresh seafood at Monks!
Conde Nast Traveller voted the Wild Atlantic Way one of the ‘10 Best Road Trips in the World’. The journey spans nine counties, three provinces and some 2500km of spectacular coastline with over 130 discovery points to explore. The Ballyvaughan Discovery Point is located across the road from us here in Monks!
Stand strong atop the mighty Cliffs of Moher, take a dip in Fanore Beach and discover quaint, rural villages and breath-taking scenery along the way.
A proud member of the food trail, we recommend eating and drinking your way around one of the most unique landscapes in Ireland dotted across County Clare. Select your fresh fruit and vegetables at a local village farmer’s market and experience first-hand the true passion for food prepared by talented chefs in the area. When travelling the Burren Food Trail, a stop at the renowned O’Loclainn’s Whisky Bar in Ballyvaughan (
Making up over 530 square kilometres the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark offers diversity that is second to none. This rich and alluring landscape of staggering sea cliffs, limestone karst terraces, fertile valleys, vibrant villages and welcoming locals offers some truly inspiring experiences.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are internationally recognised places with unique geology, landscapes, history and culture. Geoparks are managed with a focus on education, conservation, sustainable tourism and community engagement.
Monks Ballyvaughan Seafood Restaurant & Bar is a proud member of the Burren Ecotourism Network. B.E.N. is a network of tourism enterprises with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage.
We are also a member of the Burren Food Trail where we are bound by our commitment to building a sustainable future for the region.
The Burren Ecotourism Network (the B.E.N.) is a membership organisation embedded in a sustainable tourism ethos. It was formally established in 2011.
B.E.N. is a network of tourism businesses with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network.
Every Clare adventure starts from Monks – whether it’s the scenery and space of the Burren National Park, the wild wonder of the Cliffs of Moher or the shopping and culture of Galway city.
To plan your visit, here are some useful links:
Delicious post-kayaking tour food!
“Delicious food. So glad the guys at North Clare Sea Kayaking recommended Monks to us, it was the perfect place to get lunch after our kayaking tour!”
Mariarose01
High end seafood restaurant with great views
“A must visit! We both had the seafood pie, made with smoked Cooley, in a rich sauce & served with baby potatoes. Highly recommended!”
davidmchughpriv
Girls weekend
“Food here was fab as always! We had a lovely few hours here when we arrive to Ballyvaughan and the Staff here were very friendly and welcoming and this helped to relax us into our weekend after the long drive. Will return here again and again!”
734susies
Lunch and dinner – Superb food and hospitality
“We had lunch and a couple of dinners at Monks. Food was superb and the hospitality was excellent – warm and friendly. Big shout out to Michelle the maitre’d who really makes the place. Definitely one to visit again.”
690jab
