then maybe at the closing of your day
you will sit and watch the moon rise over Claddagh
and see the sun go down on Galway Bay.”
About Monks
Monks Ballyvaughan Seafood Restaurant & Bar (Formerly O’Lochlains) was established in 1980 by Michael and Bernadette Monk. It was a local bar and food store for the people of North Clare for many generations. It also acted as a drop-off point for people taking the boat to Galway, Aran Islands and further afield. Even then, it was renowned for its seafood chowder, fish cakes and other seafood delights. Monks Ballyvaughan was refurbished to a high standard in 2016. The refurbishment married the old and new to create an authentic, comfortable, relaxed place to hang out, eat and drink with family and friends.
Dine with us
Time spent at Monks includes a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful Irish traditional music and of course, wonderful seafood. We pride ourselves in bringing you only the best in local produce. Always popular are our Galway Bay oysters and Doonbeg Bay lobster. Our seafood chowder brings diners from all corners of the world! Wash these and our other dishes down with a pint of Guinness or a glass of vino from our carefully chosen selection of wines.
See our full menu for yourself.
Views of the Wild Atlantic
Stunning vistas of Galway Bay give way to the wide open Atlantic – next-stop, New York. This is the little haven of Irish west coast beauty that is Ballyvaughan – proud home of Monks Ballyvaughan Seafood Restaurant and Bar. We are perfectly placed and expertly equipped to offer you the very best of Irish seafood fare in traditional, rustic and picturesque surroundings.
Local at its best
Traditional, rustic and local. Fresh, flavourful and full of goodness. This is what Monks Ballyvaughan food is all about – because we bring you ‘local’ at its best.
Beautiful Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaughan is a village in North Clare on the west coast of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way.
It’s full of historical richness, archaeological sites and is known for its limestone landscapes overlooking Galway Bay.
Walking, cycling, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking and angling are just some of the fabulous activities to immerse yourself in.
There’s the farmers’ market, craft fare as well as traditional music to heighten the senses.
There’s an abundance of places to eat and drink, all within walking distance within the village.
Be it a lone break or romantic duo, family time or relaxing with friends, it’s all here in beautiful Ballyvaughan.
Take the coast road from Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna and Doolin and take in the breathtaking views of the roughed landscape, see Galway bay the three historic Aran Islands.
Proud Members of the Burren Ecotourism Network
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. Each member of the Food Trail has achieved recognised quality awards and standards, and has also signed up to the Burren Food Trail Customer Promise: our staff are knowledgeable about the regional food story and our menus state the source of local produce. We are committed to maximize the use of local ingredients in all our dishes.
Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N)
The Burren Ecotourism Network (the B.E.N.) is a membership organisation embedded in a sustainable tourism ethos. It was formally established in 2011.
Its purpose is to:
• connect tourism enterprises in the Burren region and enable them to work together to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits, both for themselves and for their communities;
• provide members with training, networking, marketing, business development and partnership opportunities;
• enable members to make an active contribution to the conservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The B.E.N. mission is to contribute to transforming the Burren region into a truly sustainable destination by being a thought-leader and advocate and by providing learning, development and business opportunities to tourism enterprises.
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.
The Burren Ecotourism Network and the management organisation of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark enjoy a special relationship. Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective, they work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark’ as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning,
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark
In 2011 the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher gained Global Geopark status, already spectacular neighbours, their coming together formed a destination of natural wonders. 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
communities 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.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark not only has outstanding natural and culture heritage but a management organisation that supports its people and organisations to work together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a better-understood heritage, more sustainable tourism, a vibrant community and strengthened livelihoods.
For more information visit www.burrengeopark.ie
