Chic city spots and coastal outposts in Dublin, Clare, Sligo, Galway, Cork, Donegal and Belfast …
We’re blessed with some of the world’s finest oysters, with many establishments offering a celebratory glass of bubbles that live up to their briny brilliance. It’s the ultimate in self-care to channel your inner Gatsby, if you ask me.
Sole Seafood & Grill, Dublin
If oysters had a red carpet moment, it would be at Sole. This sleek, central Dublin restaurant serves up theatrics in the best way: oysters presented on mountains of ice, silver stands cradling towering Champagne bottles, and a sommelier who takes matching the right vintage to your shellfish seriously. They serve Carlingford, Galway Bay and Dooncastle oysters, depending on season and availability, shucked to order and paired to perfection. Garnishes include raspberry mignonette or lemon and tabasco, and the house ‘Connemara rock’ oysters from Letterfrack are available either naked or tempura style. Sit at the counter for a truly lavish oyster experience.
Hawksmoor, College Green, Dublin
While famous for steak, Hawksmoor is also a low-lit paradise for oyster lovers. The menu includes flaggy shore dainties and Kelly’s gigas, served with bone marrow or a fiery Scotch Bonnet mignonette (highly recommended if you’re the sort who believes condiments should make your eyes water). The Champagne selection is a glittering affair with a well-curated list of more unusual bottles alongside the big names, all begging to be sipped while you eye your next dozen. The front bar is the perfect place for an after work pick-me-up or pre-dinner sharpener before the main event.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn, Liscannor, Co Clare
A West Clare icon, Vaughan’s is the kind of place where time slows down. especially if there’s a tray of oysters and a flute of Champagne on the table. Their oysters are harvested just metres from the pub in Liscannor Bay, their flavour reminiscent of seaweed beds and crashing surf. The Champagne flights demonstrate the three generations of Vaughan’s total commitment to the cause. Whether you’re stopping in post-hike or making a dedicated pilgrimage, this is a quintessential moment not to be missed.
Sligo Oyster Experience and WB’s Oyster Bar
Less white linen tablecloths, more wild Atlantic romance, this is one of the most immersive oyster experiences on the island. You can walk the oyster farm, learn about local oyster farming and then settle in for a fresh-as-it-gets tasting right on the beach. Alternatively, you can head straight to WB’s Coffee House and Oyster Bar in Sligo town for a tasting with the option to add a bottle of Jacky Charpentier Brut Réserve NV Champagne at just €74.50, sure to complement the ocean flavour of the oysters just foraged. Salty hair, sandy boots and a heart full of pure joy are guaranteed.
Fisk Seafood Bar, Downings, Co Donegal
Coastal Donegal has long flown under the radar when it comes to fine dining, but Fisk is changing that one oyster at a time. Set in the postcard-worthy village of Downings with stunning views over the water, this intimate seafood bar celebrates local catches with zero pretence and maximum flavour. The oysters are impeccably fresh and served with flair – think bloody Mary granita, pickled seaweed and a thoughtfully selected Champagne menu. Settle into the terrace with a glass and take in the natural beauty of the Irish coastline.
Can’t get enough molluscs and méthode Champenoise? Add these other locations to your oyster odyssey: Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast; O’Grady’s on the Pier, Barna and Morans on the Weir, Kilcolgan, Co Galway or Quinlan’s Seafood Bar, Co Cork.