Moran's Oyster Cottage

Seafood restaurant · Galway

Moran's Oyster Cottage

Seafood restaurant · Galway

2

The Weir House, Rahaneena, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland

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Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null
Moran's Oyster Cottage by null

Highlights

Moran’s Oyster Cottage: A cozy, centuries-old thatched pub serving the freshest Galway oysters and classic local seafood with riverside views.  

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The Weir House, Rahaneena, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland Get directions

moransoystercottage.com

$$ · Menu

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The Weir House, Rahaneena, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland Get directions

+353 91 796 113
moransoystercottage.com
moransontheweir
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@moranstheweir

$$ · Menu

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Jul 30, 2025

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@foodandwine

Ireland Is Now One of the Best Places to Visit for Seafood Lovers

"A historic thatched-roof cottage on the Kilcolgan River serving smoked salmon and oysters from the Clarenbridge oyster bed." - Taras Grescoe

https://www.foodandwine.com/ireland-seafood-11685917
View Postcard for Moran's Oyster Cottage
@atlasobscura

Moran’s Oyster Cottage – Kilcolgan, Ireland - Gastro Obscura

"Six generations of Morans have welcomed guests to this 250-year-old oyster cottage. Michael Moran, a world champion oyster shucker, like his father before him, loves to recount stories of the cozy snugs, that were cozier bedrooms, and show where the annual high tide once graced the plaster walls of the pub’s parlor. When driving to Moran’s from Galway, you will miss the first sign and right hand turn, just in time to see the second sign. Turn right, through the narrow pass over the stone bridge, and along the windy bank-side road. You’ll know when you have arrived, by the number of cars parked wherever they can, and you’ll join the lot. Just past the red door entrance way is a seat for two overlooking the patio and river. It’s a favorite spot for an afternoon of Galway oysters on the half shell. The Galway Native Oyster offers the true taste of West Ireland. To best enjoy, raise the shucked oyster to your lips, slide in, and with a two-bite chew, aerate. Taste the notes of sea salt, grassy earth, driftwood, wet stone, and a dry tannic finish, then ask for a sip of Guinness, or a crisp muscadet. Know Before You Go Planning to helicopter in? There's a grassy landing area for that." - ShuckerPaddy, Florin Tudose

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/moran-s-oyster-cottage
View Postcard for Moran's Oyster Cottage

Rebecca L

Google
Thoroughly enjoyed our wonderful lunch here, and the setting overlooking the river is fab. Everything we had was fresh and delicious - the oysters were great and the batter of the fish was crispy and light, though the chips were slightly disappointing compared to the fish. The restaurant was quite busy when we were there, so I hope this place will continue to thrive for many more generations to come.

Amy Gustafson

Google
Moran’s has a wonderful, casually upscale, cheerful, and comfortable atmosphere. The staff are exceptional, anticipating our wishes, needs and questions, and meeting them with a friendly demeanor. Though the menu provided a smaller selection, the food was delicious. I had the tiger prawn salad, and my husband enjoyed oysters and cod. It was all excellent and ample! Prices are what you might expect for this kind of experience. I absolutely recommend this restaurant for a special lunch or dinner out. Cheers!

Matthew DeSantis

Google
Excellent oysters! Some of the best I've ever had! The seafood chowder and the pan seared Cod sprecial were also excellent! After a long day on the road, it was so nice to sit outside, eat some delicious food, and toss back a couple of pints! There's a reason this place has been in business for centuries!

Michael Gentry

Google
They serve the biggest oysters I’ve ever seen. The 7 generations chowder is pretty spectacular. I think it was in the top three dishes I had during our tour. The chips were the crispiest, fluffiest fat cut fries and were so good. They serve, hands down, the best pint of Guinness in Ireland, I’m convinced. The birding is most excellent as well. I think we spotted at least 7 species in a few minutes after dinner. I would cross the Atlantic to have the chowder and pint while gazing at the birds in the river, even if I did nothing else in Ireland.

Bernadette Hogan

Google
Absolutely incredible food and service. Fish & chips were elite, as was the special of lemon diver sole with broccoli rabe - which perhaps was my favorite meal I’ve ever had on vacation - and to top it all off the brown bread was incredible. I bought two loafs to go home with. Lovely family, lovely place.

Laarni Venus Marie G.

Google
3 servings of oysters later, I could really say that Galway Oysters are still the best among the best.. If you're ever in Galway, you should stop by Moran's for lunch or dinner. Those Tiktok videos are not just mere hype. Their seafood is fantastic. ❤️ No cooking gimmicks, just a lot of confidence with their fresh and top quality ingredients. And always book your reservation days in advance as they are always fully booked.

Aidan Hyland

Google
Lovely Mother’s Day dinner at Moran’s. The restaurant was packed and the staff very friendly. We enjoyed all the courses and look forward to returning during the summer as their patio has an amazing view of the river.

Loyes Diamonds

Google
Moran’s Oyster Cottage in Clarinbridge is an absolute treasure. Tucked away just a mile off the main road, it’s very well signposted and easy to find despite its quaint, rural setting. The thatched roofs of the surrounding buildings and the peaceful views over the nearby river make for a truly charming and picturesque atmosphere. We were lucky with the weather and got to sit outside under cover, enjoying the fresh air and tranquil surroundings. But the real star of the show was the food—absolutely outstanding. The oysters were the best I’ve ever had. I particularly loved the garlic oysters and the oysters Thermidor, beautifully balanced with a lightly dressed salad. Even the kids’ meals were exceptional—not always a given, but here the quality was top-notch across the board. It’s the kind of place you dream of stumbling upon while exploring the countryside. I’ll definitely be back and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone nearby or even just passing through. A perfect mix of Irish charm, stunning scenery, and unforgettable food.
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Simon W.

Yelp
Superb seafood, excellent and attentive service, and the happy buzz from a full restaurant. The location, looking out over a pretty river, is the cherry on the cake. Absolutely superlative oysters- the quality really sang.
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Doug L.

Yelp
We showed up for an early dinner on Easter Sunday without a reservation. Lucky for us they could seat us but we would have to finish our meal within 1.5 hours. People after us were directed to the bar for open seating. The seafood chowder was rich and filling. Mixed oyster plate came with three Gigas and three natives (5 years to grow) but we couldn't agree on which was the best. Moran's featured half a dozen different cold platters and we ordered the smoked salmon which consisted of plate sized slices topped with a salad and a scoop of crab. The Marie rose dressing was delicious and made this salad one of our favorites of this trip. Lastly their Irish soda bread was the best we've eaten and wished we could've gotten a loaf to take with us. The good service, great food and eclectic ambiance made for a nice Easter Sunday meal.
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Courtney W.

Yelp
Absolute gem of a restaurant!! Adorable house on the water. The decor is lovely and the seating is very comfortable. Service is top notch as well, staff are quite attentive. They bring bread to your table and it's tasty, slightly sweet and the density/texture is almost like that of a snacking cake. The pads of butter make it such a nice little addition to your meal. To start, we had to get some oysters. The grilled oysters were €19 for 6. They're made with garlic and breadcrumbs and these are probably the best grilled oysters I've had anywhere! And that's compared to many oysters I've eaten in the US, including New Orleans. The texture is so smooth and buttery and the cook on them is perfect. Also tried the steamed clams for €14, which were super fresh and simple. Also superb! I had the fish special, which was a monkfish. Haven't had much monkfish in my life, but the flesh was hearty and flavors were simple. The parsnips, carrot puree, and mashed potatoes were all nice sides to what felt like a very well rounded meal. Bathroom is also very clean with plenty of stalls. Would absolutely come back here. Such a lovely place to stop on the way out of Galway!
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Chris N.

Yelp
Great local restaurant with outstanding oysters. Service was very good. Rhubarb crumble was quite good.
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Wilson L.

Yelp
We had a nice quick dinner here at Moran's. The oysters and the fish are great. It is a busy spot so prepare to wait. I would recommend checking it out !
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James T.

Yelp
The food and service was great. We had the native wild oysters which were fantastic. If you are in the area it is definitely worth a try
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Amber M.

Yelp
Cutest place right on the water. Perfect location for fresh, local seafood. The oysters paired with a glass of wine were outstanding. They were out of clams so we settled for the mussels and they did not disappoint. Well worth the detour.
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Kevin C.

Yelp
We were here quite some time ago, but I will never forget this is one of the most incredible experiences at a restaurant. The oysters and the food were great! What really made it special, though, was there was a group of folks (maybe a choir) from Cavistons Food Emporium (I don't know if they had another name they went by). They sang songs like "All I Have To Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers and "Delilah" by Tom Jones. They had a jolly time singing nonstop for the whole time we were there. This was April 27th, 2017. If we ever get back to Ireland we will be coming back here and to Cavistons as well.
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Liv S.

Yelp
So glad I was able to get in here on very short notice. We called the day before and they were fully booked. We came at 3pm on a Saturday and were told we had 2 hours before the next reservation, which was ample time. The oysters were incredible, some of the best oysters I've ever had. The sauce they were in is so flavorful, and they are much larger than what is available in the USA. The fish and chips had an incredibly generous portion. The cod was obviously fresh caught and prepared, and came with both fries ("CHIPS") and a side salad (I substituted out the coleslaw). My family also had the fish and chips, the warm tiger prawn salad, and the chili coconut prawns, all of which were extremely tasty and nothing was left on our plates. For dessert we had the Pavlova and the Rhubarb Crumble; both of which were INCREDIBLE. I had a Pavlova last night in downtown Galway that can't even compare. This place is super popular- there was a wedding beginning at 5pm that was going to take up half the restaurant, so clearly people love this place. There are probably 10-15 tables, some in tight spots as it is an older place. My family is fairly tall so my dad and brother did have to squeeze in, but overall this is an incredible gem in the Galway area.
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Nisha P.

Yelp
We came without a reservation, yet they were kind enough to seat us and give us (the best table) by the cosy fireplace! The fish and chips and salmon cakes were delicious but the Oysters were just harvested and out of this world. The ambience is cosy and warm and the staff was exceptional. A true gem.

A S.

Yelp
The food and service is amazing. The environment is great with a lovely view of the river which you get to see fill up as the tide comes in. It's is very overpriced so be aware of that. But in this area it's probably the same price that you'll find most places

Luis A.

Yelp
The food and service were excellent. This was our first meal in Ireland and we went here based on a friend's recommendation and it did not disappoint. The owner found us a table. It was incredibly hospitable. The atmosphere was very charming. The seafood was extremely fresh and the oysters were spectacular. Also, we discovered at the end of our trip that the best brown bread we had in our travels was from our first night at moran's. We will return!

Ruth R.

Yelp
Chill. Incredible late lunch after touring some Arias were very friendly. Got us in right away. We ordered the lobster platter for two. It was the best I've ever eaten in my life. Worked in restaurants for many years. I was very impressed with the quality.
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Debbie R.

Yelp
Hands down, one of the best meals we had in Ireland. Oysters and the mussels were fantastic! My son ordered the shrimp and it was prepared very well. Prices are reasonable too. However, don't order the sandwiches here. They are bland and mostly bread. My bad, I should have known better than to order a sandwich at an oyster cottage. LOL Beers on tap are fantastic, and they have a pretty decent variety. In any event, we enjoyed it so much, we drove out of our way to come back. Must stop in here if you are in the area!
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Cecilia T.

Yelp
BEST OYSTERS I've ever had. Fat, salty, umami. Worth the money. GET THEM. Everything else was missing an element or two. I had the honey glazed duck and BF had the fish and chips. The duck flavour was good, but it was tougher than the duck I'd gotten used to. I forgot duck can be tough if it's not done with lots of patience. Anyway, it definitely seemed like they skipped a prep step or two with that, because I left some on my plate and I NEVER leave duck uneaten. Mashed potatoes were fine but needed seasoning. BF's fish and chips were pretty good, I would say. Although the fries needed a heavy hand of salt. Do people in Ireland not like to season their food? Also they never leave salt on the table.
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Eric M.

Yelp
I'm not the first American to visit nor will I be the last to visit Moran's, a 300- year old restaurant just outside of Galway City. We arrived at our hotel in the evening and needed a place to grab a fantastic dinner. Moran's absolutely delivers. On a weekend night good luck getting a table, especially if you have a large party, but during the week it is possible and if you're traveling alone or with a friend you can slide in and grab a seat at the bar. We had a few items from the menu, all were fantastic, but I want to focus on two things: Guinness and oysters. Guinness and oysters are a legendary combination. They're like peanut butter and jelly, or Tom and Jerry, or salt and pepper, but it's difficult to get the execution of both perfect. Moran's does that. The Guinness can't just be good, it has to be perfect. Moran's Guinness is as good as any pour you'd find in Dublin. Perfecto. When you dig in to Moran's oysters you can tell immediately that this is what an oyster should taste like. Close your eyes and you are transported right out into the Atlantic with both smell, texture, and flavor. These are awesome. After you slide that oyster down and then grab that frothy goodness of Guinness you'll get it. Also as a bonus if you read this review and like it - you want to check out Kelly Oysters in the same town. Shhhhhh. Be there for lunch.
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Palisha R.

Yelp
Best oysters I've ever eaten!! They were so fresh that they didn't even need a vinaigrette! We also had the Thermidors and those were also very delicious but the Gigas won me over! Mussels were fabulous, the brine was delicious. The seafood special was so good, the smoked salmon just melted into your mouth. Definitely worth going here!!
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L T.

Yelp
We had dinner reservations while on Holiday in Ireland. The service was the best we've experienced in Ireland & the service was even better! I had their seafood platter and it was excellent! I would highly recommend this restaurant if you're ever in Galway, Ireland.
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Shane F.

Yelp
One of the best meals I've ever had, Ireland or not. I was brought here by my brother to discover Galway and one of the finest seafood meals. We started with a pint each of course, and were promptly served with fresh soda bread...I had eaten soda bread before, but this had the flavor of truly freshly home-made bread. Honestly, I might have been able to just eat soda bread, irish butter and been a happy guy. The oysters were freshly brought in from the ocean, and these variants had a lovely briny flavor to them...if you're used to the more neutral tasting oysters, be aware that these are quite the different experience. The oysters are served on top of seaweed and look and taste incredible. We followed these oysters with fish and chips. The fish was immense, and had a finely light layer of batter surrounding it. This lent to a crisp layer with the meaty soft fish underneath, making the fish itself the star of the meal. The chips were great as expected, and the coleslaw was lovely and fresh. Overall, an incredible meal, and we left feeling incredibly satiated and happy. Go here if you can...it's a hidden gem.
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Lesley O.

Yelp
Moran's is a restaurant that absolutely should be on everyone's foodie bucket list, and if it's not, put it on the list now!! I love seafood, and I've had some really great seafood in my life, but the oysters and garlic crab claws are literally on a whole other level of freshness and deliciousness in Galway at Moran's Oyster Cottage. I sat at the bar and ordered the Oyster Tasting Plate which had three wild native oysters and three Gigas oysters. They were both seriously sublime. When they claim that they are from the sea to the table, they lost certainly telling you like it is. You can easily taste the Wild Atlantic Ocean, and the manager told me they are from about 5 minutes away (since the restaurant is on the water) where the river meets the ocean. Next, I had the Warm Garlic Crab Claws with a salad. O.M.G. The crab claws were hot, tender, fresh, and sitting in a bath of the best warm garlic clarified butter on the earth...literally a whole other level. If someone asks me what my last meal on earth would be, this would be it. I could have easily finished here, but with mussels being a favorite of mine, I decided to try the steamed mussels as well. I was already quite content, not overly stuffed, but I had to. These mussels were quite simple. The sauce was extremely light made of white wine and salt water. I would assume it's the water from the mussels as they're opening because that's what it tasted like. The mussels itself were small, like little jewels of the sea. I enjoy a fancier saw to dunk my mussels in, but when the quality is so perfect, it doesn't need much more. I really appreciate the simplicity of the steamed mussels. I am truly happy that I decided to go to Moran's last night, and if I am ever in Galway again, I will be eating at Moran's.
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George E.

Yelp
This is such a hidden gem! A fellow American we met in Galway recommended this place as it was on our way on the drive down to Dromoland. It is VERY off the beaten path and secluded. It was honestly a little creepy driving up to in the dark... but well worth it! The founders have allegedly won world oyster shucking contests. Per the name, I had to start with oysters for the appetizer. I did sampler of the two local Irish versions and they were incredible and very flavorful. I had one of the specials for my entree, which was a great fish topped with crab. Amazing - see the picture below. My family had other seafood dishes and everyone loved it. It was nice to switch it up from some of the other classic Irish beef and stew dishes we had at other restaurants and go with lighter fresh seafood. There were not a ton of other people in the restaurant, probably because of its location, so it was a quieter setting. That being said, still definitely recommend!
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Rita M.

Yelp
Best food we at in Ireland! They oysters were clean and quite tasty. Hubs had sole that was cooked to perfection and I had the coconut chili lime shrimp. This is a favorite of mine when visiting Jamaica but Morans now takes top honors. Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc was the perfect pairing. Can't wait to eat there again
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Kayla R.

Yelp
Best oysters ever! Need I say more? Food was good and the service was great! Beautiful location.
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David C.

Yelp
Warm crab legs were so good! Make sure to get that along with the soup, so yummy in the world Omgosh! We even tried their locally brewed beer! Ahh!
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Tony M.

Yelp
The best oysters I've ever had. Also, had the duck, fish and chips, seafood chowder, and chili coconut shrimp. Everything is delicious.
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Seini D.

Yelp
We chose this place as our last seafood dinner dining experience and we were not disappointed! It was in a quaint very historic little building which was both cosy and very welcoming. We were early for our reservation but they seated us anyway. All of our servers were friendly, knowledgeable, kind and courteous. We were brought our drinks and starters quickly and offered the daily specials with recommendations also. The food was delicious, deserving of all rave reviews! The service was excellent and the staff is an absolute asset to this already amazing establishment. Thank you for an excellent meal and evening!
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Alexander H.

Yelp
Wow ... just wow! We were heading to Galway when I've spotted the sign for this restaurant. A few minutes later I remembered reading about it online, where it got great feedback. So I turned around to see what the fuss is about. Well, my dear friends....they serve the BEST. OYSTERS. EVER. I'm not somebody who uses "best ever" often....but this is really the case here. We've had Oysters in France, Italy, England, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Thailand, Mexico and the US (and some other countries). But nothing came close to these here....nothing! They taste so fresh and nice. They are tender. Not just that...they are creamy, they almost melt in your mouth. I could go on and on....but writing about them and actually tasting them is a different story. So, if you are around the area....even a hundred miles away....be sure to visit this fantastic place. Service was really friendly too. This is a very famous and successful place, yet the staff here is still great, friendly and helfpul above average. Prices - especially given the quality - are more than fair. Of course there are other meals on the menu....just don't miss out on the Oysters. One of the very highlights of our Road Trip this year. Highly recommended!
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Chris O.

Yelp
Sadly this beautiful thatch-roofed institution did not impress us 4 tonight. At 7:55PM, no clams, no oysters and no muscles. Then no chowder after that but then they made some. It was delicious. Forgot the brown bread but it was very good when it did arrive. Hake & chips was good but slaw was just fair. Servers seem to be a rotation at each table. Friendly enough but no follow up. Ran out of water. Why do I feel like I just wasted my time and $ at a tourist trap?
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Jonny R.

Yelp
Let's get quick to the point. Moran's is absolutely positively one of the best restaurants I have ever visited! The food was superb, and the service was excellent as well. It is a place you must try if given the chance! Long version: My brother and I were making our way from Doolin to Galway with dinner time upon us. Now I was quite "hangry," and I just wanted to eat anything. My brother found this place on Yelp while we were still on the highway, and we almost didn't reroute but I am so glad we did. Getting to Moran's is definitely a drive off the regular road. The last stretch is a narrow and dark road which made me question how good this place would be, but boy was I wrong! Moran's has been around since the 1700's and their food is absolutely amazing! We started off with the grilled oysters for our appetizer and they were delicious. They come with a garlic breading and it was extremely tasty. For entrees, my brother ordered the duck and I had the house's recommended fish and chips. Both dishes were impeccable and the flavors so robust and rich! My fish was perfectly crispy on the outside while flaky on the inside. My brother's duck was probably one of the best things I've had in a restaurant. The one thing I noticed at Moran's was the excellent service. It definitely put the restaurant at another level. Our waiter was super helpful with answering our questions about the menu, and was receptive with our every request. Anytime we asked for something it was at the table within 2 minutes. During our dinner, I never had to ask for a refill on my water, or turn around to order another drink. The waiter and rest of the floor staff were very attentive and responsive. I think this was a pleasant surprise as Moran's has a family restaurant vibe, but the experience could rival a Michelin star restaurant. If you are in Ireland and in the area, Moran's is an absolute must.
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Michelle M.

Yelp
Nobel Prize Winner, Seamus Heaney, best describes Moran's Oyster Cottage in his poem, "Oysters". "Our shells clacked on the plates. My tongue was a filling estuary, My palate hung with starlight: As I tasted the salty Pleiades Orion dipped his foot into the water. Alive and violated, They lay on their bed of ice: Bivalves: the split bulb And philandering sigh of ocean Millions of them ripped and shucked and scattered." Moran's Oyster Cottage has been serving their renowned oysters for over two hundred years. This famous oyster bar, located just ten miles south of Galway, was established in 1797 and has been passed down to seven generations of the Moran family. The traditional thatched roof cottage is rich in history. Moran's restaurant contains many small dining rooms that were formerly bedrooms and living rooms in the original cottage design. The preserved front bar is small and cramped and resembles what most pubs in Ireland were like 50 years ago. My husband, sister, and I visited Moran's Oyster Cottage in hopes of experiencing some of the world's best oysters and we were not disappointed. We started off our meal with several pints of beer as well as half dozen raw Edulis oysters (native Galway flat oysters) and a half dozen raw Gigas (locally grown oysters). We lucked out to be visiting Ireland in September because this is the start of their oyster season so we were able to get the fresh Edulis oysters that are not available year round. The Edulis oyster had a very meaty texture and I detected a faint seaweed flavor. Delicious! We also ordered a half dozen of the grilled oysters with garlic breadcrumbs and the mussels provencal in a tomato, garlic and herb sauce. I sopped up the delicious tomato broth from the mussels with thick slices of homemade brown bread. Absolute perfection! This was one of the best seafood meals I have ever had! Moran's Oyster Cottage may be a little hard to find, but their perfect pints and oysters make the drive worthwhile!
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Lauren L.

Yelp
After a long day of traveling, my friends and I were famished and really in the mood for seafood. Moran's Oyster Cottage did not disappoint. We were amazed that we were able to get a table without a reservation. The restaurant is larger inside than it looks. We ordered the Oysters to start because duh Oyster Cottage. The baked Oysters OMG! They put an amazing garlic breadcrumb mixture on top. Must try! My friend and I decided to share the Crab Claws and Cod special. The Crab Claws are absolutely delicious soaked in butter. And the Cod came out beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. My friend ordered the Coconut Shrimp, but was surprised it was a curry. Just average tasting. For dessert, we ordered the apple crumble that hit the spot. Their service was also very good. Definitely felt very warm and cozy. Would make a great date night restaurant.
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Carren R.

Yelp
So good. Another Yelp find! The family has owned this place for 300 hundred years! We had the sample platter which was cold but the smoked Salmon was delicious. Great atmosphere!
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JJ S.

Yelp
This is probably my favorite place to be in Ireland. Moran's got started in ~1797 and the place has been run by the same family ever since. The cottage is mostly in its original form. But aside from the history, the seafood here is absolutely wonderful and FRESH. We came here several times during the Galway Oyster shucking festival. Good drink/ wine selection. Galway Flats oysters-- the freshest of fresh- I get oysters whenever I can as long as the restaurant offers, and by far this place is the freshest. Super clean shucked shells too Mussels - traditional white wine sauce, large amount. Perfectly cooked. Local steamed clams - hmm this is my favorite. Crunchy and juicy, never overcooked and/or leathery Seafood smoked platter -- the smoked salmon is just perfect-- thinly sliced, tender, lightly smoked, not too salty. The crab and proper prawn was ok Fish and chips -- classical music. lightly battered, fish flakes off. Good fries. A must try Great service. Just don't miss your chance for a perfect Irish seafood when you're in Galway/Kilcogan area!
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Deborah H.

Yelp
Start with oysters; we had them 3 ways; raw, grilled and florentine. Outstanding. Then we had fresh fresh fish of all types and finished with 3 deserts for 5 adults to taste. Beautiful location on Galway Bay inlet and building is 300 years old and in very good shape for fun and food. A must if you are in the area and very reasonable considering the quality.
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Umesh W.

Yelp
I hardly give 5 stars to any restaurant...you really have to deserve it. Saying that, hands down, this is one of my favourite restaurants I've been to in Ireland. The food, the service and the ambiance... all good. I had the seaweed chowder, WOW, was it ever good. Very different compared to any North American...amazing taste, tons of fish pieces. As a main, I had the fresh caught cod. I had a hard time deciding between the daily special cod or the salmon. The cod was pan seared with a seaweed butter and steamed vegetables. Beautiful taste... just melted in my mouth. The staff was real friendly, I was chatting with the bar tender, who is also one of the family members that owned the restaurant. Very simple, cozy interior... the place was packed on a Saturday night. I sat at the bar. The only bad thing, (not really a complaint) is that they didn't have any bread pudding (it's only served in the summer ;)
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David O.

Yelp
Amazing seafood. Freshest oysters possible. Attentive service. Cold seafood platter is more than it seems.

Ash G.

Yelp
Moran's has been a required stop at least once-per-year on family visits since 1989. It has such a place in my heart that we went out of our way to bring my fiance here for the first time last weekend. The best oysters, salmon plate, brown bread, and soup on the planet earth.
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Natalie M.

Yelp
Moran's on the Weir is an institution. It's a thatched cottage that has been serving up fabulous seafood for years. My parents used to go there on their summer holidays in Galway. Try to choose a sunny day and sit outside on the benches and feast on some of the best seafood you'll find. I started with a ginormous bowl of mussels, delicious and the white wine and garlic sauce was slurpable. Then for the main event, I had a plate of heaven. Melt in your mouth smoked salmon, perfect prawns and lovely crab. There was so much, I had to focus on my favourites. The prawns are to die for. Great service from really friendly staff and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay on until the sun sets. Tastes like summer.
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Devin K.

Yelp
While off the beaten path from downtown Galway, Moran's was a great experience. It is on the water so between that and the thatch roof, it has a very seaside feel to it. I don't even like seafood but I loved the atmosphere. My friends ordered oysters and even though they were different than the American style they were used to, they liked them. The wait staff was so friendly and helped explain the menu and specials to us. I just got an open face ham sandwich on broad bread which was great, as well as the fish and chips. They have their own beer which we tried, it was like a blonde ale. If you have a car and especially if you like seafood, I would definitely recommend.
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Daniela H.

Yelp
Who would have thought that? In the middle of nowhere - outside of Galway - a restaurant with charisma, style and amazing food. I had the Seafood Chowder to start, Smoked Salmon and Prawns for main course and a most delightful chocolate torte for desert. Our table didn't have anything which wasn't amazing - everyone loved everything served! Everything deserved 5 stars, maybe the chowder is a bit pricy for the amount served...but I know that I have the crab cakes next time anyways :)
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Quentin D.

Yelp
Perfectly presented, hot, fresh, flaky and a little crispy ...but enough about me, let's talk about the fish and chips from Moarns, served with a quick half of Guinness. It was (and no exaggeration) absolutely perfect. It was a bright & Sunny eve so my colleague suggested we sit out and look over the bay as we enjoyed our repast, sadly the tide was out so it all looked a little forlorn, but beautiful none the less. The food was very good and not overly expensive (about 16Euro for the fish & Chips), the staff friendly and the atmosphere relaxed. It has a 'ye olde worlde' vibe but it feels real rather than a badly constructed tourist destination for green pled attired tourists. Morans is all but impossible to find; it's not somewhere you are going to stumble upon by accident (unless you get very lost in the country side, possibly moments from a terrible death by starvation and thirst, when suddenly, as if out of nowhere, you find the place.... It's a stretch I grant you.) but it is well worth seeking out if you find yourself in the general area.
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Mary H.

Yelp
After driving all day around western Ireland, we stop to eat at this place after looking for a restaurant with good reviews and OMG this place is beyond amazing! The place is clean big and neat, the service is great and the food is from another planet!
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Isabella M.

Yelp
OMG- This place is so cozy and delicious. We traveled from the US and this was such a fun dinner outing. The fish stew was incredible, and this was the first place I had ever eaten an oyster- How lucky am I?! I know this also sounds silly, but the interior and exterior of the building is so charming. I love the glossy paint everywhere on the doors and frames. I hope to be able to go back again someday. It was so good!
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Juan R.

Yelp
A few places make me want to buy property in a different country, BUT Morans is by far one of the best places to eat fresh seafood in the world! Anything you have from the raw oysters, mussels, and fish&chips is amazing. The Guinness only makes this place better. (Do try a Galway Hooker if you can). Sitting outside can get windy but its pleasant if sunny. A must try if you are within 100km from this place!
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Lauren H.

Yelp
Everything about this seafood restaurant is authentic, it sits on the ocean and sometimes the tide comes up so high that if you park your car in the wrong place you will have to wait until the tide goes out to leave which is not necessarily a bad thing with food this good... we came in on a Tuesday and even tho they were out of lobster and muscles we had an amazing dinner... the crab claws and butter were everything you would hope for in a crab dish... succulent, tender, sweet and juicy while the garlic buttery sauce gave it just the right amount of heaven... we dipped our bread into it and we're all disappointed when it was gone and the waitress finally took it off the table. We also ordered the oysters which were just about the freshest oysters I have ever eaten and coming from Massachusetts a hard oyster shell to fill! For dinner I ordered the salmon which I have to admit I wasn't that impressed with. It was good but compared to everything else it just was not up to par. We also ordered the raw plate for dinner, it was a trio of smoked salmon, prawns and crab which was honestly amazing. For dessert I recommend a piece of Baileys cheesecake and an Irish coffee... can't wait to come back!
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Caitlin M.

Yelp
Right outside of Galway, this is a must stop for any oyster lover. Cottage is so cute and is located across from a small pond, full of beautiful swans. Fish and chips, oysters on the half shell and fresh brown bread hit the spot!
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Maria G.

Yelp
Great little gem that we found on our way to Galway. The bakes oysters were out of the world and sou was the seafood chowder. OH!!! I have to add that the bread that was served while we waited was so delicious that the two of us are to baskets full.
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nav n.

Yelp
Best fish and chips I have ever had! Got to try how to open an oyster shell as well !

Maria A.

Yelp
My friends recommended me this place as i am a pig when it comes to seafood, and I'm so glad we came here because everything was absolutely amazing. We ordered way too many entrees and by the time our mains came out we were in a food coma, The oysters were fresh and full of flavor and a decent size, I couldn't get over the starter of the mussels... I t was gigantic portion and you could have it as a main. For my mains I had the coconut lime prawns, it was bursting with flavor, I couldn't eat it all but it tasted incredible for a midnight snack! The staff were excellent and very attentive and professional. Thanks for an excellent evening! Highly recommend this place!