It has been a busy year for the team at Blackrock Cottage. Since the restaurant opened in late 2022 it has become a firm favourite in Galway. It has also proven itself nationally, winning both the regional and the all-Ireland Best Newcomer Award at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Food Awards. It is also been nominated in the upcoming Food and Wine awards.
It's easy to see why this innovative business has proved so popular. Located in an 1830s cottage right on the shore of Galway Bay, it is hard to find a more spectacular setting. The nearly 200-year-old building has been refurbished and reimagined, giving the restaurant a modern aesthetic while respecting its history. And the view is perfect — taking in the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower of Galway, and the hills of Clare across the bay.
The menus on offer here also blend the traditional and the modern. Executive head chef Martin O'Donnell takes his inspiration from local seasonal produce from both land and sea, offering a modern take on some old favourites.
Martin O'Donnell
O'Donnell qualified in the culinary school at GMIT, now ATU, and went on to train and work in many of Galway's and Ireland's top restaurants.
The charismatic Galway man cut his teeth in some of the country’s most prestigious destination restaurants. In his most recent role as executive head chef of The Twelve Hotel in Barna, he led the culinary team for 15 years and was instrumental in its many successes. Now he's bringing this same dedication to excellence to Blackrock Cottage.
Blackrock Cottage is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm and for dinner until 9.15pm Thursday to Sunday. For more information and dinner reservations phone 091 399280 or see blackrockcottage.ie
