The little red doorway to a delightful culinary experience
The first time you arrive at the doorstep of Quay Cottage, your reaction is very likely to follow a predictable path. First, walking or driving along the quay, you marvel at the restoration ongoing at this beautiful and historic spot on what was once a bustling waterfront. You take note of the boats in the harbor, the shops on the shore, and people milling about. You wonder where exactly is this Quay Cottage, until -- suddenly and intuitively -- you know you’re upon it. You notice the charming fairy tale cottage with its entrance beckoning you to enter with a promise of delights inside its magical entrance door. You’re very glad you made a reservation because you’re certain it can’t hold more than 20 people…this tiny house that looks like it was meant for the "little people". But once inside, you’re astounded to find that the door is a portal to a wondrous delight. What appears to be a tiny cottage, expands before your eyes into a high ceilinged, nautically inspired restaurant that accommodates as many as 100 in three cozy rooms. The atmosphere is friendly and warm, the scents of the kitchen waft toward you, and the staff greet you graciously. You’re immediately embraced by the casual comfort of Quay Cottage. There is a fully licensed bar where occasional groups of merrymakers linger over their nightcaps, sometimes joined by proprietors Kirstin and Peter MacDonagh. And if the weather is balmy and clear (which of course we know all about in the West of Ireland) they may open up the courtyard in the back and extend welcome at intimate outdoor seating that is secluded from the world by a walled garden. One thing you can be sure of is that Kirstin MacDonagh will deliver a satisfying and inventively prepared meal, in pleasant, comfortable surroundings, with impeccable service, and at reasonable prices. Peter MacDonagh scouts out the finest and freshest seafood from the local bountiful waters of Clew Bay, working with the local fishermen to provide a distinctive selection of fish and shellfish for you to enjoy. And along the way, Peter hunts down the treasures that decorate the walls and inspire the lore about the place and its history. Peter loves to tell the stories behind the treasures in Quay Cottage. Be sure to ask about your favorite ones if you find him in attendance.  Quay Cottage was not always such a grand gathering place. It started as a one-room restaurant next door to a specialty papermaking shop, with Kirstin developing the recipes, preparing the food, serving it up, and tending to the paper as well. Before long, the word had spread that sumptuous fare was being served in the most charming of places and the need to grow overtook the desire to create fine papers. So, the expansion started with the shop next door. In 1999, the addition of the back room opened up the potential to host larger groups in what has remained a cozy atmosphere, with fires blazing and nautical decorations filling niches everywhere.
The set menu is varied monthly, but you’ll always find fresh seafood at the core. You may sample the local catch of fish — whether salmon, John Dory, turbot, monkfish, cod, or sole — or shellfish, including scallops, oysters, mussels or cloisins. And for landlubbers, there’s always a fine selection of meats and game as well as vegetarian delights. Every meal is accompanied by a selection of potatoes or rice, and fresh cooked seasonal produce. The wine menu provides an interesting assortment of moderately priced wines personally selected to accompany the menu of the month. The staff is always pleased to help you with a selection for your special meal. Be sure to save room for dessert! There’s always something special to tempt you at the end of your meal. Wouldn’t want you to leave without satisfying that sweet tooth. Peter and Kirstin, along with their sons Cillian and Cormack, welcome you to Quay Cottage and wish you a hearty meal in the company of good friends! If they’re not present at Quay Cottage, you might find them watching their stallion, Ross, win medals at show jumping competitions throughout Ireland. Please note that Quay Cottage is usually closed from mid-January through mid-February to allow the staff to rejuvenate their souls in warm places. | 
