Carndonagh Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Carndonagh

January 15, 2018 Marissa Gamble

Carndonagh (Irish: Carn Domhnach) is a town on the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland, close to Trawbreaga Bay. It is the site of the Donagh Cross (or St. Patrick's Cross), believed to date to the 7th century. The original Irish name, Carn Domhnach, means the burial mound of the church.
Things to do in Carndonagh

1. The Rusty Nail

Crossconnell, Clonmany F93 R927, Ireland Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, European, Bar, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$110 - HK$204 +353 74 937 6116
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

The Rusty Nail

Situated at the foot of the Urris Hills on The Wild Atlantic Way, The Rusty Nail is one of Inishowen's hidden gems. With a welcoming open fire and friendly locals, The Rusty Nail provides a warm atmosphere to enjoy a good pint, a bit of craic, and of course great food. This traditional food pub, run by local couple Maresa & Enda McDonagh has an extensive bar food menu including favourites such pan-fried seabass fillets, cauliflower puree, grilled asparagus & salsa verde and grilled 30-day aged fillet steak, roast onion puree, watercress, traditional tobacco onions & red wine jus as well as a varied selection of pasta, vegetarian and gluten free options. The Rusty Nail hosts live traditional music sessions every Sunday evenings and caters for parties and family functions all year around. There are also many local activities nearby such as horse riding at Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, walks to Glenevin Waterfall, a visit to Dunree Fort as well relaxing walks on Leenan, Binion, or Tullagh strands. A journey along the Wild Atlantic Way wouldn't be the same without a visit to The Rusty Nail.

Reviewed By Almostgreynomad - Sydney, Australia

Recommended to go here, and was good advice ! Sunday afternoon, 5pm, trad singing .... very, very good ! Weren't going to .... but stayed and ate, and the food was great ... Lovely evening, and a really special treat for a visitor from Oz.

2. The Butterbean Restaurant and B & B

Bank Place | The Diamond, Carndonagh 000, Ireland Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Irish, Italian, Pizza, Seafood, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$31 - HK$94 +353 74 937 3693
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

The Butterbean Restaurant and B & B

A family run restaurant and b & b. Open daily for breakfast , tasty lunches and delicious evening meals. Fully licenced bar.

Reviewed By Jamie M

Had stopped reviewing on trip advisor because of too many inconsistent reviews but after eating at the butterbean and Reading previous reviews felt I had to again.
We ate on New Year’s Day and although it was very busy we were seen to quickly by a lovely waitress who saw to our every need and was super even too my fussy wife.
The menu was a selection of dishes from the alacarte menu.
The lamb rump was Devine and chicken and beef burger was superb.
We didn’t want the usual Turkey or beef dinner so soon after Christmas dinner.
Excellent value for top class food and excellent service.
Well done butterbean
WILL BE BACK very soon

3. Simpson's Bar & Restaurant

Moville Road | Tulnaree, Carndonagh, Ireland Takeout, Television, Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Irish, Bar, Pub, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night +353 74 937 4499
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Simpson's Bar & Restaurant

Tennent's Donegal Pub of the Year '98, '99. Black and White Donegal Pub of the Year 2000/2001. Simpson's Bar and Restaurant is an ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon or a great night out with friends. Renowned throughout Donegal for excellent food and home cooking, the Bar is adorned with antique furniture where a luxurious atmosphere has been created. Delicious home cooked meals served 12 - late Mon-Sun. Music Saturday nights from 10.30.

Reviewed By bmclmar46 - Derry, United Kingdom

Called in about 2.30 when there was a lunch menu on Asked for Breaded fish which is not normally served at that time Large portions were served at early bird prices when they could have have charged the evening menu price Very good meal and very nice friendly staff

4. McGrorys

Main Street, Culdaff, Ireland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Irish, Bar, European, Pub, International, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast +353 74 937 9104
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 206 reviews

McGrorys

Reviewed By MissJen - Athlone, Ireland

Came for lunch on a lovely sunny day and were able to sit outside and take advantage. Nice menu options all nicely presented (wooden boards etc). We had open sandwiches which were plentiful. Bar inside was nice too with country style decorDear MissJen, Thank you for your lovely review it is great to get feedback on our menu. There is nothing better sitting outside McGrory's Hotel in the Sunshine watching the world go by. We hope to see you again soon. Kind Regards McGrory's Hotel

5. Claire The Bakers

Unit 4, SuperValu, Carndonagh, Ireland Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi Irish, Healthy, European, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +353 74 937 3927
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 107 reviews

Claire The Bakers

Claire the Bakers is suitated on the Wild Atlantic Way in Carndonagh Inishowen Co. Donegal, serving award winning food and amazing coffee. An amazing selection of fresh lunch specials and desserts you will not leave hungry . Claire the Bakers also known as CTB is a must visit if your ever in the area ️!

Reviewed By Bobbyjean44 - Malin, Ireland

Conveniently situated next t the supermarket it is a great place to drop in for a quick pick me up after shopping. Delicious home baked scones and cakes, or if you prefer a light lunch with soup and a Sandwich. The staff are friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

6. Caffe Banba

2 Malin Street | The Diamond, Carndonagh, Ireland Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, Soups Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$39 - HK$71 +353 74 932 9277
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Caffe Banba

Bakery, Cakery & Fabulous Coffee, plus freshly prepared soups, toasties, wraps, salads and other delicious food options. Family run, with a real pride for providing the best quality produce, in a relaxed, simple and quirky little shop.

Reviewed By paolomclean

I always pop in to banba for a coffee whilst out on my bike in innisowen.
Latest visit I had great pannini. All the staff were really friendly and attentive.
Their double espressos are excellent.
I'll add my kids love the hot chocolate when they visit.
Its a great place to go to if youre doing the Innisowen 100.

7. Nancy's Barn Ballyliffin

Ballyliffin Village, Ballyliffin 0000, Ireland Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Irish, Cafe, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$16 - HK$86 +353 74 937 6556
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 515 reviews

Nancy's Barn Ballyliffin

Voted World famous seafood chowder champions 2017 in Newport Rhode island, USA We are a Unique Coffee shop / Bistro with a highly skilled team of chefs & front of house staff serving up the freshest baking & savoury dishes daily. All Ireland award winning seafood chowder Champions 2016 & Donegals best seafood chowder 2015. Nancy's Barn received Trip adviser of Excellence 2015 & 2016 in a Row. We use Local fresh seafood and ingredients all the way in our dishes! We strive for customer excellence in our business daily. Nancy's barn can be dimmed rite down by Evening to a beautiful fine dining restaurant /bistro for your private family get together serving up delicious Ala Carte dishes tailored by you & our Culinary Team. Fully Wine Licensed premises OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR AROUND.

Reviewed By Bostin123 - Derry, United Kingdom

A family meet for breakfast and what a mess, the food was terrible two of us had crispy bacon stack, the bacon was so undercooked the fat was still cold and flaccid, disgusting, and as for the pancakes well least said, a totally disgusting breakfast,I really hope I won’t be dragged there again

8. Ocean Court Takeaway

The Diamond, Carndonagh, Ireland Chinese, Seafood +353 93 73322
Excellent
35%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
16%
Terrible
33%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 6 reviews

Ocean Court Takeaway

Reviewed By TLH65 - Galway, Ireland

We ordered takeaway from here last month and it was just delicious. Portions were very generous and flavours spot on with no MSG aftertaste. No hesitation recommending it.

9. Five Key Kitchen

No 1 Bridge Street, Carndonagh, Ireland Chinese
Excellent
75%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
25%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 8 reviews

Five Key Kitchen

Reviewed By smithers58 - North West

This restaurant has recently opened and offers a vast range of international and fast food at very reasonable prices. The Chicken Tikka starter and the two main courses, Thai Red Curry and Chicken Rogan Josh were delicious. Service was very good and the chef came out to see if everything was ok. And to top all that , you can bring your own wine!

10. McCurdys

11 Gaelic Park | Millbrae, Carndonagh, Ireland Fast Food +353 74 937 3360
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

McCurdys

Family run Traditinal Fish and chip Shop and Pizzeria,also available complete cafe range of food including steak ,soup, sandwiches. McCurdys have been in Carndonagh for 14 years and have a reputation for for high quality food and inexpensive cuisine

Reviewed By MDREVUE - Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Family friendly restaurant with great choice. Excellent value for money. Best fast food around withservice with a smile.

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