Fodor's Expert Review Healy's Restaurant and Bar

Set in a long, creeper-clad two-story building more than 200 years old, Healy's overlooks the waters of Lough Conn, which calmly lap the reeds on its shoreline. Midway between Castlebar and Ballina (14 km [9 miles] south of the latter), this simple rural retreat was previously a lodging favored by serious anglers, but nowadays is known for its good food and wine. The lounge bar has been converted into an informal restaurant with a heart-stopping lake view, while fishermen can still swap tall tales in the traditional pub in the next room. There is a basic all-day menu of smoked salmon, seafood chowder, fish-and-chips, Irish stew, and other bar food staples, while from 5 pm, the Lobster Pot Restaurant serves a wider à la carte menu. On weekends (Friday–Sunday 5–9 pm) and Sunday lunch the Lough Cullen dining room opens to cope with the crowds.