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Recommended Reviews - McDonagh's
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They fry a variety of fish & chips - it's what they do, their specialty. Hale fish was decent size, cooked well, a new flavor that cooks like Cod (moist and flaky) but much stronger flavor. Chips are large steak fries tasting above average. Fried chicken was KFC-like, seasoned well. Coleslaw was creamy and balanced flavor. Yeup, fish & chips - it's what they do since 1903z
On a cold, windy, grey, and rainy tour day, I was seeking a warming and comforting fish and chips. This place came rated highly, and it met expectations. I order the Scampi. The fries were thick cut and went great with the malt vinegar. The shrimp was also delicious, although the breading peeled off very easily as you tried to take the shrimp off the skewer. The folks working there were very kind and industrious.
This place was highly rated on You tube, so while in Galway.... We made it for dinner. It's a super casual, order at counter spot, but it is very popular..you may have to share a table. You choose your fish to be battered. Ordered the hake fish/chips (a local fish) special and a battered cod with a side of onion rings. All sides are ordered separately as well as the sauces. They offer a variety of fish, oysters, and sides. Check out the menu I attached. Hubby enjoyed his hake and chips. A light, mild fish, and the chips were delicious thick cut. My cod was a bit dry and overcooked, so I didn't enjoy it as much. But, the onion rings were excellent! Nicely battered, with a good size of onion and crunchy outer coating. All portions of fish and sides were of decent size. We ordered a few tartar sauces for dipping. My suggestion- get the hake and chip special!!! You won't regret it.
A proper fish and chip shop! Haha but for real this place is cool. You essentially pick which fish you want batered and fried, and then add chips, sauces, or sides like mushy peas, baked beans etc. They had some cool fish options so I decided to try ray for the first time, plus a more "pedestrian" fish which ended up being Hake. We added chips, tartar sauce, and a Guinness (because ofc!). The ray was very boney but tender and delicious, while the hake was your textbook fish and chips fish. Added vinegar and ketchup, and it was a yummy meal! The chips were a bit soggy, but the fish was very crispy. Very crowded inside, expect to share your table and make friends :) Service is quick and efficient despite the business.
Stopped here to get fish and chips as it had so many reviews and it was good! I got onion rings instead of fries because I had so many fries this trip. The onion rings were amazing and the fish was great as well. I have had better fish and chips though. It's quick and the service was friendly. Worth a stop!
I had high expectation knowing that this is a excellent place for fish & chips in Galway. And it didn't disappoint! When you enter the store, you go straight to the counter to place your order & pay first. They bring your order straight to you at your selected table. I knew that I had to try their original fish & chips, so I opted for their traditional fried cod fish with a side of regular chips. I definitely recommend ordering a regular size, but it's really quite a lot of food! The fried fish was a big portion. It's crispy on the outside and juicy/soft on the inside. The fish tasted really solid. They make their seafood well. The chips were also big. Everything combined was delicious. Although I couldn't finish everything on my plate because I was quite full, I throughly enjoyed every bite.
Very informal but the employees are all great and helpful especially to the very confused Americans. The fish, chicken and shrimp was delicious! The seasoning was fabulous! Chips were crispy with little seasoning but great with vinegar or ketchup. The only downside was the potato salad. Pretty much just mayonnaise and I mean lots of mayonnaise with a few potatoes and some shredded carrots. Great play to go after drinks at one of the local pubs!
Great spot for some fresh fish and chips while walking around main st. Very straightforward and unassuming, with quick service and decent food. You order at the counter and pay, then bring your food to a table. There's a variety of local options for your fried fish, but we went with Cod (maybe a little safe?). Paired it with a large serving of chips, and a side of mushy peas. Cod was glistening, but felt perhaps a touch overcooked? Regardless, decent meal after walking around the Cliffs of Moher for a couple of hours. Conveniently located a the very beginning (or end?) of main street, you can get your fix, and walk around the area to explore.
In a seaside town, one must have fish and chips. I asked my host at my hotel for a list of recommendations. My friend asked her host at her hotel for a list of recommendations. And I checked Yelp. All three contained McDonagh's. This is absolutely not a fancy place. Order at the counter and you'll find a seat. They do not want you taking a seat before you order as they desperately need the turnover here. After waiting in the queue, I ordered the fish and chips (I chose hake for an extra €1) and my friend the baked fish. With a tin of beer and a tin of wine, it was not at all expensive. It did not take too long for our food to be ready - both very big portions with enough fries (chips) to share. The fish was hot, light and flaky. Absolutely delicious and worth the wait. This place moves fast and if you're paying attention, there are people waiting for seats. Be kind and head on when your meal is done. [Review 1930 of 2024 - 112 in Republic of Ireland - 22952 overall]
This place was highly recommended to us by the tour guide, but to be very honest, it is not that good. The service was rushed and kind of dry. The very good looking food was average in flavor but not so much in price. Perhaps because it is a very touristy area and as usual, things are overpriced. My party ordered the popular cod fish & chips, scampi (aka shrimp) & chips, and hoke fish & chips. Tartare sauce was charged as an add on when if you ask me, shouldn't be like that since it is part of the dish! I haven't been to any other place where they charge you for it when you order fish & chips but oh well, just be aware of that, not a biggie but more about the gesture, I guess, but at almost €1 each, it adds up. Oh! and you need to ask for lemons otherwise they are not offered with your plate. Good news: No extra charge for your lemon wedge ;) The dining area is average clean and bathrooms despite being only for customers, they could still clean them a little more often, although it is understandable when the place gets very busy. Overall: Not bad, but nothing you'll regret missing if you decide to go somewhere else while you're in Galway.
12 days ago
This place was recommended by our tour guide and also one of few places we were going to try while visiting. As it was near the drop off area, we decided to have our lunch. Order and pay at the counter, then find a seat. We got one fish by itself with curry sauce, one fish & chips and an order of a soup. The fish was decent, unfortunately like all other places, it was not seasoned. The fish came out fast. The fish are fried in advance and placed under the warmer, but they don't sit around too long as turnaround is quick. Inside, you have two dining area to your left and right, nothing fancy and some dining tables outside by the main door. I do appreciate that you can choose different fish types for your fish and chips. They need to do better job of cleaning the tables, didn't really see anyone taking care of the dining tables during our visit. read more
There's long line outside of the door when we were there. It was crowded and we had to share table with strangers. But they took orders very fast and served fast as well, it took me about 15-20 minutes total to get fed. The fish&chips are the best, even better than what I had in London, they were fresh and juicy; oysters were great and worth to try; the fish soup was creamy and delicious as well. read more
They fry a variety of fish & chips - it's what they do, their specialty. Hale fish was decent size, cooked well, a new flavor that cooks like Cod (moist and flaky) but much stronger flavor. Chips are large steak fries tasting above average. Fried chicken was KFC-like, seasoned well. Coleslaw was creamy and balanced flavor. Yeup, fish & chips - it's what they do since 1903z read more
On a cold, windy, grey, and rainy tour day, I was seeking a warming and comforting fish and chips. This place came rated highly, and it met expectations. I order the Scampi. The fries were thick cut and went great with the malt vinegar. The shrimp was also delicious, although the breading peeled off very easily as you tried to take the shrimp off the skewer. The folks working there were very kind and industrious. read more
Solid place. Definitely not great for large groups. Food was fine. Nothing amazing, nothing terrible. They had different types of fish at different prices. Chips/fries were fine as well. Service was friendly and fairly quick. Overall, it's fairly typical. read more
9 months ago
This place was highly rated on You tube, so while in Galway.... We made it for dinner. It's a super casual, order at counter spot, but it is very popular..you may have to share a table. You choose your fish to be battered. Ordered the hake fish/chips (a local fish) special and a battered cod with a side of onion rings. All sides are ordered separately as well as the sauces. They offer a variety of fish, oysters, and sides. Check out the menu I attached. Hubby enjoyed his hake and chips. A light, mild fish, and the chips were delicious thick cut. My cod was a bit dry and overcooked, so I didn't enjoy it as much. But, the onion rings were excellent! Nicely battered, with a good size of onion and crunchy outer coating. All portions of fish and sides were of decent size. We ordered a few tartar sauces for dipping. My suggestion- get the hake and chip special!!! You won't regret it. read more
1 year ago
A proper fish and chip shop! Haha but for real this place is cool. You essentially pick which fish you want batered and fried, and then add chips, sauces, or sides like mushy peas, baked beans etc. They had some cool fish options so I decided to try ray for the first time, plus a more "pedestrian" fish which ended up being Hake. We added chips, tartar sauce, and a Guinness (because ofc!). The ray was very boney but tender and delicious, while the hake was your textbook fish and chips fish. Added vinegar and ketchup, and it was a yummy meal! The chips were a bit soggy, but the fish was very crispy. Very crowded inside, expect to share your table and make friends :) Service is quick and efficient despite the business. read more
7 months ago
Stopped here to get fish and chips as it had so many reviews and it was good! I got onion rings instead of fries because I had so many fries this trip. The onion rings were amazing and the fish was great as well. I have had better fish and chips though. It's quick and the service was friendly. Worth a stop! read more
I had high expectation knowing that this is a excellent place for fish & chips in Galway. And it didn't disappoint! When you enter the store, you go straight to the counter to place your order & pay first. They bring your order straight to you at your selected table. I knew that I had to try their original fish & chips, so I opted for their traditional fried cod fish with a side of regular chips. I definitely recommend ordering a regular size, but it's really quite a lot of food! The fried fish was a big portion. It's crispy on the outside and juicy/soft on the inside. The fish tasted really solid. They make their seafood well. The chips were also big. Everything combined was delicious. Although I couldn't finish everything on my plate because I was quite full, I throughly enjoyed every bite. read more
Very informal but the employees are all great and helpful especially to the very confused Americans. The fish, chicken and shrimp was delicious! The seasoning was fabulous! Chips were crispy with little seasoning but great with vinegar or ketchup. The only downside was the potato salad. Pretty much just mayonnaise and I mean lots of mayonnaise with a few potatoes and some shredded carrots. Great play to go after drinks at one of the local pubs! read more
Great spot for some fresh fish and chips while walking around main st. Very straightforward and unassuming, with quick service and decent food. You order at the counter and pay, then bring your food to a table. There's a variety of local options for your fried fish, but we went with Cod (maybe a little safe?). Paired it with a large serving of chips, and a side of mushy peas. Cod was glistening, but felt perhaps a touch overcooked? Regardless, decent meal after walking around the Cliffs of Moher for a couple of hours. Conveniently located a the very beginning (or end?) of main street, you can get your fix, and walk around the area to explore. read more
4 months ago
A great spot for fish and chips! They were very busy when we arrived but the workers were quickly clearing tables to make room for people to sit. A great price for a huge meal! Definitely recommend for a quick and delicious meal! read more
In a seaside town, one must have fish and chips. I asked my host at my hotel for a list of recommendations. My friend asked her host at her hotel for a list of recommendations. And I checked Yelp. All three contained McDonagh's. This is absolutely not a fancy place. Order at the counter and you'll find a seat. They do not want you taking a seat before you order as they desperately need the turnover here. After waiting in the queue, I ordered the fish and chips (I chose hake for an extra €1) and my friend the baked fish. With a tin of beer and a tin of wine, it was not at all expensive. It did not take too long for our food to be ready - both very big portions with enough fries (chips) to share. The fish was hot, light and flaky. Absolutely delicious and worth the wait. This place moves fast and if you're paying attention, there are people waiting for seats. Be kind and head on when your meal is done. [Review 1930 of 2024 - 112 in Republic of Ireland - 22952 overall] read more
1 year ago
This place was highly recommended to us by the tour guide, but to be very honest, it is not that good. The service was rushed and kind of dry. The very good looking food was average in flavor but not so much in price. Perhaps because it is a very touristy area and as usual, things are overpriced. My party ordered the popular cod fish & chips, scampi (aka shrimp) & chips, and hoke fish & chips. Tartare sauce was charged as an add on when if you ask me, shouldn't be like that since it is part of the dish! I haven't been to any other place where they charge you for it when you order fish & chips but oh well, just be aware of that, not a biggie but more about the gesture, I guess, but at almost €1 each, it adds up. Oh! and you need to ask for lemons otherwise they are not offered with your plate. Good news: No extra charge for your lemon wedge ;) The dining area is average clean and bathrooms despite being only for customers, they could still clean them a little more often, although it is understandable when the place gets very busy. Overall: Not bad, but nothing you'll regret missing if you decide to go somewhere else while you're in Galway. read more
1 year ago
Delicious cod fish and chips! Probably the best fish and chips I had in Ireland! So crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Tried to get oysters but they were sold out already! read more
9 months ago
A classic and worth the trip. We made the day trip out to Galway and looking for some lunch and we found this place. It's a super simple establishment where you order at the counter and seat yourself. I got the fish and shared some chips with a friend. The tartare sauce was delish and the fish was fresh and I thought it was well priced. Nothing crazy but still hits the spot! Definitely was busy on a Sunday but we managed to get a table outside. Worth the stop if you're in town! read more
7 months ago
A great fish and chips spot with excellent fried fish, fresh oysters, reasonable prices, and quick service. It's not much of a fancy place but for good fish and chips that the locals frequent, this is a great spot to check out in town. read more
To die for GIGA Oysters! Delicious fish and chips. Came here because it was highly recommended and I ended up eating here two days in a row. Giga Oysters were fresh, fish and chips were made to order. Although this place is busy, employees here are extremely fast and efficient. Loved it! Highly recommend this place. read more
McDonagh's is a classic (and probably the most famous) fish and chips shop in Galway city. It seems to be packed with a long line at all hours of the day. Its location is smack in the middle of the city and the options are very limited - several types of fish, chicken, chips, and some other sides. I am from the states and so I do not get to have a good fish and chips often so I was looking forward to this meal very much on my trip to Galway. I decided to go with the most standard meal: cod and chips. Also made it 1 step up with a side order of curry. The fish was very good - nice crispy exterior with a soft interior. I would have preferred the fish be seasoned a bit more, but it was still very delicious. The chips were good, but much better when paired with the curry. Overall, a delicious fish and chips shop that I would highly recommend to all! read more
Ate here for lunch 12:03 PM. Friendly service great recommendations from personnel. The Cod is popular and that's what we ordered. Shared a large platter of fries that feeds 4 or 6 individuals, we were 3 people. My husband wanted the mackerel and it was fried sardines, very fishy. Be careful when ordering the Mackerel. I had curry sauce (dairy-free); it was good - my husband had the coleslaw, VERY mayonnaise based, he did not like the coleslaw (we are from Texas and know coleslaw, this was not it) loved the ambiance, great locations too. Not bad except everything is FRIED. If you want greasy food this is the place. I've had England Fish & Chips, this was better. read more
Outstanding oysters. And our tour guide said they have the best fish and chips in Ireland. Perhaps? I thought the traditional fish and chips were great and the oysters were so good that I had to get another half dozen. This place is a perfect example of "less is more". Have a simple menu and focus on doing a handful of things REALLY well. They know how to move the line along quickly and are super efficient whilst still being friendly. Walk up to the counter, get your order in and they'll bring it to your table in a jiffy. Super casual-you might sit at a table with strangers. Make some friends and enjoy your meal. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
My friend highly recommended eating here and even wanted me to check whether they sold sweaters (note - they don't but they have tshirts). You order at the counter first and then they'll bring out the food. My friend and I each got the cod and a large plate of chips to share. There are condiments at each table and you can also purchase sauces for the fish. They have a variety of seafood options that they fry up right then and there, so it comes piping hot. Indoor seating only and takeout available. Credit cards accepted. We were in and out in under an hour. read more
The cod was great, fried but not "too fried", and rivaled fish we got at more upscale establishments across Ireland and London. The chips were surprisingly bad and soggy; we chose not to eat them and would not order again. Service was super fast, and we got our food right at the counter when ordering. Pricing was also fair, at €8.20 for the cod. read more
1 year ago
Authentic and very popular fish and chips spot. Food was heavy but a great splurge meal, and the sauces paired well with the fish. Service was pretty quick despite long lines, and the place has a fun family vibe. read more
4 years ago
After walking about a bit in Galway, lunch beckoned. Being in a tourist area, finding a venue for lunch didn't seem to be a hard task. McDonagh's was recommended by the tour guide. When we found ourselves outside the store front, we decided to give it a try. I got the traditional fish and chips. Seemed safe enough. SO was more adventurous and got the "ray." Chips could have been crisper, but was satisfactory. Ray was a fish I most likely won't ever get in any further travels. Lot of cartilage to eat around and the taste remains in your mouth after you swallow it. and no, not a taste you want repeating after you eat it. Inside the staff were quite pleasant, something I found in Ireland in general. Decor was quite kitschy with lobster traps, shells on the walls and ceiling. Enjoy the fish and chips, skip the ray. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Not too shabby for fast food here in Galway. We popped in looking for oysters and we found them. No frills, but fresh and did the job. The oysters tasted like they were just caught and left the best possible aftertaste. I can't explain it, but they tasted like the ocean but not fishy or gross. We also grabbed some fish and chips, beer and added Tartar sauce on the side. The fries were undercooked for our liking, but decent. Service was fast and friendly enough. read more
1 year ago
Amazing shrimp amazing! Chips are fresh and yummy with Garlic sauce. We sat outside to people watch and enjoyed fast friendly service. read more
There is nothing wrong with stopping here and having lunch. What was disappointing was we are grown ups and weren't smart enough to avoid it. We don't eat fried foods, but we let the tour guide and our fellow travelers convince us that you can't come to Ireland and not experience fish and chips. Peer pressure won on this day. So, we did and while they weren't awful, they weren't great either. It was especially disappointing to see all the other restaurants we could have tried, but we learned that you can come to Ireland and not have fish and chips. You will survive just fine, especially if you don't eat deep fried, greasy stuff at home. read more
3 years ago
Delicious fish and chips and fried shrimp. We were visiting from California and The Latin Quarter was on our list of places to visit after Cliffs of Moher. This place is casual and you line up to order your food. Staff bring the food to your table. The staff is efficient and quick. The ambience is simple, but cute. We enjoyed our meal here. read more
This place was recommended by our tour guide of the day and it exceeded our expectations. The portions were huge, it was delicious, amazing customer service, and all of the decorations were fun to look at. This is an award winning spot and it deserves all of them and more. Prices were very budget friendly and great portions. The cod fish and chips was very good and the oysters were good (as good as oysters can be) and fresh from that morning! Definitely will go again! read more
2 years ago
My husband really enjoyed this place. Was recommended to us for the best fish and chips to be had in Galway. He also said it was a lively place and the staff was fun. He wants to return. read more
11 months ago
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More info about McDonagh's
22 Quay St
Galway, H91 N902
Republic of Ireland
Directions
(091) 565001
Call Now
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http://www.mcdonaghs.net/
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Review Highlights - McDonagh's
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McDonagh's - fishnchips - Updated July 2026
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