Top restaurants in mayo have been announced

The Connaught regional final of the Irish Restaurant Awards took place in the Salthill Hotel, Galway, on Monday night (April 20) and named the top restaurants in the five counties for 2015.

Over 500 restaurant owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the awards, which saw many well-known restaurateurs of Connaught turn out to see if they had achieved recognition.

In Mayo, Belleek Castle in Ballina was a double winner. Its Library Restaurant was named the best hotel restaurant while manager Daniel Mayr was named the best restaurant manager.

An Port Mór, Westport, came away with the best restaurant award while Chamila Mananwatta of Nephin Restaurant at Mulranny Park Hotel was named best chef.

Castlebar's Café Rua was announced as best casual dining location and Bar One, another Castlebar venue, was awarded best customer service. Flanagan's Pub, Brickens, picked up the award for best gastro pub, Pat Cohan's Bar in Cong was announced as best newcomer, and The Restaurant at Newport House collected the award for best wine experience.

All county winners now compete for the regional and All-Ireland titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards in the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Dublin, on Monday, May 25.