Finding somewhere to eat out with the kids shouldn’t be stressful — but not every restaurant is set up for little ones, buggies, or fussy appetites. If you’re looking for child friendly restaurants in Mayo, we’ve pulled together a handy round-up of family-friendly spots across the county, from Ballina to Westport, Castlebar to Belmullet.
Before you head out, it’s worth knowing that some restaurants in Mayo have small dining rooms and may not have space for buggies inside. Where possible, bring a car booster seat, or call ahead to ask whether the restaurant has a highchair or baby seat available.
Jump to a town:
- [Ballina](#ballina)
- [Turlough — National Museum of Ireland](#turlough)
- [Westport](#westport)
- [Ballyhaunis](#ballyhaunis)
- [Belmullet](#belmullet)
- [Charlestown](#charlestown)
- [Claremorris](#claremorris)
- [Castlebar](#castlebar)
Ballina
- Market Kitchen / Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant — A nice treat for all the family, with a healthy kids’ menu and half portions available. Friendly service, plus crayons and paper to keep little ones entertained. Bar food during the day, or a full restaurant menu in the evening.
- Dillons Restaurant — Tucked away in a lovely courtyard, Dillons is a real family favourite. Kids get crayons to colour with, and there’s plenty of outdoor space in the courtyard for them to burn off some energy. Bar food by day, restaurant dining by evening.
Turlough — National Museum of Ireland, Country Life
The Museum Café at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is a handy spot for a snack or lunch before or after your museum visit. You’ll find child-friendly food at Brambles Café, with highchairs available on request. Breastfeeding mums are also welcome here.
Westport
Westport has one of the widest ranges of family dining options in Mayo, from casual cafés to seafood restaurants.
- Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park — Plenty of dining choices in one place. The tea-rooms are perfect for home-made cakes and scones, Gracy’s Gastro Bar (at the old farmyard) serves hot and cold food throughout the day and offers wood-fired pizzas, and baby bowls are available. The Pirates Den and Galley at Pirates Haven also serve tea, coffee and snacks.
- Sol Rio, Bridge Street — Open for lunch and dinner, with a well-regarded kids’ menu. It’s upstairs, so be prepared to carry a buggy or leave it in the car.
- Mocha Beans, WestPoint Shopping Centre — A great atmosphere, generous kids’ portions, and easy buggy access.
- Nicola’s Food Emporium, Lime Court, James St Car Park — Lovely food and a special marshmallow drink that kids love. Space is tight, but a folded buggy can fit inside.
- Torrinos, Market Lane, off Bridge St — Pasta, chicken, steak, pizza and seafood. Popular and cosy, so advance booking is recommended and there’s no room for buggies.
- The Helm, The Quay — Great seafood and atmosphere. Booking is essential, but plenty of highchairs mean you won’t need the buggy.
- The Creel, The Quay — Hearty food with generous portions (ask for a small kids’ portion if needed). Friendly staff and a lovely location — save room for dessert.
- Curry’s Cottage, James St — A cosy coffee shop with lovely buns, cakes, and cute themed treats for small kids. Little space for buggies, but takeaway is easy.
- Pantry & Corkscrew, The Octagon — Tasty fish and chips in a cosy setting; best to leave the buggy behind.
- Fishworks, Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel, The Quay — Good seafood, plenty of buggy space, and a lovely quayside spot for a walk afterwards.
Ballyhaunis
- The Cosy Cup — A small café and juice bar on the main street serving breakfasts, snacks, sandwiches and paninis.
- Tasty Dish, Knox St — Open for breakfast and lunch, with a kids’ menu including sausages, nuggets and half portions. Spacious, though the toilet is upstairs.
- There’s also a Supermac’s on Main Street for a quick, easy option.
Belmullet
- Park Lanes Bar & Restaurant, at the Gateway Leisure Centre — A spacious restaurant with lovely bay views and a menu for all ages. Kids are given crayons and paper to keep busy.
- Broadhaven Bay — Blends modern and traditional Irish dishes using fresh, local produce.
Charlestown
- The Riverside — A cosy restaurant with a genuinely healthy children’s menu, highchairs, and crayons for the kids.
Claremorris
- McWilliam Park Hotel
- Aghna’s Café — A bright, welcoming spot for a cuppa, healthy breakfast, hot lunch, or afternoon tea.
Castlebar
- Café Rua — Simple, delicious food with daily specials.
- Breaffy Woods Hotel — The Legends restaurant offers relaxed dining with a varied menu that caters well for children.
- For a quick, easy choice, there’s also McDonald’s or Apache Pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restaurants in Mayo with dedicated kids’ menus?
Yes — many of the restaurants above, including spots in Ballina, Westport, Charlestown and Castlebar, offer dedicated children’s menus or half portions.
Which Mayo restaurants are easiest for buggies?
Larger or more open venues such as Fishworks in Westport, Mocha Beans, and Market Kitchen in Ballina tend to have more space for buggies. Smaller, cosier restaurants may have limited room, so it’s worth calling ahead if you’re unsure.
Do any Mayo restaurants offer highchairs or baby seating?
Several do, including The Helm and The Riverside. It’s always a good idea to ask when booking, or bring your own car booster seat as a backup.
Is there somewhere to eat near Westport House?
Yes — Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park has several on-site options, including tea-rooms, Gracy’s Gastro Bar, and snack kiosks at Pirates Haven, so you can combine a day out with lunch.
Related Articles
- 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
- Family-Friendly Days Out in Mayo
- Best Playgrounds and Parks in Mayo for Kids
Before You Go
If you’re planning a family day out in Mayo, it’s always worth calling ahead to check current opening hours, availability of highchairs, and any changes to the menu — especially with younger children in tow.
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