Eating out with children can be hit and miss, but Donegal has some lovely spots that make it easy. Whether you’re after a quick bite after the beach or a proper sit-down family dinner, here are some of our favourite child friendly restaurants in Donegal, covering South Donegal and Letterkenny.
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Child Friendly Restaurants in South Donegal
The Gaslight Restaurant, Rossnowlagh
Watch the surfers from The Gaslight Restaurant while you enjoy the view over Rossnowlagh Beach. The food is good and the kids’ menu has some fun touches, including “the young pirate soup with potato” and Treasure Island ice cream.
Dom’s Pier 1, Donegal Town
Dom’s Pier 1 has a good child-friendly atmosphere. It can get busy, but the service is generally good. There’s a kids’ menu, and they’ll also do half portions from the main menu if that suits your child better.
La Bella Donna, Donegal Town
Kids seem to have a soft spot for Italian food, and La Bella Donna is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere family-friendly for an evening meal that the grown-ups will enjoy too.
Aroma Coffee Shop, Donegal Craft Village
A personal favourite for many families! Aroma Coffee Shop at the Craft Village isn’t very spacious, so it suits older children best. It’s perfect for stopping off for soup or a sandwich, with freshly baked bread daily.
The Harbour, Donegal Town
The Harbour has a comprehensive menu covering seafood, steaks and pasta dishes, and is very welcoming to families. Toys are provided for younger children and colouring materials for older ones. There’s also a pizzeria at the back of the restaurant, which makes for great entertainment while the kids watch their pizza being made.
Blueberry Tea Room, Donegal Town
Not a spot for buggies, but a great one none-the-less. The staff are helpful and the food is tasty. It’s popular, so it’s worth avoiding peak times unless you don’t mind waiting for a table. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying one of the homemade desserts.
The Rusty Mackerel, Teelin
Well worth a stop on the way to the Sliabh Liag cliffs. There’s seating indoors and out, and the menu makes the most of the seafood Donegal is known for. The chowder is a must, and you can’t go wrong with the monkfish and prawn main course. There’s a kids’ menu and some very tasty desserts too. It does get busy during the holidays, so book ahead if you can.
You may also enjoy: Fabulous Free Things to Do With Kids in Donegal
Child Friendly Restaurants in Letterkenny
Stateside American Restaurant
The Stateside American Restaurant in Letterkenny is very child-friendly, and the kids’ menu has plenty of options for even the fussiest eater, from goujons to burgers to toasties.
Shapla Restaurant
The Shapla Restaurant in Letterkenny is cosy and welcoming to families. It’s a nice spot to introduce children to milder curries like korma, and to the fun of cracking open a poppadom with the side of their hand.
Woodberry Grill at Arena 7
The Woodberry Grill, Bar and Restaurant at the Arena 7 Entertainment Complex in Letterkenny has a kids’ menu, plus a lovely Sunday lunch option with its own kids’ Sunday lunch menu.
The Silver Tassie Hotel
The Silver Tassie in Letterkenny is a family-run Donegal restaurant, lounge and bar serving good food in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with open fires and friendly Donegal service. There are nice kids’ options on the dinner menu.
You may also enjoy: Top 10 Things to Do in Donegal with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these restaurants suitable for toddlers and buggies?
Most of the restaurants listed here are happy to welcome toddlers, and several have kids’ menus, toys or colouring materials to keep younger children entertained. A few spots, like the Blueberry Tea Room, are cosier and less suited to buggies, so it’s worth bearing that in mind if you’re travelling with a pram.
Do I need to book ahead?
Some of these restaurants, especially popular ones like The Rusty Mackerel and the Blueberry Tea Room, can get busy at peak times and during school holidays. It’s a good idea to book ahead or check with the restaurant directly if you’re planning to visit at a busy time.
Do these restaurants have kids’ menus?
Most of the restaurants featured here offer a dedicated kids’ menu, and several will also do half portions from the main menu for children with bigger appetites or more particular tastes.
Where else can we find family-friendly things to do in Donegal?
Check out our related articles below for more ideas on free activities and top family days out across County Donegal.
Related Articles
- Fabulous Free Things to Do With Kids in Donegal
- Top 10 Things to Do in Donegal with Kids
Looking for more family day-out ideas? Browse our full collection of things to do with kids in Donegal, or save this article so you have it handy next time you’re planning where to eat out with the family.
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