Connacht mountain lamb grazed on Connemara bog and heather has a distinctive mineral depth; roasted or braised, it appears on Galway best menus from Aniar to Kai.
Where to eat it: 4 restaurants across 1 city.
The limestone grassland and heather bog of Connemara produce lamb with a flavour profile unlike lowland-grazed animals, with herbal and mineral notes from bog-raised grass. Connacht sheep farming predates the Norman conquest and the Connemara breed was developed for the harsh Atlantic climate. JP McMahon at Aniar made Connacht lamb a flagship ingredient in the Michelin-starred tasting menu, sourcing from a single Connemara farm and serving every cut from loin to belly across a multi-course sequence.
Tip from the editors. Mountain lamb needs very little seasoning; the flavour from heather-grazed animals is strong enough that a light hand with herbs gives a better result.
Aniar in Galway has held one Michelin star since 2012; JP McMahon serves tasting menus on foraged herbs, cured west-coast fish and Connacht smoked meats.
Order: The tasting menu, which changes with each day's wild and local produce from Connacht
Tip: Book Tuesday to Saturday; the kitchen is closed Sunday and Monday.
Kai Restaurant on Sea Road Galway serves brunch Thursday to Sunday; the daily Moycullen farm menu makes it the most ingredient-driven Galway brunch available.
Order: Daily farm vegetable plate with poached egg and Moycullen cultured butter
Ard Bia at Nimmos on Spanish Arch Galway serves brunch in a medieval stone room; the organic egg dishes and seasonal salads make it the most scenic brunch.
Order: Wild Atlantic smoked salmon on house soda bread with creme fraiche on the river terrace
Dela on Dominick Street Galway serves weekend brunch from 10am; the sourdough toast with local eggs and seasonal farm vegetables is the standout dish.
Order: Dark rye with cultured butter and seasonal compote, followed by grain porridge with Connacht honey
More cities are in research. Want connacht mountain lamb covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.