Mayo takeaway crowned best fish and chips in Ireland at the Irish takeaway awards

Danolla’s Diner and Takeaway in Castlebar has been named Best Fish and Chips in Ireland at the Irish Takeaway Awards 2026, securing one of the most competitive and highly regarded titles presented on the night.

The Irish Takeaway Awards are widely recognised within the hospitality industry as a credibility-led, independently judged awards programme, with winners determined through anonymous mystery diner assessments rather than public voting or popularity campaigns.

Businesses are judged under real trading conditions, with a focus on food quality, consistency, technical execution, and overall standards.

For Danolla’s, this national title represents the culmination of years of incremental improvement and external validation. The Castlebar takeaway has previously earned gold awards for ‘Best Fresh Chicken Fillet’ (2025), along with ‘Best in Connacht’ and bronze at national level for fish and chips.

Patjoe O’Connell, Danolla’s Diner and Takeaway said: “Out of all the awards, this one means a huge amount to us.

“It’s not voted for, it’s not campaigned for — you’re judged anonymously on a normal day, doing what you always do. To be recognised at a national level for fish and chips, after years of refining and improving, is incredibly rewarding for the whole team.

"Fish and chips remains one of the most demanding dishes in Irish takeaway culture. At Danolla’s, every piece of cod is battered and cooked to order, while all chips are peeled and cut in-house every single day — a labour-intensive process rooted in consistency and care rather than shortcuts.

“There’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes,” Patjoe added.

“It really is a labour of love — and that’s why this award is so special. It belongs to the entire team who put the standards first, every day.”

The O’Connell family has been part of the Irish takeaway industry for more than 50 years, witnessing first-hand how the sector has evolved.

While expectations and standards have changed dramatically over time, the focus at Danolla’s has remained the same — prioritising quality, freshness, and doing things properly.

“We don’t see ourselves as fast food — we focus on quality food, prepared properly and served as fast as we can,” Patjoe said.

The Irish Takeaway Awards 2026 brought together top operators from across the country to celebrate excellence in Ireland’s food sector, recognising businesses that demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to quality at the highest level.

Danolla’s Best Fish and Chips in Ireland title places the Castlebar business firmly among the elite tier of Irish takeaways and marks a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to raising standards year after year.