Popular Mayo chipper to re-open following national award win

Award-winning Castlebar chipper Danolla's is to open a new takeaway in Westport this autumn, bringing its fish and chips back to the town where the O'Connell family's food business began more than 50 years ago.

The announcement, made on Good Friday, follows Danolla's being named Ireland's Best Fish & Chips 2026.

The new outlet will be located on Church Street, with doors expected to open in Autumn 2026, and will create between 15 and 20 jobs locally.

The O'Connell family's connection to the trade stretches back to the 1970s, when Bill and Mamie O'Connell opened the Wimpy on Castlebar Street. Liam and Anne O'Connell took over in the 1990s before establishing the Danolla's brand in 2001.

Patjoe O'Connell, who has led the Castlebar operation for more than 20 years, said the return to Westport was a significant moment for the business.

"Westport has always been part of our story, and coming back to Church Street means a lot to us," he said. "We've built everything around quality - fresh preparation, cooking to order, and no shortcuts."

The Westport opening follows a period of sustained growth and national recognition for the brand, including the Ireland's Best Fresh Chicken Fillet Burger award in 2025, before this year's top fish and chips honour.

Staff for the new location will be trained at the Castlebar store ahead of opening.