What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Helm Westport
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
We're a Bar, Restaurant and Self-Catering Accommodation in Westport, Ireland. Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Westport, The Helm is a haven for both locals and travelers alike, offering an array of mouth-watering dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients and a diverse selection of both classic and craft beers, wines, and spirits.
Features
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, European, Pub
Meal types
Breakfast, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Family style
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Non-smoking restaurants
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Television
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available, Street Parking
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 11:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Monday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Thursday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Friday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
Saturday
8:00 - 11:0015:00 - 23:30
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4.6
(1,515)
Excellent
1,049
Good
333
Average
81
Poor
25
Terrible
27
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Paul B
Manchester2 contributions
Sept 2023 • friends
I'm Irish and wanted to bring some of my English friends to the West of Ireland to show them the 'real' Ireland. Having stayed at the Helm for my stag 13 years ago, I knew what to expect- a warm welcome and top-class service.
This is a Westport institute that makes me proud to be Irish. The service was faultless, attentive warm and jovial.
Vinny and Shane run a top class establishment- the kind of place that just ticks because they know exactly what they're doing. They go the extra mile because thats what Irish hospitality is all about.
Stay on site in their holiday apartments, and enjoy the best Irish breakfast around. The pub has a lovely nautical feel to it and is set in a beautiful location, right at Westport harbour. Dinner is a fantastic selection of Irish produce from land and sea, with a great drinks selection and wonderful pub atmosphere.
Its exceptional value for money and you leave feeling reassured that excellent customer service and Irish hospitality is safe in the hands of the team at the Helm. My English friends were really impressed and vowed to return again.
Paul B
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek60501132566
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
We stayed at the Helm apartments for 3 nights in September 2024. We had a wonderful experience throughout. It was amazing. The staff went above and beyond for us. We had a small private emergency and they dealt with it with professionally when we seeked help and advice. I can't praise the helm enough. I Would highly recommend having dinner on the premises, we had dinner two evenings and the food was delicious. It was so fresh and tasted exquisite. The location is ideal close to the main town centre as well as the Reek for climbing croagh patrick. Highly recommended
Written 11 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kitz-travellers
Sooss2094 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Extremely friendly even when we made the short-notice reservation over the phone, we drove hungry to The Helm Restaurant.
After a nice, professional welcome, we were given a nice table by the window. We ordered beer, lamb chops, surf & turf and after a short time we were given two types of bread and butter as a place setting!
Our beers were then served, we were congratulated on our wedding anniversary and told that the drinks would be on the house! A very nice and lovely gesture that is not to be taken for granted!
As for the food - the lamb chops and steak were perfectly cooked to perfection, delicious king prawns with garlic butter, great side dishes and generous portions!
An all-round harmonious and delicious dinner!!
Great hospitality, excellent cuisine and good beer specialties!
Absolutely recommended!!
Written 26 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry
Dublin5 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Managed to book a table in the bar for the Scotland game in the RWC. Got the best table in the house.
Excellent food, friendly staff, and phenomenal value for money.
We stayed three nights in Westport and the meal in the Helm was by far the best in terms of quality and value for money.
Pints weren't bad either.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisani2003
Belfast3 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
What a find this was. Firstly amazing Guinness at the bar then a dinner to die for. Thankfully we booked as the Helm was very busy and it did not disappoint. I had deep fried brie and my other half had the seafood chowder which was delicious. I then had the John Dory and Scallops while my other half had the Surf and Turf. Sadly we ate it all without any photos. 10*/10 - The Maitre D' lady was very organised and had time for a chat ...... would recommend highly.
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan
Portadown50 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
Great service, plenty of attentive staff make this a great place for families. The food was excellent. Although, I ordered the French onion soup starter, it’s a tricky one to get right. The onions were not caramelised and the stock had not been thickened so the croutons sank with the cheese and were not able to melted together in this dishes’ signature arrangement.
The duck was absolute perfection and the veg were devine. We had the kids meal replace when we found the sauce was a little spicy 🌶️ which was very kind of The Helm.
all the staff were so polite and accommodating it was a pleasure to be here.
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmel K
15 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Only left today and feeling sad already!!
The Helm, or our ‘happy place’ as we like to call it, it was truly amazing. The business runs like clockwork, you don’t wait a minute to be served or seated, and you will get a decent pint of Guinness and the food is delicious and generous.
The staff at this bar and restaurant, are the ‘best of the best’. Banter about being a Liverpool supported with Donal, Seaweed Steve and Daniel, suggesting places to visit, the whole team made it memorable! I didn’t want to leave in fact, if only I could win the lottery!! I’d recommend a visit, but don’t forget to book!!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane R
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • solo
Having had spent the last 7 days isolating and recovering from Covid I needed to fly the Coop so to speak, my birthday plans had gone to pot so I booked myself into the Westport Coast Hotel on the Quay which I will review later.
As it was the all Ireland Football final day I decided to take myself out on a solo date to watch it and grab some food, I choose the Helm as it was a short stroll from the hotel and I was not disappointed with my choice, as a regular solo traveller and table for one kinda girl I couldn’t have been happier, the welcome made me feel instantly relaxed as I ordered a pint of Guinness and found a space to watch the game, I then ordered food after the game and was able to get a table straight away, the bar man could not have been nicer to me and so chatty and kind, I had the Scallops which were amazing 🤩 along with Prosecco 🥂it’s my birthday after all.
Overall my solo birthday experience could not have been better, the Helm is exceptional for making one feel welcome and the attention to detail and friendliest is second to none, the Bar/Restaurant is a mix of locals and tourist and as it was Reek Sunday it was extra busy but it was all handled very well.
All is all I highly recommend making a visit to the Helm.
Thank you for making my birthday celebration one to remember. Keep up the good work 🤩
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel821627
United Kingdom2 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Been to Westport many times, but our first stay at the Helm.
Staff were friendly, Shane a great host, Susan and accomodation.
Room was clean, comfy, quiet.
Food was simply amazing, we were well looked after, even the chef came out to say hello with extra hash browns.
We asked for an extra hour check out and it was no problem.
I would highly recommend this place, a great all rounder, we really enjoyed the stay.
Well done.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme B
Sydney81 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
The Helm Restaurant & Bar has a great vib about it with wonderful food & wine.
The Seafood Chowder is sensational complimented with a loverly Sav Blanc white wine !!
Highly recommended for a night out.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonello C
3 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
My wife and I had three dinners in a row at the Helm's restaurant. We also stayed in one of their very nice apartments.
The restaurant is excellent!
We had delicious lamb, fish, chicken, and soup; all meals were prepared with high-quality ingredients and amazing cooking balance.
In addition, the staff and the owner of the structure were very kind and professional.
Antonello (Italy) and Ana (Brasil)
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael M
Lisburn3 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Lovely atmosphere and busy for a Wednesday night. Service was second to none. Fantastic food! Hake and monkfish mains were top notch and the mussels made an excellent shared starter for the not-so-hungry. Mash with mains very nice but the chips (available as a swap) were home made and very, very tasty. Strongly recommend a visit if in the area, especially camping in Westport House as only a 10 minute walk away.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colm Igoe
9 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We were told this was a good place for fish & chips, so we ordered cod and chips to collect and dine out in our motor home nearby. Polite and friendly, was told yes, 15-20 mins. Collected same neatly packed in silver foil trays.. When we opened the trays 5 minutes later we were very disappointed to find 2 tiny battered fish in each tray, looked more like sardines. Chips were scarce, not too bad but could be better. Mushy peas looked sad. We were very disappointed. Very overpriced for what we got. Maybe this review might help them take better care & avoid other similar customer experiences.
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bharz
Emporia50 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Delicious food, great service. We were recommended by a local bicycle guide Paddy and Nelly's Buke Rental. We had steamed mussels, scallops and breaded Hake Goujons along with a local lager & a gin and tonic. The pace of the meal was perfect.
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agathe h
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
During a hiking trip, with 14 French camardes, we had the opportunity to dine twice in this magnificent establishment! What a great first approach to Ireland! We were delighted!
This restaurant is as beautiful on the outside as it is warm on the inside! The servers and bartenders are adorable! The past music is awesome!
The dishes are all tastier than the others with a very careful presentation!
We had a great time and were able to discover some delicious dishes!
Very special mentions to beers and ciders for drinks! In terms of dishes we loved:
- fish soup and vegetable soup.
-the sole, the roasted camembert, the piece of steak.
- chocolate cake, banoffe and Irish coffee.
Like the city, this restaurant will charm you!
It was full until late every night!
A first Irish nugget.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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