Award winning takeaway in Mayo town to reopen in previous location

A popular Mayo takeaway has announced its return to a West Mayo town.

On one of the biggest days of the year for fish and chips, Good Friday, Danolla’s has announced its return
to Westport — bringing its award-winning food back to where it all began.

Following being crowned Ireland’s Best Fish & Chips 2026, Danolla’s has confirmed it will open a newly renovated takeaway on Church Street, Westport.

It marks a return to the original home of the business, with deep roots in the local community going back over five decades.

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The O’Connell family’s journey in the food industry began in the 70s when Bill and Mamie O’Connell opened the Wimpy on Castlebar Street. In the 90s, Liam and Anne O’Connell took over the business before expanding and establishing Danolla’s in 2001.

Now, the next generation continues that legacy. Patjoe O’Connell, who has led the Castlebar operation for over 20 years, has overseen a period of strong growth, investment, and national recognition.

Along the way, Danolla’s has picked up multiple accolades — including Ireland's Best Fresh Chicken Fillet Burger 2025 — before achieving its biggest milestone yet, Ireland’s Best Fish & Chips 2026.

Speaking about the announcement, Patjoe said:“Good Friday has always been a huge day for fish and chips, so it felt like the right moment to share this. Westport has always been part of our story, and coming back to Church Street means a lot to us.
We’ve built everything around quality — fresh preparation, cooking to order, and no shortcuts.

"From hand-cut chips to chicken fillets made from a full chicken breast, and proper cod battered and cooked to order, that’s what we stand over every day.

"We don’t see ourselves as fast food — we focus on quality food, cooked as fast as we can.”

The new Westport location is expected to create 15–20 jobs locally, with staff training taking place in the Castlebar store ahead of opening, before the opening on Church Street Westport, expected to take place in Autumn 2026.

With a proven model, a strong team, and national recognition behind it, Danolla’s is now preparing to bring its award-winning fish and chips experience back to Westport — with a focus on consistency, quality, and- community.