Shines Seafood launches a tasty tourist attraction

Shines Seafood recently opened an interpretive centre offering a unique fish-tasting experience and the opportunity to learn more about fish at its shop on the pier in Killybegs.

Shines Seafood is run by John and Marianne Shine and their daughter Ciara and the business is renowned for its Wild Irish Tuna.

The total project cost over €46,000, of which more than €13,600 was grant aided under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme recommended by the Seafood Taskforce established by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. and implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). 

Shines Seafood opened the new tourist attraction with support from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme. The European Union funds the scheme under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.  

Killybegs to benefit from a significant €50 million seafood sector investment

Gallagher Bros Ltd and Killybegs Seafoods are two of the businesses that were allocated the highest grants under the Brexit Process Capital Support Scheme

“Failte Ireland was also encouraging food producers to do more for tourists than just sell food, so we decided to rise to the challenge and add something of interest to increase footfall to our shop and add to sales at the same time,” Ciara Shine said.

Shine’s famous tuna has become the go-to for many Irish families. They came up with the idea for the interpretive centre to offer a fish-tasting experience using Irish tuna, Irish mackerel and Irish sardines, in addition to audio-visual aids to educate people about seafood. The experience also familiarises people with the Shine Seafoods brand.

Killybegs is strategically placed on the Wild Atlantic Way, halfway between Donegal town and Slieve League, and is a perfect place to stop off and experience what the town has to coffee. Cruise ships also land in the port, with disembarking tourists having time to spend in town.

“While Failte Ireland was there to advise us on the new business idea we would not have gone ahead if we had not received grant aid under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme,” she added.

“We now can offer tourists an enjoyable experience in our shop and in the town in general. We hope the development of this tourist attraction in Killybegs will have a positive effect on the local economy and increase visitor spend to the town.”

Ciara’s father, John, was a fisherman for 20 years before moving ashore when his family was young. He got into fresh fish before opening an award-winning fish and chip shop, and then going on to launch products including Wild Irish Tuna.

John started selling the Albacore tuna after receiving a gift from Spain. He was impressed by the taste and texture. Albacore tuna is white, compared to the tan or grey colour of other species.

“Dad looked into importing and selling the product in Ireland, and then found out that the tuna was caught off our coast, but exported to Spain,” said Ciara. 

“Imagine we have the best Albacore on our doorstep, but were exporting it and bringing in cheap canned tuna from the Far East, with a massive carbon footprint. It didn’t make sense.”

John decided to take advantage of the thriving seasonal Albacore fishing off the west coast of Ireland.

When the Wild Irish Tuna was launched ten years ago the Shines were told it might not take off as it was expensive, and the Irish were not big on fish.

“But once customers tasted our Albacore tuna, they preferred it to aggressively fishy skipjack tuna, and appreciated why it is more expensive,” said Ciara.

The family gradually began making inroads into retail and Shines Wild Irish Tuna is now available nationwide.

“With the new interpretive centre people will be able to taste the tuna and learn about its benefits. It’s a win-win, as it benefits our business and the town of Killybegs.”