Donegal Town restaurant announces expansion plans for party room and cocktail bar

The Harbour Restaurant in Donegal Town has announced that it will be taking over the adjacent premises vacated by the Four Lanterns owned by the Grimes family earlier this year. 

And the owners have revealed plans that will see an exciting addition to the current offering.

The Kennedy family who own the Harbour - already a renowned restaurant - issued a statement outlining their vision for the expansion, saying: “We are delighted to announce that we have formally taken over the Four Lanterns premises next door to us.

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"We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Grimes family. Over the past nine years we have stood side by side and become great friends, and we are now honoured to carry on the proud legacy they have built over their 33 years in Donegal Town.

“In December we’ll be opening a brand new takeaway downstairs trading as Kennedy’s By The Sea.

“This takeaway will offer an array of quality seafood dishes, pizzas, burgers and much more and we can’t wait to give you a few snippets of what will be on our menu.

“In the new year, we’ll also be expanding the Harbour into the upstairs of Four Lanterns. This will include a new party room accommodating an additional 40 to 50 people, as well as a lounge waiting area complemented with a wine and cocktail bar which will be scheduled for completion by Easter 2026.

“We are very excited to begin this next chapter and it’s a huge thanks to your support and custom over the years that we’ve been able to take this next step, and we’re truly grateful to each and every one of you who walks through our doors and supports our family run business.

“Paul, Mary, Leanne, Shaun, Emma, Angela and all the team.”

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The Four Lanterns announced its closure in March, having been part of the fabric of the town for more than three decades.

There has been a huge outpouring of support for the Kennedy family on Facebook following the announcement of their plans for the premises.

Here is a flavour of how people in Donegal Town are responding to the news:

“Such good news, many congratulations to you all and good luck for the future.”

“Wow that’s just brilliant. Best of luck to ye all.”

“Huge congratulations Paul, Mary and team. Exciting times ahead.”

“That's great you can't have enough quality seafood restaurants.”

“Brilliant news Paul & Co, you deserve every success, always so accommodating, food and customer service is always exemplary. Very best wishes.”

“Fabulous! Just what the town needs. Best of luck.”