Two Donegal businesses have teamed up to create a unique seafood experience in the popular fishing port of Killybegs. Atlantic Treasures – The Fish Stop and Hughie’s Bar will launch the new Hooked & Cooked Seafood Experience next week (from 21st July).
Available from Tuesday to Saturday, the new taste experience will invite visitors to hand-select their own fresh fish and seasoning from The Fish Stop, before taking their cook-bag to the newly revamped Hughie’s Bar, where it will be cooked, garnished and plated.
Local businessmen Hugh O’Donnell of Hughie’s Bar and Michael O’Donnell of Atlantic Treasures – The Fish Stop, developed the idea earlier this year to give visitors an opportunity to sample fresh Atlantic catch and experience an authentic Donegal welcome along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Speaking about the new foodie experience, Michael O’Donnell said: “We’re over the moon to launch the Hooked & Cooked Seafood Experience. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes, perfecting the seasoning and glazes and designing an experience that will give visitors the ultimate foodie day-out.
“It combines the perfect mix of tasting fresh catch from the boats, meeting locals, including our popular fishmonger Ronan Cunningham, exploring the area and enjoying a warm Donegal welcome.
“Given the town’s location between Donegal Town and Sliabh Liag Cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way, Killybegs is already a very popular destination with day-trippers, but we want to encourage visitors to stay in the area and explore the history and culture all-year round.
“Of course, Covid-19 has impacted tourism, but the Hooked & Cooked Seafood experience can be enjoyed by small groups and couples, and Hugh and the team have done great work at Hughie’s Bar to get the venue ready. We look forward to welcoming local and international visitors to Killybegs this summer and throughout the year.”
Adding to this, Wild Atlantic Way Food Ambassador and owner of Hughie’s Bar, Hugh O’Donnell said: “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Michael on this fresh new seafood initiative. Visitors to Killybegs can now avail of a fresh and innovative way to sample local fish – bringing them right to the source of Irish produce and our community.
“From starting the journey at The Fish Stop, visitors will meet the famous singing fishmonger Ronan Cunningham, who is well-known for his singing videos on social media, and from here visitors will take their cook-bag and make their way across the road to Hughie’s for the taste test!
“Visitors have the choice of five different fishes and five different seasoning and glazes, so there’s plenty to choose from.”
The Hooked & Seafood Experience will also be available nationwide in the coming months with a new online delivery service from Atlantic Treasures.
The online initiative was created after Michael O’Donnell spotted a gap in the market: “When we were developing the Hooked & Cooked Seafood Experience, we were in the midst of the pandemic, which saw a huge rise in fish sales.
“We already offer an online delivery service for our smoked mackerel and herring products, so we thought, why not give people the opportunity to get fresh fish straight from the Atlantic that they can pop into the oven and enjoy.
“We hope to have it live in the next few weeks and people from around Ireland can enjoy the Hooked & Cooked seafood experience from the comfort of their homes.”
The Hooked & Cooked Seafood Experience costs €15 per person and is suitable for children and adults. For more information and to book visit www.atlantictreasures.ie or call 074 9731057.
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