Shines Seafood is more than a shop; it is a story — a family tale woven into the very fabric of Killybegs, County Donegal. Just a stone’s throw from Ireland’s largest fishing port, this award-winning business brings visitors face-to-face with the heritage, challenges, and triumphs of Irish seafood.

The story begins with John and Marianne Shine, who once ran a humble fish shop and, with a hint of boldness (and perhaps a little naivety), set out to source Wild Albacore Tuna. It turned out to be trickier than they had imagined. Yet, with persistence, partnerships with local fishermen, and no shortage of Donegal grit, the Shines brand was born. Today, Shines Seafood is proudly recognised as a multi-award-winning family business.

Inside the shop, the air is thick with the tang of the ocean and the promise of discovery. Displays showcase beautifully packaged products — Irish tuna, mackerel, and sardines — each telling a story of sustainable fishing and artisan care. Visitors are invited to taste the difference, learning how these carefully sourced catches stand worlds apart from ordinary supermarket tins. Even anchovies, they will learn, have secrets: the best ones live in a fridge.

For over forty years, the Shine family has lived and worked in Ireland’s premier fishing port, gaining an intimate knowledge of what makes truly premium seafood. Their passion for Irish Albacore Tuna, in particular, has elevated it from “Ireland’s best-kept secret” to a product now stocked in over 600 stores across Ireland and the UK, from SuperValu shelves to Amazon listings. And because customers asked, they expanded — sardines, mackerel, and even their famous “Chip Mate” sauce joined the line-up.

A visit to Shines Seafood is part education, part tasting adventure, and part quirky fun — complete with a unique photo opportunity in the world’s largest sardine tin. Guests leave not only with delicious products but also with a deeper appreciation of Ireland’s maritime heritage and the people who keep it alive.

Shines Seafood, trading as Killybegs Catch Ltd, is not just a shop; it is a Donegal experience: family, sea, flavour, and story all rolled into one.

Highlights:

• Learn about the wonders of Irish seafood and sustainable fishing

• Meet the Shine family, the faces behind the brand

• Taste unforgettable Irish tuna, mackerel, and sardines

• Step inside the world’s largest sardine tin for a one-of-a-kind photo

• Enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of Killybegs