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Irish Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Bloodied but not bowed': Connemara's Misunderstood Heron food truck announces sudden closure
Award-winning food truck Misunderstood Heron, based near Leenane, Co Galway , has announced its sudden closure, citing a planning decision by Galway County Council for the move after eight years in business. Misunderstood Heron posted on social media on Thursday night that it would be closing this weekend. 'Join us for the last weekend of the heron! After eight years of blood, sweat, and tears of building up what's now the misunderstood heron, we find ourselves shot down by the @galwaycountycouncil planning department,' said the notice. 'Bloodied but not bowed, we will continue to build our catering, events, and pop-ups (More on this next week). Goodbye to eight jobs, let's make it a weekend to remember.' READ MORE In response to the food truck's online statement, a spokeswoman for Galway County Council said a planning enforcement investigation was carried out last year 'following receipt of a complaint alleging unauthorised activity and development at the location commonly known as the 'Misunderstood Heron cafe' at Killary Fjord in Connemara. 'The result of [the investigation] involved the cessation of the operation and the removal of the unlawful temporary food outlet structure. In recent weeks, however, this unauthorised structure has been repositioned and the unauthorised activity recommenced in or around the same location.' The spokeswoman added that the council has 'had ongoing engagement with the operator of the cafe and has made numerous requests to those responsible that efforts would be made to regularise the planning issues at this site'. [ Misunderstood Heron: Connemara jewel where great ingredients are king Opens in new window ] Husband-and-wife duo Reinaldo Seco and Kim Young opened Misunderstood Heron in April 2017. Reinaldo Seco and Kim Young at Misunderstood Heron in 2022. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times Asked to comment on the council's statement, Ms Young said: 'We take issue with aspects of Galway County Council's statement. However, on the advice of our legal counsel, we will not be making any further comment at this time while the situation remains ongoing.' The seasonal food shack is known not only for its scenic setting but also for its daily-changing menu and use of local ingredients. The Lonely Planet travel guide named it among the world's 10 coolest food trucks in 2019, featuring Misunderstood Heron in its book, Around the World in 80 Food Trucks. The same year, the outlet won Georgina Campbell's inaugural street food of the year award. In 2024, Young and Seco's business was named food truck of the year by the Irish Restaurant Awards. The closure announcement received hundreds of comments in response, including messages of support from fellow food business owners and industry members who are calling on the council to reconsider the case. [ How a food business in the West of Ireland has taken flight Opens in new window ] Chef and restaurateur JP McMahon wrote: 'How can we be a food destination if city and county don't allow food to thrive?' Chef Donal Skehan wrote: 'So disappointed to hear that ... I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list, @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head.' The Misunderstood Heron in Connemara overlooking Kilary Fjord on the Wild Atlantic Way, photographed in 2017. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times Others who offered support in the wake of the imminent closure include chefs Neven Maguire and Jess Murphy, and influencer Rozanna Purcell.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Ridiculous' cries RTE chef as beloved eatery at Irish beauty spot dubbed ‘coolest in world' announces shock closure
A POPULAR eatery loved by Irish celebrities and dubbed "one of the coolest in the world" has announced its closure. Misunderstood Heron in 2 Misunderstood Heron is set to close this weekend Credit: Social Media Collect 2 The top spot among celebs is located in Killary Fjord, Co Galway Credit: Social Media Collect Located by the breathtaking Killary Fjord, the food spot gained international recognition in 2019 when it was named the top entry in Lonely Planet's book Around the World in 80 Food Trucks. The truck was operated by Kim and Reinaldo, a Popular with Irish stars, the spot serves locally sourced dishes such as fresh mussels, falafel boxes and spicy lamb samosas. It was the only Irish food truck to be featured in the publication and was described as the number one spot among global street READ MORE IN MONEY And now its owners have announced they are closing the food spot for good this weekend. In a statement on They said: "Join us for the last weekend of the heron!! "After 8 years of blood, sweat, and tears of building up what's now the misunderstood heron, we find ourselves shot down by the @galwaycountycouncil planning department." Most read in Money And the announcement also revealed that the decision would result in the loss of eight Despite the closure, the team plans to continue with catering, events and pop-up services. Celebrity chef closes down seaside restaurant after 16 years They added: "Bloodied but not bowed, we will continue to build our catering, events, and pop-ups (More on this next week) "Goodbye to 8 jobs, let's make it a weekend to remember." Misunderstood Heron had built a loyal following among locals in Galway and foodies from across the country. The spot was praised by high-profile Irish stars, including presenter Donal Skehan and 'So disappointed to hear that' And Donal had previously featured the popular food spot in a He wrote: 'So disappointed to hear that - without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. "I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head. 'We absolutely loved featuring you in a tv series which has been show in 47 countries and your story which is such an inspiration.' Commenting on the post, Rozanna said: '@galwaycountycouncil this cafe is a destination stop & an example of such a great thriving Irish business. '@galwaycountycouncil is this not something to be protected & supported? Hope there's a resolution/ nearby location found.' Carl said: "Ah lads so sorry to hear this! What a spot." The Irish Sun has reached out to Galway County Council for comment.
