‘This is just the beginning, and we couldn’t be happier to call Youghal home’
Changing hands between the old and new owners of Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant and Townhouse
They had big shoes to fill – but the new owners of a much-loved East Cork restaurant have gotten off to a brilliant start after their first day of business yesterday.
John and Julie Finn opened the doors to customers at Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant and Townhouse on Wednesday for the first time since purchasing the 103-year-old establishment in Youghal. They were taking over from the Aherne and Fitzgibbon family, who have been involved in the business since day one and are very well-known and respected in the area.
John and Julie, who previously ran Finn’s Farmcut in Kinsale, got the keys to the restaurant last Sunday and were hard at work “adding their own touches” to the building early this week. They admitted on social media that getting ready for a Wednesday launch was a “very quick turnaround” – but added they “couldn’t wait any longer to welcome customers through the doors and begin this exciting journey.”
Changing hands between the old and new owners of Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant and Townhouse
And it’s clear things got off to a great start, with the team sharing a video yesterday evening showing celebrations as they reopened the restaurant’s doors. The clip gives a quick look at the altered interior, and shows the team celebrating the launch while serving tables and pouring pints for customers.
While the new layout was a small change for the establishment’s regulars – they were still welcomed by familiar faces, as the restaurant’s experienced team stayed on for the change of hands.
After a full-on first day, John and Julie shared a message online thanking everyone who called in to wish them well, buy a drink, or even just say hello. They added: “This is just the beginning, and we couldn’t be happier to call Youghal home. Here’s to an exciting new chapter.”
John and Julie are experienced restaurateurs, so it’s certain locals can expect plenty more great things from Aherne’s in the days ahead. Finns’ Farmcut, previously named Finns’ Table, was a much-loved establishment in Kinsale that they ran for 14 years. And before that, the pair also ran Dillon’s Restaurant in Timoleague for four years.
Aherne’s was on the market for almost four years before finally being purchased by John and Julie. The new owners are inviting everyone to call in and see what they’re doing with the place over the next few months – and of course, don’t be afraid to grab a drink or a bite while you’re there!