The newly refreshed Aherne’s facade at number 163
Aherne’sRestaurant · Townhouse · Youghal
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A Youghal original · Since 1923

A century
around the table.

The story of Aherne’s, from traditional pub and provisions shop to celebrated seafood restaurant, townhouse and its vivid new chapter.
08 / Story

Aherne’s · Youghal

A shop, a pub, a seafood restaurant and always a welcome.

Aherne’s began in 1923 as the kind of place where Youghal could buy a pound of butter and stay for a pint. The seafood restaurant grew from that local spirit, followed by the townhouse rooms in 1992 and a new chapter in full colour today.

The traditional exterior of Aherne’s before its recent refresh01

The first generations

Madge, Jimmy and a very good idea.

Madge and Jimmy Aherne established the original pub and shop. Their daughter Betty and her husband Gerry Fitzgibbon later developed the seafood restaurant, drawing on the rich fishing grounds off the East Cork coast.

  • Established 1923
  • Seafood at the heart
  • Townhouse rooms added in 1992
John and Julie Finn with members of the Fitzgibbon family during the Aherne’s handover in July 202602

The new chapter

The Finn family takes the keys.

In July 2026, John and Julie Finn became the new custodians of number 163 after fourteen years at Finns’ Farmcut in Kinsale. They are preserving the seafood tradition, bringing prime Irish meat to the fore and refreshing the entrance, breakfast room and bedrooms one thoughtful detail at a time.

  • The Finn family arrived in July 2026
  • The seafood tradition continues
  • Fresh energy throughout the house
01 · 1994

Seafood Dish of the Year

Recognised by the Egon Ronay Jameson Guide.

02 · 2007

Seafood Bar of the Year

Awarded by Georgina Campbell’s guide.

03 · 2011

Seafood Restaurant of the Year

A milestone in a long history of independent recognition.

Be part of the next chapter

The pink door is open.

Come for the table, stay for the house and add your own story to number 163.

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