Harry’s Shack is named Ireland’s top eatery!

John and Sally McKennas’ Guides rated Harry’s Shack as the top eaterie for 2014.

The beach hut style restaurant has only been opened since August.

The citation from John and Sally McKenna reads: “Harry’s Shack got hammered twice in 2014, firstly, by its customers who - literally - ate every piece of food the restaurant had until there was none left to serve.

“Harry’s had to issue a warning for people to stay away.

“Secondly, the big waves of December 10, 2014 hammered this beautiful beach shack.

“Harry’s had to issue another warning for people to stay away.

“Warnings aside, the Shack has basked in critical acclaim, and customer clamour, both of them at unprecedented levels, for an enterprise which is quite unprecedented.”

Such has been the success of the Shack, owned by Donal Doherty, who also runs Harry’s at Bridgend in Co Donegal, that Mr Doherty has revealed he is in talks with the National Trust to open up other restaurants.

He said: “We only got planning permision in late July and opened at the end of August, but the minute we opened the door, people started flooding in,” he said.

“The locals are brilliant, we’re getting to know them, we’re getting to know their friends and families and their likes and dislikes.

“The National Trust has been brilliant also.

“I did wobble towards the end and wonder if I was doing the right thing, but they have been so supportive and their vision has paid off.”

The proprietor went on: “We thought winter would be a challenge.

“We even considered closing for part of the year, but when I arrived on Tuesday there must have been 3,000 people on the beach.

“Even on the worst day, this beach is spectacular.

“Even on December 29 in the freezing cold, people still want coffee or fish and chips.”