Inspiration for Harry’s Shack passes away

The man who inspired one of the North Coast’s favourite restaurants has passed away.

Donal Doherty, founder of the beloved Harry’s Shack in Portstewart, shared the news on his restaurant’s Facebook page that his father Harry had passed away.

He called his father, pictured above with his wife and son, the “inspiration” behind the venue which has been operating at the top of Portstewart Strand since 2015.

In a post on Facebook, Donal said: “It’s with great sadness that my dad, Harry, has died. He was the inspiration that started the first Harrys in Bridgend (Donegal) over 30 years ago. I was proud as punch to have both my mum and dad visit the shack in this photo 7 years ago. They are now together again. We will be closed Mon & Tue this week and back open Wednesday. RIP and thank you Dad x.”

The first restaurant in the family-run business, Harry’s Bar and Restaurant, was opened 30 years ago in Donegal by Harry, and is where the Harry’s Shack franchise gets its name.

Harry’s Shack is one of the most well-known restaurants on the North Coast. It was named ‘Ireland’s Restaurant of the Year’ by McKenna’s food guide just a year after having opened in 2015, and was also named ‘Best Newcomer’ by the Observer Food Monthly.