A story carried by the tide
For three generations, our story has been shaped by the sea. Rooted in Castletownbere and connected to coastal communities across Ireland, we work alongside fishers who share our values and care as deeply as we do. We protect livelihoods, honour traditional knowledge and champion responsible fishing practices.
Through continuous investment in modern facilities, innovative processes and a commitment to excellence, we combine tradition with progress to deliver the highest standards in shellfish processing.
This is a business built on care – for our people, our partners and the shellfish we carefully harvest.
Since our first landing, Shellfish Ireland has grown steadily and organically. At the core of our business is a deep passion for the Irish seafood industry, along with a firm commitment to supporting it in every way we can. Here’s a look at our journey to now.
1987
The sea that builds futures
It all began in 1987 in the picturesque town of Castletownbere, West Cork, where a young Richard Murphy, inspired by his day's fresh catch, conceived the idea that would later become Shellfish Ireland. With early support from Pat Murphy, Richard’s father and an avid fisherman, the business began to take shape. Mornings were spent at sea, afternoons preparing the catch and by evening it was delivered fresh to customers the very same day. Shellfish Ireland has grown into a trusted seafood producer and leading supplier of sustainable crab, shrimp, lobster and prawns, serving the food service and retail sectors in Ireland and exporting to approximately 16 countries worldwide.1992
First expansion and exports
The business is incorporated as ‘Shellfish de la Mer Ltd.’ and quickly grows from selling to local restaurants and shops to supplying markets across Ireland and mainland Europe. The sea that builds futures
It all began in 1987 in the picturesque town of Castletownbere, West Cork, where a young Richard Murphy, inspired by his day’s fresh catch, conceived the idea that would later become Shellfish Ireland. With early support from Pat Murphy, Richard’s father and an avid fisherman, the business began to take shape. Mornings were spent at sea, afternoons preparing the catch and by evening it was delivered fresh to customers the very same day. Shellfish Ireland has grown into a trusted seafood producer and leading supplier of sustainable crab, shrimp, lobster and prawns, serving the food service and retail sectors in Ireland and exporting to approximately 16 countries worldwide.
First expansion and exports
The business is incorporated as ‘Shellfish _de la Mer Ltd.’ and quickly grows from selling to local restaurants and shops to supplying markets across Ireland and mainland Europe.
Move to Dinish
Operations move to a dedicated site on Dinish Island, Castletownbere, evolving into a full seafood processing plant and building a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading crab specialists, with its own boats landing daily into the local harbour.
Major factory growth
Shellfish Ireland expands to a 24,000 sq. ft. factory, running on a 24-hour basis and becoming the largest employer in the area, with 120+ staff and growing into Ireland’s largest exporter of crab meat.
New leadership
Banker Carol Harrington joins the company after leaving AIB in 2013, initially serving as financial controller in 2014 and is appointed CEO in 2015, bringing extensive professional finance experience and strategic leadership expertise into the long-established family-run operation.
GW Biggs comes on board
In 2019, the GW Biggs Group became equal partners with the Murphy family and together they committed to supporting further growth and investment in the future of the business.
Pat Murphy continued to play an active role as Chairman, leading monthly meetings and providing ongoing guidance on the company’s direction and development.
Big investments
Shellfish Ireland invests over €3 million, with the support of BIM, to achieve BRC certification across all cooked and raw product lines.
Three generations deep
Shellfish Ireland is a family company spanning three generations, working side by side to sustainably source and prepare exceptional shellfish for customers in Ireland and around the world.
Along with the Biggs family, each generation has added its own knowledge and experience, while staying true to the values the business was built on.
With a deep respect for the sea and the communities it supports, the company continues to grow, supplying trusted partners across Ireland and more than 16 countries worldwide.
Today as a modern brand
Today, Shellfish Ireland supplies many of Ireland’s leading supermarkets, trusted for the quality, consistency and care behind every product.
Their shellfish is also served in some of the country’s finest hotels and restaurants, where freshness and provenance matter most.
Beyond Ireland, the company exports to more than 16 countries worldwide, bringing sustainably sourced Irish shellfish to international markets while maintaining the same standards that have defined the business since its earliest days.
Born of the sea, refined by expertise
Sustainability isn’t just part of what we do – it’s the foundation of our business. All of our shellfish are sourced responsibly, using traditional crab pots that protect the seabed and ensure only the right catch is brought ashore. For us, caring for the ocean means more than safe fishing practices. It means minimising waste, respecting natural cycles and safeguarding the waters around Casteltownbere and up and down the coast of Ireland for the generations to come.
Here when you need us
If you like our products or want to know more about us, we’d be happy to talk and help you.
T: +353 27 70461 or E: info@shellfishireland.com