The Galway Food Scene Rushes to Support Soon-to-Close Food Spot Misunderstood Heron
After eight years of building a destination that welcomed locals, hikers, and foodies from across the globe, the team behind the Misunderstood Heron is being forced to shut its doors due to planning issues with Galway County Council.
The West of Ireland has some of the best food trucks in the country, and Misunderstood Heron is easily one of the finest.
Located in Derrynacleigh, Leenaun, Co. Galway, it’s the perfect foodie adventure and an essential stop on any west coast road trip, so the news has come as a huge shock to many.
In a post on Instagram, the team said: “After 8 years of blood, sweat, and tears of building up what's now the Misunderstood Heron, we find ourselves shot down by the Galway County Council planning department. Bloodied but not bowed, we will continue to build our catering, events, and pop-ups. More on this next week.”
A treasured destination spot
The Misunderstood Heron isn't just about food – it was an experience, a postcard moment, and for many, the reason they ventured west. People flew in to try their legendary seafood with that killer view. Travel blogs wrote about it. It was repeatedly bookmarked, recommended, and loved and even featured on the cover of the 2023 edition of Sally and John McKenna's Ireland the Best.
Rallying calls from the Irish food community
The response online has been overwhelming. Within hours of the announcement, the Irish food community and beyond showed up in support of the beloved food truck.
From Instagram:
Rozanna Purcell @rozannapurcell:
“This cafe is a destination stop & an example of such a great thriving Irish business... is this not something to be protected & supported?”
Donal Skehan @donalskehan:
“Without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. We absolutely loved featuring you in a TV series shown in 47 countries. Your story is such an inspiration.”
JP McMahon @mistereatgalway:
“How can we be a food destination if city and county don't allow our food to thrive?”
Jess Murphy @kai_galway:
“Galway County Council always crippling small and medium business owners across the west, including rates , out door tables , bin bags , signs. It must be nice to work in an office making all these decisions.”
Gráinne Mullins @grainnemullins:
“Your cafe has brought me to West Galway very often to enjoy the beautiful landscape and food. This is a thriving business creating employment.”
The comments flooded in from chefs, café owners, customers, and longtime fans and others sharing stories of their visits, others voicing frustration at a system that seems stacked against small, innovative businesses.
Gran Grans Foods @grangransfoods:
“The truck wasn’t just serving incredible food — it was bringing real life and character to the area. Galway needs more of this kind of creativity and community spirit, not less.”
Nicola & Ronan @all_about_rosalilla:
“People fly from all over the world to visit... This will be a massive loss for the area and tourism in Galway.”
Two Phat Cows @twophatcows:
“Absolutely shocked! One of our favourite spots in the whole country... Surely something can be done.”
This isn’t the end
Despite the heavy news, Kim and Reinaldo aren’t done. While the Heron’s time in its current location may be up, their passion and spirit are very much alive. They’ve promised more info next week about catering, events, and pop-ups — and if the community support is any sign, they won’t be going it alone.
This may be the final weekend of The Misunderstood Heron in this location, but they have left their mark, and the wave of support we have seen suggests the story’s definitely not over yet.
Want to support?
- Visit the Heron this weekend for one last hurrah.
- Share their story online and tag @misunderstood_heron.
- Write to Galway County Council to voice your concerns.
- Stay tuned for updates on their next chapter.
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