Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco, whose Misunderstood Heron seasonal food shack on the edge of Killary fjord in Connemara was recently named one of the world's 10 coolest food trucks by the Lonely Planet travel guides, are putting the finishing touches to a shipping container conversion which will open in mid-April.
The Misunderstood Heron’s third season will see it relocate to a car park serving a new 2km walking trail, Killary Coastal Park, operated by Killary Adventure Company.
The tourist attraction is owned and operated by Kim's parents, Mary and Jamie Young. The new site for The Misunderstood Heron is close to where it first opened, in April 2017, and enjoys similar views of the fjord.
The couple are converting a 20ft shipping container, which will give them a larger kitchen and food preparation area, from which to operate the seasonal business, which will open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm.
As well as its stunning location, Misunderstood Heron is known for its daily changing menu which makes good use of local ingredients including mussels from the fjord, and local Connemara lamb, which makes its way into their spicy lamb samosas. The couple grow salad leaves and make the bread for their sandwiches.
Lonely Planet has included Misunderstood Heron in its recently released book, Around The World in 80 Food Trucks, as well as naming it among the world's 10 coolest food trucks.
As the days grow a bit brighter and the first of the spring Bank Holiday weekend approaches, here are some more Irish food trucks worth a detour:
KERALA KITCHEN
Grainne Flynn and Lewis Cummings's South Indian food truck is a staple of the music festival circuit, and it can be hired for private parties and events (email info@kerala-kitchen.com).
As well as the truck, the couple also have mobile catering units which have residencies at three weekly Dublin lunchtime food markets. You’ll find them at Spencer Dock, Dublin 1 and East Point, Dublin 3 on Wednesdays; at Mespil Road in Dublin 4 and at UCD Campus on Thursdays, and at the Stillorgan Luas stop in Sandyford on Fridays (all 11.30am-2pm).
HAPPY OUT
Is this Ireland’s most joyfully named outdoor catering unit? Karl McCullagh and Brian Hanratty’s cafe on the wooden bridge at Bull Island in Dublin 3 has Roasted Brown coffee and a variety of excellent toasties, just the thing after a bracing walk.
BURRITO BOX
This Mexican food truck, constructed from two old horseboxes, has a loyal following for its burritos, nachos and sweet potato fries, with special mention for its on-trend vegan and vegetarian options. You’ll find it at The Boatyard in Greystones, Co Wicklow.
INISHWALLAH
Kartika Menon and Austin Coyne’s converted double decker bus at Westquarter on Inishbofin re-opens for business for the new season on Good Friday (April 19th). Expect Pan-Asian dishes cooked by Menon and served upstairs on the bus, or outside weather permitting.
JULIA’S LOBSTER TRUCK
She is based in the Burren, but Julia Hemingway’s lobster truck brings a touch of luxury to music and arts festivals all over Ireland. Brioche rolls stuffed with buttery lobster, fish and chips, steamed mussels and clams and Flaggy Shore oysters are Hemingway’s stock in trade.
