Galway Bay Seafoods Celebrate 75 Years of Community at The Docks

This September, Galway Bay Seafoods celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 75 years in business! This family-run business has stood the test of time thanks to strong ties to its community and the sea. Hear from the current generation of the Holland family who are at the helm now...

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Founded in 1950 by John Vincent Holland as a small William Street shop selling fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, Galway Bay Seafoods has grown into one of Galway’s most enduring family businesses.

Now based at Galway Docks, the business remains deeply connected to the sea, to the community, and to its roots. "We feel a sense of pride, first of all, and a sense of achievement in continuing the tradition here at the docks," says Noel Holland, who has worked in the business since his school days. "We’re an integral part of Galway, and being based at the docks, looking out onto Galway Bay, it's who we are."

"It’s a milestone for us, but in many ways, it’s just another day as well. We’ll celebrate it with plenty of small things happening here at the docks on that day, September 19th and we’ll have offers in the fish shop. The anniversary falls on a Friday, which is convenient for fish!"

Over the decades, Galway Bay Seafoods has adapted to change without losing sight of its core purpose. “We’ve evolved over the years in many ways, but in other ways, we’re still the same; serving good, quality fish to the people of Galway. We love what we do, and we’ll continue that for as long as we can." Noel reflects.

For the younger generation, the anniversary is not only a chance to honor the past but to look to the future. Shannon Holland, who grew up in the business, recalls: "I began working here when I was 12, just in the office. I’ve seen the place change so much, but it’s lovely to see that we’ve hit 75 years now. It kind of makes 100 years feel like it’s just around the corner."

"In 2024 we opened our fish counter in Dunnes in Knocknacarra, which feels special because that’s where I grew up. The Holland family grew up around Salthill and Knocknacarra and it’s lovely being back in the community and seeing customers I first served as a teenager still coming back."

Community remains central to the longevity of Galway Bay Seafoods, as do the fishermen who have supplied them for generations. "The local fishermen are part of our community," Shannon explains. "Families such as the Oliver Family from The Claddagh supplied my granddad and are still supplying us today. It’s a tight community, and that’s what makes this business special."

"We’ll be celebrating our 75th birthday on Friday the 19th of September, and we look forward to having everyone there. Thank you to the community in Galway, and even further out to the Aran Islands, and all our fishermen. We couldn’t have done it without you all, so thank you so much."

As Galway Bay Seafoods marks 75 years, it does so not only as a business but as a living part of Galway’s story — one built on family, tradition, and the enduring bond between the sea and the city.