Shines, the authentic taste of the sea

A Family Story Born in Ireland's Largest Fishing Port

Before becoming a well-known seafood brand, Shines Seafood is first and foremost the story of a family with a deep passion for the sea.

Based in Killybegs, County Donegal, the Shine family has lived in rhythm with the Atlantic Ocean for more than forty years. This coastal town is no ordinary fishing village—it is home to Ireland's largest fishing port and one of the country's most important centres for the fishing industry. Growing up here means being surrounded by fishing boats, changing tides and the daily arrival of freshly caught fish.

John Shine spent nearly twenty years working as a professional fisherman. His wife, Marianne, worked as a fish buyer before moving into seafood processing. Together, they also owned a fish and chip shop, where their daughter Ciara was introduced to the family business from an early age. Decades of hands-on experience throughout the seafood industry ultimately inspired the creation of Shines Seafood.

A Simple Mission: Sharing the Best of Irish Seafood

In 2015, the Shine family took the next step and launched Shines Seafood with a flagship product: Wild Irish Albacore Tuna. Often described as "Ireland's best-kept seafood secret," this premium tuna is prized for its delicate flavour, tender texture and naturally high Omega-3 content.

The brand quickly gained recognition. What began with a single product has since grown into a diverse range that includes sardines, mackerel, salmon, seafood pâtés and other carefully selected seafood specialities. Today, Shines products are available in more than a thousand retail outlets across Ireland and the United Kingdom, while also expanding into international markets.

Family Values That Remain at the Heart of the Brand

Despite its growth, Shines Seafood remains a family-owned business led by John, Marianne and their daughter Ciara. Their philosophy has never changed: to make premium Irish seafood accessible while supporting local fishing communities and promoting responsible sourcing.

With more than fifty years of combined experience in the seafood industry, the family continues to champion quality, sustainability and respect for the ocean. Their dedication has earned the company several prestigious awards, including a Great Taste Award for its Wild Irish Albacore Tuna, recognising both the exceptional quality of its products and the family's expertise.

More Than a Brand – An Authentic Irish Experience

In 2023, the Shine family opened the Shines Seafood Visitor Experience in Killybegs. Visitors can discover the story behind the company, learn about Ireland's fishing heritage, explore the importance of the Atlantic Ocean to the region and sample a selection of the brand's seafood specialities.

The experience perfectly reflects the company's philosophy: sharing a passion for the sea while celebrating Ireland's rich fishing traditions.

Every tin of Shines sardines or mackerel represents much more than a convenient seafood product. It embodies the knowledge, dedication and craftsmanship of a family that has spent generations working alongside the Atlantic Ocean, bringing the authentic taste of Irish seafood to tables around the world.