Popular Galway restaurant says goodbye to area as owner to close doors

A popular Galway restaurant has said goodbye ‘with heavy hearts’ as they announce the closure to village residents this week.

Hooked Galway is closing the doors of its Barna restaurant at the weekend with Sunday July 7 as its last day operating.

While the award winning seafood spot will still be open at their Galway city location, it is the end of the road for the Barna branch which owner Ali Jalilvand said ‘holds a special place’ in his heart.

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In a emotional and heartfelt message to residents and customers, he said it was a ‘tough’ decision to close the restaurant and that they are ‘hopeful’ for the future.

In a post signed by the staff on social media, they said: “Dear valued Barna customers and friends, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Hooked Barna this weekend (Sunday will be our last day operating). Despite the many challenges we’ve faced, we are immensely proud of the effort and resilience shown throughout its journey.

“Barna holds a special place in our family’s history—it’s where we grew up and where my dad built wonderful relationships with customers, neighbours, and staff, making it the perfect choice for our second restaurant.

“This tough decision fills me with so much emotion, but riding high is one of pride, for having the courage to pursue this venture not once, but twice. I am incredibly grateful to have had my dad by my side, supporting and guiding me through every high and low of running these businesses. None of our achievements would have been possible without his inspiration and unwavering support. His dreams and perseverance in facing any challenge head-on have been truly inspiring.

“While we are saddened by the closure, we are hopeful for the future and believe this will allow us to focus our energy on new and exciting ventures.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Barna from the beginning—all the staff, customers, and suppliers. This is not the end for us but a new beginning with the incoming extension to our Henry street restaurant, we look forward to welcoming all of our lovely Barna customers to Hooked Henry street very soon.

“Thank you for being a part of our journey.

“Nuisin, Ali and the Hooked Barna Family.”

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