Brewing success in Mayo: The Creel celebrates 10 years on The Quay

Ten years ago, when Aoife O’Neill first stepped behind the counter at The Creel in Westport, she admits she was “absolutely petrified.”

At the time, the mother of four young children was working long shifts as a medical scientist in the hospital system, with no background in hospitality. Taking over the café on Westport Quay felt like a risk. But something about the opportunity – and the ideas already forming in her mind – convinced her to take the leap.

“It was a very serendipitous meeting with the former owner,” she recalls. “We just started chatting and ideas just started evolving. I started thinking about what I could do with it, I got really excited. It felt like an opportunity that was too big to miss.”

Now, a decade later, The Creel has become a familiar and colourful fixture on the Quay, known for its bustling atmosphere, brunch dishes and distinctive orange interior. As the café marks its 10-year anniversary this March, O’Neill is reflecting on the unlikely journey that brought her here.

A leap of faith

Before stepping into the hospitality world, O’Neill’s career was firmly rooted in science. Working in a hospital laboratory meant structured routines, long shifts and a very different environment from the fast-paced world of cafés and restaurants.

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At the time she took over The Creel, family life was equally busy.

“We had a very young family then – four kids in three years,” she says. “I loved my job, but the hospital shifts, the nights and weekends, were becoming harder to manage.”

Still, the decision was not taken lightly. O’Neill describes herself as “a great list person”, carefully weighing the pros and cons before making the move.

“I definitely had doubts,” she says. “There was a bit of imposter syndrome at the beginning – wondering if people would think, ‘Who is this person and what does she know about running a café?’ But that feeling also drove me to work harder.”

Running her own business quickly proved demanding.

“When you open something yourself, you realise very quickly that every decision lands on your own head – staffing, costs, marketing, everything. There were plenty of long days and late nights.”

Shaping a new vision

Her vision was a lively, welcoming café where locals could drop in regularly and visitors could feel they had discovered something special.

“Westport is very lucky with incredible pubs and restaurants,” she says. “But ten years ago I felt there was space for something that blended good food with a relaxed café culture – somewhere people could come for coffee, brunch, lunch or dinner and just enjoy the buzz.”

The transformation happened gradually. Less than a year after taking over, O’Neill made one of her biggest early investments: completely reconstructing the kitchen.

“We knocked down walls and expanded it – probably quadrupled the size,” she says. “It was a huge expense, but it meant we could expand the menu and do the type of food we really wanted to offer.”

From there, the café slowly evolved. Interiors were refreshed, lighting and furnishings updated, and the menu expanded in response to customers.

“Everything happened very organically,” she says. “We listened carefully to what people liked. You can’t force trends on customers – they want consistency as well as new ideas.”

The most visible change came in 2022, when the café underwent a full refurbishment and adopted the now unmistakable orange colour scheme.

“I just loved the colour,” O’Neill laughs. “I wanted a signature colour that would stand out against the brickwork and the landscape of the quay. Once we chose it, there was no going back – the counter alone is huge. But thankfully it worked out.”

Adapting through challenge

Like many hospitality businesses, The Creel faced its biggest test during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a really scary time,” O’Neill says. “At first everyone thought the closure would only last a short while, but then you started wondering how sustainable things would be.”

Instead of waiting it out, she began rethinking how the café could operate within restrictions.

“We restructured everything and turned ourselves into a takeaway. We installed screens, redesigned the layout and put huge effort into health and safety. We wanted staff and customers to feel safe.”

That period of adaptation sparked a new idea.

During the pandemic, customers increasingly asked for takeaway food, homemade products and locally sourced goods. O’Neill noticed a vacant unit nearby on the quay and approached the landlord about the possibility of opening a small pop-up space.

The result was the launch of The Creel Deli in 2021.

“It felt like a fantastic opportunity,” she says. “We worked with local tradespeople to design and build everything, and it became this cosy little space where people drop in for coffee, sandwiches or a chat.”

What began as a temporary idea quickly found its own loyal following.

“People treat it like a little local hub,” she says. “They come in, stand around chatting, grab a coffee or something quick to eat.”

Community at its heart

For O’Neill, the most rewarding part of the past decade has not been expansion or renovations, but the relationships formed along the way.

“That sense of community is probably my favourite part of the whole journey,” she says. “ The Creel wouldn't be where it is today without the community support it has been given over the last decade.”

Over the years, regular customers have become familiar faces and, in many cases, friends.

“There are people who come in daily or weekly, and tourists who visit every time they’re in Westport. You end up sharing stories, celebrating good moments and sometimes helping people through tough ones. Those relationships are really special.”

The team behind the café has also been central to its success.

“You’re only as strong as the people you work with,” she says. “The staff bring so much energy and personality to the business.”

Looking ahead

Reaching the 10-year milestone is something O’Neill admits she never expected when she first stepped into the café a decade ago.

“It kind of snuck up on me,” she says. “But it feels like an important moment. I’m incredibly proud that we’re still here and still evolving.”

The Creel will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a Harbour Gathering on Saturday, March 28, bringing locals and visitors to Westport Quay, Co. Mayo for an afternoon of music, treats and family-friendly fun.

The event, which gets underway from 3pm, is designed as a relaxed and welcoming occasion to thank the community that has supported the business over the past decade.

Guests can expect live music, balloons, tray bakes and cake, along with babychinos for children and “pupachinos” for dogs, creating a festive atmosphere along the harbour. The winner of a recent Brunch for 4 competition will also be announced during the celebrations.

Owner Aoife O’Neill said the event is about giving back to the people who helped shape the café since it first opened in 2016.

“Reaching 10 years in business feels really special and we wanted to celebrate it in a simple, fun way with the people who have been part of The Creel over the years,” she said. “This gathering is really about bringing people together and saying thank you.” 

Over the past decade, The Creel has become a staple of life on Westport Quay, known for its brunch offering, coffee and welcoming atmosphere.

As for the future, O’Neill says the ideas keep coming.

“We’ve got plenty of plans – new menu items, more themed brunch events and new seasonal dishes. We’re always looking for ways to keep things fresh.”

Ten years on from that leap of faith, her excitement about the business remains unchanged.

“It definitely doesn’t feel like the end of anything,” she says. “If anything, it feels like we’re just getting started.”

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