By Tara McCormack
NESTLED within the breath-taking Bluestack Mountains in the heart of Barnesmore Gap the iconic Biddy’s O’Barnes has long been a beloved part of the local community.
With its rich history spanning over 150 years, this legendary inn has now expanded its horizons with the launch of ‘The Byre at Biddy’s’, marking an exciting new chapter for both the venue and the region.
The grand opening weekend at The Byre at Biddy’s was a beautifully curated celebration, with soft hues of pale pink and mint green adorning the space, and local produce featured prominently throughout the stunning new venue.
The ceremonial pink ribbon-cutting officially marked the opening of The Byre, a milestone nearly a decade in the making. As white confetti floated through the air and a rainbow arched overhead, the moment set a truly magical tone for the celebration ahead.
Guests enjoyed live music by Nik Pollock and sampled delicious bites from some of the finest local producers.
A standout feature of The Byre is the breathtaking window, which frames the rolling Donegal hills, welcoming visitors into the heart of the transformed cowshed, now a vibrant space full of vision.
The weekend continued with events designed to showcase the very best of Donegal.
Saturday’s ’Meet the Donegal Makers’ event offered tastings and demonstrations, celebrating the creativity and skill of local artisans.
Visitors discovered the stories behind the craft, savouring the best of what the region has to offer.
Sunday was more relaxed, with a day in The Byre Garden, where families gathered to enjoy crafts, games, and activities.
At the heart of it all is Megan Wilkes, the owner of The Byre at Biddy’s.
Standing before the crowd just before the ribbon was cut, Megan’s words reflected her deep love for the location: “This is the most beautiful place on earth and how lucky I am to be here with my very loving and supporting husband.”
Nine years ago, Megan moved to Ireland from Australia as a newlywed and stepped into a new role, taking over husband Aaron Slevin’s family business.
Megan’s passion for supporting local suppliers was equally clear: “We are very lucky to support the local suppliers who are here with us and who couldn’t be here with us, including New Kid Coffee, who is our roaster, who is amazing and so passionate about what they do, like all of our suppliers.”
The idea for The Byre started as a dream years ago which was a vision of transforming an old cowshed into something special.
Life had other plans, with the arrival of Megan’s first child and the challenges of running Biddy’s O’Barnes, combined with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite these setbacks, the dream never wavered, and now, Megan’s vision has finally come to life.
Reflecting on the journey, Megan explained: “We really wanted to make it an easy way for people to shop local in their day-to-day activities, so thank you all for your contribution to The Byre. It’s the first step of much bigger plans that I, of course, always have, much to Aaron’s fear,” she laughed.
The Byre is more than just a café or shop. It is a space that celebrates Donegal’s incredible talent, with 85% of what is offered coming from local makers.
From soaps, jams, and marshmallows to gins, whiskeys, and artwork, each item reflects the craftsmanship of the region. The mission is simple, as Megan puts it: “to highlight the best of Donegal by supporting local producers and bringing their exceptional products to our customers.”
Supporting local businesses is not just a slogan here, it’s a way of life. With 64 per cent of Irish consumers prioritising Irish-made products and 88 per cent inclined to shop locally, The Byre taps into a strong movement toward sustainable, community-centred commerce.
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