West Cork food favourite The Stuffed Olive to close in September 

Trish Messom to hang up apron after 55 years in hospitality

Patricia Messom and her daughter Sarah O'Shea outside The Stuffed Olive in Bantry. The award-winning West Cork café-bakery is to close its doors in September after 13 years in business.
Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Award-winning West Cork café-bakery The Stuffed Olive is to close its doors in September after 13 years in business.

The Bantry favourite - which features in the 2026 McKennas Guide Best In Ireland - is run by Trish Messom and her daughters, Sarah and Grace, and has been operating on Bridge Street in the town since 2014, serving the best in local produce, from salads to savoury pies, fresh bakes to prepared meals. The family announced their decision to close online, with September 26 the last day of business.

Announcing the decision online, the family said: "After much thought, we've made the difficult decision to close our doors this September. For the past 13 years on Bridge Street, our bakery and deli has been a huge part of our lives. What began as a business became so much more – a place filled with early mornings, familiar faces, friendships, laughter, and countless cups of coffee.

"This September will also mark the end of an incredible chapter for our mum, Trish, who after 55 years in hospitality has decided it's finally time to hang up her apron strings and enjoy a well-earned retirement."

The Stuffed Olive has been a favourite with locals in Bantry as well as tourists, renowned for its savoury pies, fresh bakes, and salads. In 2013, they produced an acclaimed cookbook, with recipes including homemade breads, cakes, scones, suppers, patés, and salads used in the cafe on a daily basis.

Patricia Messom of The Stuffed Olive cafe in Bantry with her daughters Sarah and Grace O'Shea. The award-winning West Cork café-bakery The Stuffed Olive is to close its doors in September after 13 years in business.

"We couldn't let this moment pass without acknowledging the incredible team, past and present, who helped make this place what it is. Their hard work, dedication, kindness and friendship have been at the heart of everything we've done, and we are so grateful for every one of them," the family said.  "We also want to thank our loyal customers, suppliers, friends and the wider community who have supported us over the years. Whether you called in every day or only occasionally, you became part of the story of this place, and for that we will always be thankful.

"While we're sad to be saying goodbye, we're choosing to celebrate the memories, friendships and moments we've shared over the years.

"We'll be here throughout September and would love to see as many familiar faces as possible before we close on the 26th September. And because we couldn't leave without one final treat, we'll be baking our famous MINCE PIES throughout September – a small way to celebrate all the years we've shared together.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. With love and gratitude, Trish, Sarah, Grace & all the team."