Our Story

Realt na Mara Shellfish gets its name for both the quality and origin of our mussels and oysters. Realt na Mara is Irish for “Star of the Sea”, nothing but the best from our tide to your table. A name which runs deep within local tradition in Cromane as our local GAA club: Realt na Mara Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, National School: Scoil Realt na Mara and Mary, Star of the Sea Church whom which we share the fitting name with.

We at Realt na Mara Shellfish are 4th generation fishermen here in Cromane. Our family run business specialises in the supplying fresh purified Irish Mussels and Oysters to customers both home and abroad. We are proud to still be part of the aquaculture industry and keeping the family tradition going in Cromane.

Our shellfish is grown locally in the clear waters of Castlemaine Harbour in unspoiled Atlantic waters. The local sea conditions are ideal for growing mussels and oysters. We have strict quality control when it comes to harvesting and purifying our shellfish. This provides high quality, fresh and local produce to our customers.

This photograph shows the staff of Cromane Mussel Station on the 8th of November 1967. Our grandfathers Patrick Sugrue (back row second from right) & Jimmy Casey (back row fourth from left) and our father Michael Sugrue (front row first from left) as a young teenager.

The Sugrue and Casey families are committed to the continuation of preserving this way of life. They have developed a fully approved and regulated Purification Facility ensuring they manage their stock from beginning to end. This delivers a high level of quality and added value to their fresh shellfish.

Paddy Sugrue (left) at work on Cromane Strand

Jimmy Casey working at the Cromane Mussel Station