Peter who was originally from Ballindine moved to the stunning village of Cong where he was working for the ESB. At that time they were tasked with laying electric cables for the making of the movie “The Quietman”. Peter settled in Cong where he married Lillian O Connor and set up an ice-cream and hardware shop. When the travelling canteen was up and running he travelled all around South Mayo and North Galway feeding the hungry patrons. In 1985, Peters son also named Peter took over the running of the business and carried on its tradition.

 

Since 1985 Peter and his wife Frances McHugh have been running McHughs canteen and have gained an invaluable reputation all around the area serving piping hot mugs of loose tea and super fresh made to order sandwiches to farmers, tradesmen and passers by looking to fuel up for the day. To this day Peter continues to stand in his regular spots in Ballinrobe and Maam Cross every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. During the summer months you will find Peter at local agricultural and horse shows. After an incredible 36 years in the business, he is proudly handing it over to Peter McHugh Jnr who will continue to run and grow the McHughs canteen business. 

 

In September 2012, Rory McHugh and his wife Ivana discussed ways to get involved in the family business. Having worked in numerous kitchens throughout Europe, Rory had the experience, he just needed that gentle steer in the right direction from Ivana. The first McHughs Cafe opened its doors on Glebe in beautiful Ballinrobe Co.Mayo. The cafe expanded on what made McHughs canteen famous but also offered a wide range of signature sandwiches, fresh ground coffee made by our barista’s, Barry’s loose tea and freshly made scones. This maintains the McHughs ethos of quality food for great value! To this day we NEVER charge customers for a second pot of tea saying “you can drink as much tea as you want”.

 

Since the first opening of McHughs in Ballinrobe we have since expanded to six cafes across Co. Mayo. Headford was the 2nd cafe opened in 2014, followed by Castlebar in 2016, Claremorris and Cong in 2020, and Westport in 2021. We are always growing, expanding and looking for opportunities to give local people in rural Ireland the chance to experience a “McHughs” tea and sandwich.