The Redbank in Skerries was founded in 1983 by Terry and Margaret McCoy. Terry had experience in the hospitality industry as a chef in France, Germany, Switzerland and the USA. Margaret had worked in the hotel business in Ireland in Front Office.
They both met while working in a 4 star hotel in Galway and eventually married and set in train plans to establish their own business.
It took some time to find a suitable location. Dublin would be the desirable location but the price of property would prove prohibitive. In the mid ’70s they had set up home in Skerries in north county Dublin. In 1983 a recession was in full flow in Ireland. The local bank decided to relocate to new premises across the street in Skerries. This left the old bank premises vacant. The McCoy’s eventually purchased it and opened for business in December 1983.
The Redbank has since won many awards and citations for fine food including Egon Ronay Seafood Restaurant of the Year. Terry has represented Ireland at many international competitions. When the local bank moved to new premises the McCoy’s bought the old building and created a superb restaurant, which is both intimate and relaxed. The old bank vault was converted into a well-stocked wine cellar and they went one to forge a reputation as one of the best establishments of contemporary Irish cuisine.