Fish Index — UK, Ireland & Nordic Fish & Seafood Industry Directory
Crab, particularly Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) and Velvet Crab (Necora puber), is a significant component of Ireland's seafood industry, renowned for its high quality due to the pristine Atlantic waters. The west and south coasts, including areas around County Cork and County Donegal, are prime fishing grounds, supporting numerous local fishing communities and businesses like Errigal Bay and Shellfish Ireland. Ireland's unpolluted marine environment provides ideal conditions for crab growth, contributing to their superior flavour and texture, which is highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.
Ireland boasts robust processing capacity for crab, with facilities in areas like Killybegs, County Donegal, and Castletownbere, County Cork, handling live, cooked, and frozen products for export. Key ports for crab landings include Castletownbere, Dingle, and Greencastle. The industry provides vital employment in coastal regions, supporting fishermen, processors, and logistics. A substantial portion of Irish crab is exported to continental Europe, particularly France and Spain, as well as to Asian markets, highlighting its global demand and economic importance.
Killybegs
Bantry
Castlegregory
Craanford
Drogheda