'A big loss' cry Irish community as popular fast food takeaway closes for good
A POPULAR takeaway in a busy town is set to close after 33 years in business, leaving locals devastated.Four Lanterns on Quay Street in Donegal Town announced the shock news to their customers last week.2Four Lanterns has locations across Donegal and SligoCredit: Google2Four Lanterns in Donegal Town has now permanently closedCredit: FacebookThe much-loved takeaway operates out of multiple locations in Donegal and Sligo, providing food to locals for years and has established itself as one of the best in the North West.On their official Facebook page, the team shared the devastating news, putting it down to a number of factors.The team wrote last week: "We are sad to announce the closing our Donegal Town branch tomorrow Thursday the 27th March 2025."There are a few reasons for closing the branch, mainly the restructuring of the business.READ MORE IN CLOSURES"We would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have been an absolute pleasure to serve and so many of whom have become great friends to us."We have been so lucky to have had amazing staff right from the beginning and our current crew who we appreciate and who we wish all the best for the future, especially Paul Delaney who has been with us for 27 years."All our other branches Letterkenny, Buncrana and Sligo will be open to serve you and we hope to see you again."Thank you to Donegal Town for 33 wonderful years."Also taking to the social media platform, Donegal Online shared a photo of the staff, announcing their closure.The staff can be seen smiling as they stand outside the takeaway on Quay Street in the town.LONG HISTORYIn the caption of the post, it said: "After 33 years in business, the Four Lanterns Restaurant & Takeaway, Donegal Town is closing tomorrow (Thursday, March 27)."The business is now permanently closed.The post continued: "It opened in Sept '91 and has provided employment to hundreds of local people in that time, not least its longest serving employee of 23 years; Paul Delaney. But all hope is not lost, as they revealed: "The Sligo, Buncrana & Letterkenny outlets will remain open. "The Grimes family pioneered fast food in Ireland 54 years ago when it opened its first store in 1971 in John St. Sligo."And last Thursday as the business was closing, the Donegal Town Four Lanterns team took to their own Facebook page to say goodbye.First they shared a post saying: "We'd just like to thank all of our customers over the many years for their custom, loyalty and memories from all of the staff in Donegal Town, Four Lanterns."*LAST ORDERS TODAY* from 13:00-21:00, we are open for our final day."'A PLEASURE'They later wrote: "33 years and out. Thank you, it was a pleasure."Devastated locals shared their heartbreak in the comments sections of each of the posts, reacting to the news.One person said: "When booked a weekend in Donegal town, the lanterns was a massive part of it, a few times in the same day I am sure a decision not taken lightly. Thanks for all the Big Fours".Another local said: "Really sorry to hear this in our house. It will definitely be missed."Had planned to get the kids one last order when I heard the news but the queue was out the door and down the street! Looked more like Saturday nights of old than a Wednesday tea time."'ICONIC'Someone else commented: "Sorry to hear this! Another great business that will be missed".Another said: "Really sorry to hear this.. End of an era".Someone else said: "Sad to hear any place closing. Especially somewhere as iconic as the four lanterns. It’s very beloved in Donegal."Another wrote: "A big loss to Donegal town and the most amazing and friendly staff ever. Best of luck to everyone in the future".
