Offaly woman serves up a taste of the good life in Algarve
Clara’s Alanna Murray and her Killurin born fiancé Brian Keenaghan found that while the green fields of Offaly will forever be home, Alvor held something special
AN enterprising Offaly woman is blazing a trail in the sunny Algarve, carving out a new life abroad while creating a sensation in the business community, upending the traditional beach picnic with a good helping of Irish synergy.
Alanna Murray is a native of Clara who is taking the Irish love of hearty food and reinventing it to become every holiday maker’s or beach lover’s idea of foodie heaven.
Alanna has bravely decided to put down roots in the picturesque Portuguese fishing village of Alvor, embracing the historic harbour town as home, while bringing a vibrant Irish flavour to the local food scene with her brand-new deli, Sip and Graze.
“Being Irish, I always knew that food is more than what is on the plate. It is bonding and friendship, central to family time. Everyone has their individual favourite they look forward to on every occasion. Food is well rooted in Portuguese culture also. I wanted to build on that with Sip and Graze,” said Alanna.
“I come from Clara, a small town. I know the importance of community, that is one value that I have brought to Sip and Graze.”
Nestled among Alvor’s quaint cobblestone streets, with the renowned turquoise sea views, Sip and Graze was born when Alanna and her friend and business partner Sinead Duddy decided to build a business combining Irish hospitality and Portuguese appreciation for fresh, local food.
Sunny Algarve
Alanna has always been keen to travel and the world, to embrace new experiences but Alvor became more than a sun holiday.
Famous for its laid back, friendly ambience, the town is situated in the sunshine-soaked western Algarve. It is a place that Alanna fell in love with from her first visit as a tourist.
“I love it here,” Alanna says of her adopted home. From the sparkling waters and golden sands to the rich maritime heritage, there was a lot to like.
“Alvor became such a special place for me,” Alanna said. “The pace of life is slower. There are plenty of tourists, golfing is hugely popular and lots of Irish visit, but Alvor has kept its beauty and welcome. Families love it here, it is not hurried at all.”
Alanna and her Killurin born fiancé Brian Keenaghan found that while the green fields of Offaly will forever be home, Alvor held something special.
Globe Trotting
However, the adventurous couple weren’t finished exploring and their wanderlust took them to Australia, where they lived for two years. Here Alanna found the first inspiration for a business opportunity waiting to be developed.
“Growing up in Ireland, homemade food has been a part of every special moment, Christmas, birthdays, family get togethers. I really started to appreciate what comfort that can be when we were away from home,” Alanna said.
In Australia Alanna embraced her love of bespoke catering, creating and designing personalised menus for events. “My platters were very popular. They suited all tastes and I loved doing it too,” Alanna said.
While life in Australia was good, the charm of Alvor never lost its allure and after two years the couple followed their hearts back to the Algarve in 2025 and began to make the seaside town their permanent home.
Strong Irish scene
“The Irish scene here is really big, we soon formed a strong network and felt we were becoming part of a community,” Alanna explained.
The friendship with Omagh woman Sinead, cemented the seeds of a business idea. The two women shared a keen interest in the food culture and as Alanna had done in Australia, Sinead had been designing platters in Alvor for weddings and events. The two found that Alvor had a real appetite for fresh, customised dining. And that Irish hospitality was welcomed with open arms.
“We wanted to build something different. What we offer is that uniquely Irish interest in people, in good food and service and we have married that with the exceptional produce available to create our own niche,” said Alanna.
For all of that, Alanna and Sinead knew that opening a business in an adopted country is a challenge.
Taking on a challenge
“It is always a big thing to create a business, build it from the ground up. But we have a strong and supportive business community in Alvor, and everyone has been so encouraging. We appreciate that and the feedback from our customers has been so positive!” said Alanna.
“We want to give a taste of the best of Alvor but with an ‘Offaly’ warm welcome!”