McGuire’s Irish Cafe & Bar in Torremolinos was badly affected by the ferocious fire.
Paul Kearns, originally from Dublin, and former Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology student Gavin McGuire said they had suffered a “devastating loss” in an anguished social media post and admitted they were “struggling to process” what had happened.
McGuire’s Irish Cafe & Bar in Torremolinos was badly affected by the ferocious 5am blaze this morning, which is currently being investigated by police and firefighters.
The initial emergency calls were about a kebab shop that was on fire which had spread to other neighbouring premises.
Remnants of the fire. Photo: McGuíre’s
The quick actions of emergency responders meant no-one was injured.
But the devastation the fire caused was clear in the photos Paul and Gavin posted this afternoon and other images that have come out including video footage of the blaze as it took hold.
Gavin, a former senior manager at Sheraton Athlone Hotel and former deputy manager at Nox Hotel Galway, said in a message he and Paul posted online: “Dear friends. Paul and I are utterly heartbroken and in shock
“Waking up to the news that our bar, along with our neighbour’s, was lost in a fire is beyond belief and we are struggling to process this
“This is a devastating loss for us, and a deeply sad day for our community.
McGuire’s Irish Bar & Cafe.
News in 90 Seconds – 24th August 2025
“We are okay, and we will get through this together. We appreciate your support. Thank you. Love Paul & Gavin.”
Wellwishers immediately responded with messages offering help.
Elaine Doyle wrote from her home in Ireland: “Very sorry to hear this. Sending wishes from Ireland. If there’s a GoFundMe to support we will.”
Belfast-born expat Jacqueline Graham wrote in response: “So sorry for you guys I’m sure you are in shock .. Unbelievable and devastating what has happened .. Trevor and myself letting you know you are in our thoughts and please don’t hesitate to ask for help .. If there is anything we can do we will.”
Another well-wisher said: “We are absolutely shocked and saddened to read about this tragic event.
Paul Kearns and Gavin McGuire.
“Thankfully you, Paul and the staff are safe.”
Local firefighters involved in tackling the blaze said as they confirmed the damage: “Our Torremolinos crew intervened in the fire that took hold of eight adjoining premises in the early hours of this morning in Isabel Allende Street.
“The blaze affected seven pubs, gutting one completely and affecting the terraces of the rest, and a supermarket partially. There were no human casualties.”
Torremolinos mayor Margarita del Cid said in a social media post: “Early this morning a large fire broke out in Salvador Allende Street, which was put out very quickly and professionally by firefighters.
“Thanks to their speedy intervention we don’t have to lament any human casualties.
“We have already contacted some of the landlords and tenants to start the rebuilding process as soon as possible.”
Although it is in the municipality of Torremolinos, McGuire’s Irish Cafe & Bar is just east of Benalmadena Port in the Montemar area.
Customers writing online reviews about it have praised it for its food, with one describing its Sunday Roast as beautiful and another saying after a visit three months ago: “Great place to have a couple of drinks and some top notch food.”