News
O’Donoghue Public House is College St’s newest offering
A pillar of Killarney’s community, O’Donoghue Public House on College Street reopened its doors on October 22 with a fresh look and feel, bringing a new sense of vibrancy to the town centre’s social scene.
2021 marks a pivotal year in the story of O’Donoghue Public House as the reins pass from one generation to the next. An extensive restoration with a new look and new menus marks the beginning of this exciting new chapter for the family establishment as it pays homage to the past, while creating a handsome, polished space, revived and rejuvenated, that’s awaiting new memories to be made.
Craft is at the core of O’Donoghue Public House. From reclaimed wood floors, a hand-carved timber bar, traditional family recipes and high-quality local suppliers, craftsmanship can be seen, felt and experienced throughout the premises. A seamless marriage of old pub ways with some new finishes — “Old ways, new doors,” as they put it themselves — every element selected for this stylish and reassuringly classic bar has a story to be told, and someone interesting to tell it.
The public house has been restored to showcase true craftsmanship throughout its interiors, including the glossy dark wooden panelling, the glistening marble table tops and polished brass accents, the comfy banquettes and golden glow of low-lit lamps.
“ We were full all Bank Holiday weekend,” Deputy General Manager Stuart Courtney told the Killarney Advertiser.
“This is just the start. It used to be a very typical Irish hotel bar. We’ve gone for more of a traditional Irish pub aesthetic,”
“It’s open to everyone, both locals and tourists. We want the people to come in and enjoy themselves. There’s great food and we’ve got great pints of Guinness. We also have live music seven night a week.”
There are snugs aplenty, some with contemporary artworks from local artists, including four pieces from Ted Jones and other artists, sharing fascinating history about Killarney itself and with many collectables that are featured in the bar detail the history of College Street in particular, dating back into the 18th and 19th centuries.
One snug is named after a gifted carpenter and joiner, the late Patrick ‘Paddy’ Ring. A member of the extended O’Donoghue family and master of his craft, Paddy hand-carved the original timber bar counter and the snug beside the bar is dedicated in his honour.
No firm timeframe for St Finan’s masterplan
There is still no guaranteed timeline for the redevelopment of the St Finan’s site in Killarney, despite ongoing work between Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
The issue was raised at a recent Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Maura Healy-Rae, who asked the council for an update on its engagement with the Department of Housing, the LDA, and the HSE regarding the future of the prominent landbank.
Responding to the query, a senior council official confirmed that while Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the LDA are jointly developing a masterplan and infrastructure delivery strategy for the site, progress remains contingent on support.
The official stated that a funding application has been submitted to progress the masterplan and that background work is currently ongoing.
Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.
The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.
Litter bins to return to New Street
Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.
The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.
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