By Sean Moriarty

The owner of the Killarney Grand said his hands are sore from welcoming people back to his landmark bar.

STAFF: Back in business after two years the staff including owner Patsy Sheehan (back centre) are delighted reopen the newly refurbished Paddy Sheehan's Bar and nightclub over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

READY: Just before the doors of the newly refurbished Killarney Grand opened over Easter weekend owner Patsy Sheehan and General Manager Mags Walsh enjoy the calm before welcoming many eager locals back after two years. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

REOPENED: Staff at The Grand including owner Patsy Sheehan (centre back) are delighted to reopen their doors having been closed for just over two years. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Killarney’s top music venue reopened over Easter weekend after 760 days. It was one of the first pubs to close as a result of the pandemic ahead of the Government's pandemic announcement in March 2020.

The town centre pub did not reopen during last year’s restrictions as owner Patsy Sheehan and his team decided to refurbish the premises.

The doors finally reopened last weekend and while Killarney was busy with tourists enjoying the long weekend, it was mainly locals who visited the Killarney Grand.

“It was like you flicked a switch and it was all back to normal again,” Patsy told the Killarney Advertiser.

“The locals missed it but they loved the new additions and at the same time loved that it is still The Grand and not much has changed,” he added.

“My hands are sore from shaking peoples’ hands but the goodwill of the locals and the people of the town has been fantastic."

Two new features include an underground tunnel linking both sides of the dance floor and several new photos of famous Irish musicians strategically placed on the walls of the music bar.

“They [locals] loved the corridor and all the photos,” Patsy added.