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.