A pillar of Killarney’s community, O’Donoghue Public House on College Street reopened its doors on October 22nd 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.
There are snugs aplenty, some with contemporary artworks from local artists, including 4 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.
Tradition is craft and design passed through the generations, and that is honoured in O’Donoghue Public House by a food and drinks offering that reflects a grá for quality Irish cuisine, exceptional Irish producers and the stories surrounding both. Menus feature Irish suppliers and producers, particularly those based in county Kerry, including the Killarney Urban Farm, an O’Donoghue Ring Collection initiative, using herbs and garnishes harvested on-site which reduces food miles and offers guests the freshest produce in a sustainable way.
From seafood chowder to braised beef pie to be explored on the menus and Mai’s trifle, a genuine and timeless family recipe created by Mai O’Donoghue, the matriarch of the O’Donoghue clan, served to generations of the family at every festive season until her passing in 2021 at the age of 103. In her honour and to continue the tradition, her exact recipe is on the dessert menu to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Local produce and traditional recipes don’t stop at food – the drinks menu features many exceptional Irish beverages and spirits. The backbone of the signature cocktails list is history, giving a new lease of life to, for example, the original recipes that inspired the Killarney Mountain Dew and the O’Donoghue Irish Coffee. Wines were chosen blind, all on the list because they offer the best taste in their class, and the coffee served is an Ethiopian blend from Tipperary-based roasters, Ponaire. And obviously, O’Donoghue Public House is the place to enjoy a perfectly poured pint from the retro Guinness tap.
O’Donoghue Public House also stocks a range of provisions from artisan coffee, homemade Irish bread, traditional cakes, local preserves and spirits from a sweet grocer’s shop section.
In the heart of Killarney, O’Donoghue Public House has always been a vibrant meeting point for characters from all walks of life. An inviting gathering place for storytellers and up-and-coming musical talent, when the doors reopen the focus will be on live music including trad and giving a platform to emerging artists and spoken word.
From the three pairs of hand-carved teak corbels on the front of O’Donoghue Public House to the little gold pin with a fox worn by every staff member, a tribute to a treasured element of the O’Donoghue family crest and a symbol of perseverance and independence, exceptional attention to detail is the watchword.
O’Donoghue Public House is now the proud legacy of two generations and reopens this newly restored and timeless bar to give guests an authentic experience immersed in family traditions.
O’Donoghue Public House, College Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 HP7A
+353 64 6621073
Open 10.30am — late 7 days a week
