OUR BAR
ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS PUBS IN KENMARE
Over 250 years ago, stonemasons were hard at work crafting the original buildings of Kenmare. O’Donnabhain’s is one of the founding buildings of the town and our bar’s native stone walls date to 1775. You can still see the stonemason’s craftsmanship, sensitively restored, when you visit.
Locals remember the two O’Donovan sisters who lived here and when we opened in 1994, the bar was named after them. We still retain the open fire, exposed ceilings and natural wood finishes that have given us the reputation of being a bona fide, traditional Irish bar.
LIVE IRISH TRAD MUSIC
Most nights, there’s a backdrop of music by local Kerry and Irish artists or even an impromptu session from people dropping by!
And there’s always the banter and “craic” of a Kerry bar, so you’re sure to have an unforgettable night at O’Donnabhain’s Gastro Bar!
While we may have remained in the heart of Kenmare, our stone and colour frontage has been seen all over the world. O’Donnabhain’s first media debut was in a Rover car advert in 1998 and a few years later we appeared on Visa cards in the USA. In 2008, a Tullamore Dew TV advert was filmed inside and we’ve also been used recently for a TV advert that needed an “authentic” look for an Irish bar scene.
In addition to this, we’ve appeared on countless postcards and calendars and have become synonymous with the quintessential authentic, traditional Irish bar.
We’ve been called “characterful”, “atmospheric” and even “the most famous pub in Kenmare” and we’re proud of the accolades – but we love O’Donnabhain’s best when the live music, Kerry charm and the “craic” is in full swing.
We regularly feature local and Irish musicians. Our local craft and artisan beers and select whiskey menu are popular with locals and visitors alike. Needless to say, you can also enjoy a traditional pint!
Townhouse Accommodation, Gastro Bar and all-weather Beer Garden
TOWNHOUSE ACCOMMODATION
We’ve extended and updated our premises in recent years to include townhouse accommodation and a restaurant, making us one of the best places to enjoy genuine Kerry hospitality! Unfortunately, the Atlantic graces us with many “grand, soft days”. (That’s a rainy day for our international friends!). Our popular beer garden has an all-weather, retractable roof. We open it up on the days when the skies shine on us. Either way, it’s the ideal dining and relaxing area for our alfresco-loving customers. With a capacity of up to 100 people, it’s also ideal for family celebrations and group get-togethers.
At O’Donnabhain’s, we pride ourselves on giving our customers an authentic and warm Kerry welcome. We’ll see you in our corner of the Kingdom soon!
