McGrath’s Bar in Clifden celebrates its 5th birthday at the end of this month, and they’ve got big plans for it! We chatted to the great Michael Carey about the past, present and future of this brilliant spot! Find out more here…
This iconic pub, grill and music venue in the West of Ireland has been a pub since as far back as 1840, but it has been 5 years since Michael Carey & Co brought it back to life.
“The first owner here was John Thomas Eyre back in 1840. Then it was my great grand aunt, Maggie McGrath’s place. It was called O’Toole’s because Maggie married O’Toole. It was always a pub, we’re just celebrating five years of me being here! It was closed for 15 years from 2005, but they kept the licence, so we re-opened it and gave it a new lease of life.“
Now, as they gear up for their Big Birthday Bash on the 31st of May with a Live Rock show from Thin Lizzy tribute band, Remembering Lizzy, they are hard at work to revamp and expand their concert venue. By relocating toilets, knocking walls and renovating what was there, they’ve now expanded and upgraded the live music side of the business, while retaining the charm of the cosy bar beside it; “We’re gonna try and keep that side as it is. That was the original old bar and it hasn’t changed in years. The concert venue was a separate building.”
“To do these renovations was a big decision, but it’s a good sign that we actually need it, when we haven’t got enough space,” and the extra space that it brings will allow McGrath’s to push on even more. “We’re looking forward to catering to more tours, being able to showcase Irish dance as well as music, along the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Remembering Lizzy will be the first band to take to the stage in this new-and-improved space on May 31st (and it’s free in, so don’t miss!), but they certainly won’t be the last! Michael shows reverence to the likes of Mike the Pies and Kenny’s Bar in Lahinch when he says “we’d like to be one of the best live music venues in the West. I’d like musicians to want to play here. We want to see McGrath’s in Clifden featuring alongside those venues on the poster!”
It’s been an incredible five years for Michael Carey and all the McGrath’s team in Clifden, and a lot has changed in that time. “Five years ago we weren’t doing food obviously, so that’s a big change. Just over a year ago we put in a brand new kitchen, the whole lot. Food is flying now! We’ve also increased our music selection, bringing more acts from outside in.” But throughout all the changes, McGrath’s has remained one of our favourite pubs to grab a pint, have a chat, and listen to some music.
What does the future hold for McGrath’s? World domination perhaps…
“I opened a bar in the United States on the 15th of January this year; Long Island McGrath’s.”, Michael tells us. “It was on the cards for a while. I was looking to open a pub over there for a year and finally found the right place. It’s going great. It’s the same idea as McGrath’s in Clifden; same theme, same size, focusing on Irish music.”
Something you might not know about McGrath’s Bar in Clifden is that it’s a popular spot for motorbike enthusiasts and a perfect pitstop on the Wild Atlantic Way, with accommodation for 22 people right next door to the pub. “It’s called McGrath’s Lodge and we can host your group with a BBQ and a private bar and everything. We love to see motorbike groups coming from all over to stay with us."
View McGrath's Lodge on AirBnB.
Follow @mcgrathsbar_clifden on Instagram to find out more about their birthday plans, and make sure you pencil in a visit to this iconic Clifden pub when you’re exploring the West of Ireland.
